Books Like...

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda follows the story of Simon, a 16-year-old gay teenager who prefers to keep his sexual identity a secret. When an email exchange with a boy named Blue is at risk of exposure, Simon finds himself being blackmailed to help a classmate. The book explores themes of coming out, teenage angst, friendship, and the challenges of high school life, all while maintaining a humorous and relatable tone.

The novel is praised for its engaging writing style, which includes a mix of narrative and emails, providing a unique and heartfelt portrayal of Simon's journey towards self-acceptance and finding love. The characters are described as funny, realistic, and well-developed, with Simon's family dynamics adding depth to the story. The book delves into the complexities of teenage relationships, social media, and the struggles of navigating identity and acceptance in a high school setting.

Arthur and Ben have a chance meeting at a New York City post office, sparking an interest that leads to a budding relationship. The story follows their journey of trying to find each other in a bustling city, facing challenges of miscommunication and the looming end of summer. The alternating points of view between the characters, written by the two authors, provide a satisfying and realistic portrayal of a not quite perfect relationship worth working on.

The book is a charming and light-hearted gay romance, focusing on the development of a relationship between two high school boys without the typical coming out or societal homophobia themes. The plot revolves around a sweet and wholesome love story set in NYC, with supportive friends and family, and occasional references to Broadway and Harry Potter, creating a feel-good and relatable narrative.

'Only Mostly Devastated' by Sophie Gonzales is a heartwarming YA novel that follows the summer romance between Oliver and Will, set in North Carolina. The book beautifully explores themes of love, grief, friendship, and self-discovery, all while navigating the complexities of high school life. With a diverse cast of characters and a realistic portrayal of teenage struggles, the story delves into the challenges of coming out, dealing with illness, and finding oneself amidst peer pressure and societal expectations. The writing style is engaging, blending light-hearted moments with deeper themes, making it a compelling read that resonates with readers.

'Boy Meets Boy' by David Levithan is a heartwarming novel set in a town where being gay is as normal as being straight. The story follows Paul, a high school boy who falls in love with a new student named Noah, while navigating through the ups and downs of teenage romance and friendships in a LGBTQ-friendly environment. The book beautifully portrays the charming characters, the unique setting, and the poetic prose that captivates the reader, offering a refreshing take on young love and acceptance.

'Conventionally Yours' by Annabeth Albert is a new adult queer fiction novel that follows the story of Conrad and Alden, two rival gamers who are part of an LGBT gaming group. The book explores their journey from enemies to friends to potentially something more as they embark on a road trip from the East Coast to a gaming convention in Las Vegas. The plot focuses on their complex relationship, the challenges they face, and the growth they experience as individuals while navigating through misunderstandings, angst, and the competitive gaming world. The writing style of the book delves into themes of neurodiversity, homophobia, and class differences with a deft hand, providing a fresh take on the enemies-to-lovers trope within the gaming community.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a poignant coming-of-age story that follows the journey of two teenage boys, Aristotle and Dante, as they navigate through friendship, love, self-discovery, and acceptance. The novel beautifully captures the complexities of adolescence, Mexican American heritage, and LGBTQ+ experiences through the genuine and evolving relationship between the two protagonists. The writing style is described as lyrical, heartfelt, and introspective, delving into themes of identity, family dynamics, and personal growth with a mix of humor, melancholy, and compassion.

The plot unfolds as Aristotle, a loner searching for his identity, forms an unexpected bond with Dante, another loner who offers to teach him how to swim. Over time, their friendship deepens, leading them to unravel profound truths about themselves and the world around them. Through poetic prose and genuine character interactions, the book explores the nuances of teenage emotions, cultural heritage, and the universal quest for understanding life's mysteries.

'The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue' follows Monty, an 18-year-old Viscount, as he embarks on the European Grand Tour with his best friend Percy and his sister Felicity. Their journey is filled with themes of sexuality, racism, and historical references, as they face highwaymen, alchemy, pirates, and privateers. The story is described as a highly romantic adventure with elements of humor, suspense, and action, offering a unique perspective on a gay male protagonist in the 17th century.

The plot of the book is praised for its engaging and charming nature, with well-developed characters and a fast-paced storyline that keeps readers hooked. The writing style is commended for its humor, historical accuracy, and the balance between adventure and sentiment. addresses important topics such as discrimination, feminism, and racism, while also providing a fun and enjoyable reading experience.

'Heartstopper: Volume One' by Alice Oseman is a heartwarming graphic novel that follows the friendship and growing romantic relationship between two high school boys, Nick and Charlie. The book beautifully portrays their journey of self-discovery, attraction, and navigating the complexities of young love. Readers praise the adorable and cute moments between the main characters, as well as the gentle and sensitive way Alice Oseman tackles complex sexuality themes with subtle wit. The story is described as a blend of sweet romance, friendship, and coming-of-age, making it a delightful and relatable read.

The plot unfolds with charming and wholesome interactions between Nick and Charlie, drawing readers into a world filled with genuine emotions and relatable experiences. The art style is commended for its simplicity yet ability to evoke strong emotions, while the characters are celebrated for their authenticity and the realistic portrayal of young queer relationships. As the story progresses, readers are left eagerly anticipating the next volumes to witness the evolution of Nick and Charlie's relationship, making 'Heartstopper: Volume One' a heartwarming and captivating read.

Readers have described "How to Repair a Mechanical Heart" as a story that intricately weaves together themes of fandom, cute romance, character growth, and religious struggles. The plot follows Brandon, an 18-year-old vlogger dealing with Catholic guilt and his sexuality, who embarks on a road trip with his friend Abel to meet the creators of their favorite show. The writing style is praised for its excellent flow, rich characterization, and the perfect balance between angst and light-hearted moments.

Date Me, Bryson Keller is a contemporary YA novel that follows the story of Bryson Keller, the most popular boy in school, who agrees to date a different girl each week if she asks him out. However, when Kai, a shy gay guy, asks Bryson out as part of a dare, their relationship takes an unexpected turn. As they navigate their feelings for each other, Kai struggles with coming out to his conservative family, leading to a heartfelt exploration of love, friendship, and self-acceptance. The book's writing style evolves from feeling cliched at the beginning to delving deeper into the characters' relationships and addressing larger issues as the story progresses, ultimately shining in its exploration of the characters' identities and faults.