Books Like...

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston is a queer romance novel with a unique twist of time travel. The story follows August, a millennial college student, who meets Jane, a mysterious girl stuck in time since the 1970s. August embarks on a journey to help Jane figure out her past and find a way to bring her back to her own time. The book is praised for its diverse cast of characters, inclusive representation, and engaging writing style that seamlessly blends romance with elements of science fiction.

"Last Night at the Telegraph Club" by Malinda Lo is a historical fiction novel set in 1950s San Francisco, focusing on the life of Lily Hu, a Chinese American girl navigating her identity and sexuality. Lily finds herself drawn to the underground lesbian community at the Telegraph Club, where she forms a deep connection with Kath. The book beautifully captures the complexities of Lily's experiences as she grapples with societal expectations, racism, and her burgeoning queer identity, all against the backdrop of the Red Scare and the Cold War era. Through vivid descriptions and intricate character development, the author paints a poignant coming-of-age story that delves into themes of love, acceptance, and self-discovery.

The narrative of "Last Night at the Telegraph Club" is richly layered with historical events and cultural nuances, providing readers with a compelling exploration of Lily's journey towards embracing her true self amidst a time of societal constraints and prejudices. Lo's writing style masterfully weaves together elements of romance, historical context, and personal growth, creating a captivating tale that immerses readers in the vibrant setting of 1950s San Francisco and the challenges faced by Lily as she navigates her identity in a world that seeks to confine her.

'Something to Talk About' by Meryl Wilsner is a slow-burning romance that follows the story of Jo, a Hollywood star, and her assistant Emma. When rumors of them dating surface after a public event, the two women navigate their growing feelings amidst the challenges of optics, consent, and societal expectations. The book delves into the complexities of their relationship while addressing themes of racism, sexism, workplace harassment, and LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood. With a mix of sweet moments, family dynamics, and a realistic portrayal of the entertainment industry, the story unfolds as a charming and engaging read.

'Written in the Stars' by Alexandria Bellefleur is a contemporary F/F romance novel that follows the story of Darcy and Elle, two women who agree to fake a relationship to ward off unwanted matchmaking attempts from their families. The book explores their journey from a fake relationship to developing real feelings for each other, despite their contrasting personalities and initial misunderstandings. The plot revolves around their evolving relationship, struggles with past heartbreaks, and the challenges they face as they navigate their growing emotions.

The writing style of 'Written in the Stars' is described as easy to follow, relaxed, and relatable by readers. The book features well-written dialogue that captures the distinct personalities of the main characters, Darcy and Elle. The story includes fun and insightful situations, such as an Escape Room double date and Thanksgiving dinner, that provide further depth to the characters and their relationship dynamics.

Delilah Green Doesn't Care by Ashley Herring Blake follows the story of Delilah returning to her hometown to photograph her stepsister Astrid's wedding, where she finds herself entangled in family drama but drawn to Claire, one of Astrid's bridesmaids. The book delves into themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery, portraying complex characters dealing with past traumas and exploring their identities. The narrative is filled with humor, romance, and emotional depth, capturing the dynamics between the characters in a small town setting.

In "You Should See Me in a Crown" by Leah Johnson, Liz, a high school senior, faces the disappointment of losing her music scholarship for college and decides to run for prom queen in order to secure a scholarship. The book explores themes of friendship, love, acceptance, and staying true to oneself in the face of adversity. Despite addressing serious issues like race, queerness, and anxiety, the overall tone of the book is joyful and heartwarming, making it a delightful and uplifting read for teens.

The story follows Liz as she navigates her way through high school, dealing with mean girls, forming new relationships, and finding the courage to be her authentic self. Set in a suburban town in Indiana, the book offers a mix of light-hearted moments and deeper reflections on identity, family, and pursuing one's dreams, all while maintaining a sense of joy and hope throughout the narrative.

"The Falling in Love Montage" by Ciara Smyth is a heartwarming story that follows Saoirse as she navigates the challenges of life, including her mother's early onset dementia, her first broken heart, and the uncertainties of her future. The book beautifully balances moments of humor, romance, and sadness, portraying Saoirse's journey of growth and self-discovery with authenticity and depth. The writing style captures the teenage psyche with sassy and relatable characters, while also addressing heavy topics such as family struggles and the fear of commitment.

The plot revolves around Saoirse's relationships, particularly with Ruby, as she grapples with her own rules of no-strings-attached connections amidst the complexities of her personal life. The story delves into themes of love, loss, and learning to rely on others, providing a poignant and engaging narrative that resonates with readers through its emotional depth and realistic portrayal of teenage experiences.

The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar follows the story of Nishat, a 16-year-old Bengali teen living in Ireland who comes out as a lesbian to her Muslim family. As she navigates her identity, she also deals with a crush on a Black Brazilian classmate, Flávia, while facing bullying and cultural appropriation. The book explores themes of coming out, racism, prejudice, cultural identity, and teenage relationships within the backdrop of a school business competition centered around henna art.

Nishat struggles with the decision to either stay closeted to appease her family or take a chance on a relationship with Flávia amidst the competitive atmosphere of the school project. The story delves into Nishat's journey of self-acceptance, familial acceptance, and the complexities of young love in the face of cultural differences and societal expectations.

In 'The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics' by Olivia Waite, readers are taken on a journey through Regency England where a young astronomer, Lucy, falls for the wealthy widowed countess, Catherine. Together, they learn to trust each other, pursue science, and advocate for women's rights. The book delves into themes of love, friendship, feminism, and the struggles faced by women in male-dominated fields, all while exploring a tender and genuine romance between the two main characters.

'The Price of Salt', also known as 'Carol', by Patricia Highsmith is a 1952 romance novel set in the early 50s. The story follows a lesbian love affair between two women, Carol and Therese. The book is praised for its delicate and beautifully written portrayal of the relationship, which is considered one of the first mainstream literary lesbian novels. It captures the stifling gender roles of the 50s and the struggles faced by the characters in pursuing their forbidden love.

The book is known for its bittersweet and beautiful depiction of a 1950s gay romance. It explores themes of love, desire, and societal expectations, offering a tender and emotional narrative that resonates with readers. Despite being written decades ago, the book's powerfully written and delicate style still feels fresh and relevant, making it a timeless classic in LGBTQ literature.