LGBTQ Book Recommendations!

After the lovely emily m. danforth wrote this post about the unfair censorship of the Blue Hen Reading List for Summer 2014, it got me thinking. I was introduced to the LGBTQ literary world by Freakboy, a novel that won me over instantly. So, since a book shouldn't be censored just because it contains a lesbian teen, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite novels in this genre.



1. Freakboy by Kristin Elizabeth Clark


This is the book that started it all. It is lyrical, beautiful, touching, and it opened up my eyes to a whole new world.  I wrote a review of it a couple of months ago. You can read it here if you want to know more about it!







2. The Miseducation of Cameron Post by emily m. danforth


This one is the only one in the list that I haven't read. However,  I really admire Danforth and her fight against censorship.  Based on the reviews I've read about this one, I am sure I'll love it. I can't wait to read it and share my thoughts with you!






3. Great by Sara Benincasa


Great is a retelling of one of my favorite classics: The Great Gatsby. What makes this novel unique is the fact that Gatsby is a girl! Also, the story is unique, captivating, and short enough that you can devour it in a day.







4. Ask the Passengers by A.S. King


I love A.S. King and Ask the Passengers is one of my favorite novels of all time. Our main character is dating a girl and she's keeping it a secret. This novel is raw and beautifully written. If you haven't read it already, please do yourself a favor and buy it!






5. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz


I think I've been talking about this novel nonstop since I read it (here and here) but it really is THAT good! Apparently the author is working on a companion novel told through Dante's point of view. I'm tempted to sleep until that novel is released because I can't wait to get my hands all over it.




6. More Than This by Patrick Ness


I love when novels don't make a big deal about a character's sexuality. More Than This is the perfect example of this. He's gay and that's that. Even though we get glimpses of the relationship and the issues that developed because of it, his sexuality is not necessarily the focus of the entire book and I really appreciate this.





If you have any recommendations, please send them my way!

Flash Review - January Edition

More Than This by Patrick Ness

What I liked about it: This one must be the most confusing novel I've ever read. However, that made me love it so much more. I wasn't prepared for everything that happened in this book--trust me, it is an adventure--so you'll love the twists and turns and the unpredictable nature of this novel. 

What I didn't like about it: I had a hard time getting into the story at first. Once you really immerse yourself in the story, there's no way you'll be able to put it down.

Similar to: This one is so unique I'm having a hard time comparing it to another novel. Just read anything by Patrick Ness. That man is a genius. 

Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala

What I liked about it: This story is beautiful. The characters are complex and interesting. I love how the themes of the book---homeless teens and abuse--are represented in such a raw and heartbreaking way. 

What I didn't like about it: The ending is weak compared to the rest of the story. I'm not a fan of stories that tie every loose end, especially in books with such a strong message. 

Similar to: Easy by Tammara Webber, The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay, and Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. 

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

What I liked about it:  I really enjoyed some elements of this story: strong female character, good world building, and possibly one of my favorite male characters (Chaol).

What I didn't like about it: It had a lot less action than I was expecting. And it took me over a month to read. That's a deal breaker right there. 

Similar to: Graceling by Kristin Cashore, Sanctum (Guards of the Shadowlands #1) by Sarah Fine, and Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor.

The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King

What I liked about it: I took a piracy class in college and I really enjoyed putting that knowledge to use. 

What I didn't like about it: To be honest, this one really made me uncomfortable. Some scenes---including rape and animal abuse--were really tough to read.

Similar to: This is the first Pirate Fiction I've ever read so I can't recommend another. However, a good non-fiction read is If a Pirate I Must Be: The True Story of Black Bart, "King of the Caribbean Pirates" by Richard Sanders. 

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

What I liked about it: I loved every single page. The Rosie Project touched my heart in so many ways. Don Tillman is by far the most interesting characters I've ever come across. His voice is so unique and remarkably witty. I'm familiar with Asperger's and I think Graeme Simsion did a really fantastic job at representing Don's world and the way his brain functions. His behavioral patterns and his social interactions were fascinating to read. As far as the plot itself, I enjoyed it immensely. It was light, funny, and heartwarming. I can't wait to read more novels from this author in the future

What I didn't like about it: Honestly, this one is a five star novel for me. 

Similar to: This novel is not YA but I'll compare it to Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell--based on the feel-good awesomeness--and I think it is a perfect Contemporary novel for any John Green fan. 

Christmas Wish List 2013

These are the books that I hope are under the tree (with my name on them, of course)! 

1. The Bone Season

I read this novel a few weeks ago and I can't stop thinking about it.  It is set in a complex and interesting world. Samantha Shannon is such an amazing storyteller and she's quickly becoming one of my favorite people. I'm really excited to continue this series. 

2. The Darkest Minds

For some weird reason, I own the sequel but not this one. If you haven't read this book, what are you waiting for? It is twisted, dark, and beautifully written. 

3. The Iron King

Such an excellent series! I've only read the first three books but I'm totally hooked! 

4. Out of the Easy

This one is by far my favorite book of the year.  I believe I read it in the summer and I'm still thinking about it. It is set in the 1950s in the French Quarter of New Orleans, making it one of the most interesting novels I've ever read. 

5. More Than This

I cannot wait to read this. I've heard nothing but good things about this novel. 

6. Doctor Who: Who-ology

Doctor Who. Enough said. 

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Which books are you hoping to receive today? Let me know! :)