Books Like...

"You Know Me Well" by authors David Levithan and Nina LaCour is a charming coming-of-age novel set during Gay Pride Week in San Francisco. The story follows two teenagers, Mark and Kate, as they navigate their way through the complexities of being gay high school students. The authors take turns writing chapters in the voices of the two main characters, addressing issues such as love lives, friendships, and self-discovery. Mark and Kate form an unexpected friendship that helps them face their personal crises and make important decisions as they approach the end of their high school days.

The book explores themes of friendship, young love, self-discovery, and facing fears. Mark and Kate, who have never really spoken to each other before, form a strong bond after a chance encounter in a gay bar during Pride Week. As they support each other through a tumultuous week, the characters deal with changing relationships, unrequited feelings, and the challenges of coming out. The alternating perspectives of Mark and Kate provide immediacy to the narrative, capturing the essence of teenage emotions and struggles as they navigate the transition into adulthood.

"Tell it to the Bees" by Fiona Shaw is a heartwarming love story set in postwar England, focusing on the evolving relationship between two women, Lydia and Jean. The plot delves into themes of love, family, and societal norms, with a particular emphasis on the deep connection formed between the characters amidst challenging circumstances. The narrative skillfully weaves together different timelines and character perspectives, creating a rich and immersive reading experience that captures the essence of the characters' lives and emotions.

The writing style of Fiona Shaw in "Tell it to the Bees" is highly praised by readers for its descriptive and evocative nature, transporting them to the industrial landscapes of England and bringing the characters to life with intricate details. is commended for its emotional depth, well-developed characters, and the way it explores complex themes such as love, acceptance, and resilience through a beautifully crafted storyline that resonates with readers long after they finish the book.

Steel Crow Saga by Paul Krueger is an Asian-inspired fantasy novel that explores themes of colonialism and magic. The story follows characters from different kingdoms, each with their own unique form of magic, as they navigate a world filled with political intrigue and racial tensions. The writing style is introspective and detailed, with multiple perspectives providing insight into the characters' backgrounds and motivations. The novel delves into the impacts of war, the complexities of relationships, and the journey of self-discovery for each character.

The Dark Wife by Sarah Diemer is a sapphic retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth set in ancient Greece. The story follows Persephone as she meets Hades, a goddess, and their relationship develops amidst struggles and challenges. The book is praised for its unique take on the classic myth, with Hades portrayed as a woman, and for its emotional depth and poetic writing style that draws readers into the story.

'The Afterward' by E.K. Johnston is a fantasy novel set after the end of a classic save the world adventure. The story focuses on the aftermath of an epic quest, where the characters must navigate the impacts of their journey on their lives. It delves into the emotional aftermath of saving the world, exploring the characters' personal struggles and relationships. The book features WLW protagonists, f f romance, and diverse representation including ace, trans, and POC characters.

The plot revolves around a female apprentice knight and a female street thief who had a romantic relationship during the quest. As they try to deal with their feelings and move forward, they face challenges such as bills to pay and figuring out their future. The writing style is praised for its light fantasy background and focus on character development, providing a unique perspective on what happens after the heroes have fulfilled their destiny.

"Ash" by Malinda Lo is a retelling of the classic Cinderella tale with a twist, incorporating elements of fantasy and fairies. The story follows Aisling Ash, who after losing her parents, is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters. She finds solace in fairy tales and is drawn into different worlds, including the world of nobility with the King's huntress, Kaisa, and the world of the elves with Sidhean. As Ash navigates her way through these worlds, she is forced to make difficult choices that will shape her future.

The book is praised for its unique take on the traditional Cinderella story, its incorporation of fairy tales and original storytelling, and its focus on themes of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery. With a blend of fantasy, romance, and strong female characters, "Ash" appeals to readers who enjoy a fresh interpretation of a well-known fairy tale and a captivating narrative that keeps them engaged until the end.

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.

'On A Sunbeam' by Tillie Walden is a graphic fiction set in a futuristic universe with an all-female cast of characters and one non-binary person. The story follows Mia, a 19-year-old girl who navigates two timelines - her time at an all-girls boarding school and her present job with a construction crew in space. The narrative weaves themes of love, family, and regret, portraying Mia's journey of self-discovery and forming meaningful connections with others.

Walden's writing style in 'On A Sunbeam' is described as dreamy and beautifully imagined, with gorgeous illustrations bringing to life a universe filled with queer characters, spaceships, and themes of friendship and romance. The storytelling is praised for its unique take on sci-fi elements, creating a cozy and warm atmosphere despite the vastness of space explored in the narrative.

Fire Logic by Laurie J. Marks is a high fantasy novel that follows a group of individuals, including the last survivor of a slaughtered tribe, a blacksmith with a drug addiction, and their friends, as they band together against invaders who destroyed all they held dear. The story is set in a world of elemental magic, focusing on themes of vengeance, love, feminism, and romance. The book features strong character development, intricate world-building, and an intriguing magic system based on elemental abilities.

"The Miseducation of Cameron Post" by Emily M. Danforth is a coming-of-age novel set in late 80s, early 90s Montana, following the life of Cameron Post as she navigates her nascent sexuality after being sent to gay conversion therapy by her evangelical Christian guardian. The book delves into Cameron's struggles with her identity, relationships, and the complex issues surrounding love, friendship, loss, and self-acceptance in a rural town, all while exploring themes of grief, guilt, religion, and the journey of self-discovery.

The novel is characterized by its gritty and beautiful writing style, with real poetry in the final pages as Cameron confronts her past and contemplates her true self. Danforth's storytelling skillfully transports readers into Cameron's world, allowing them to relate to her struggles and feelings of isolation, while also incorporating elements of humor, growing self-knowledge, and honest introspection throughout the narrative.