Big Queer Book Club: 6 Books to Read This Year

*Currently reading:* A Brief History of Seven Killings *by Marlon James &* The Memory Librarian ***by Janelle Monae***

As Pride month comes to a close, and we return to 11 months of Shame Season, Matt and I wanted to leave you with six books, one for each remaining month of the year, written by and/or for queer people.

We all know queer people and stories have historically been excluded from mainstream media, and finding meaningful and accurate queer representation in television and movies prior to the last couple of decades is pretty rare — almost non-existent when considering Black and trans identities.

One place we can find gems of queer works and representation is in literature, with centuries of stories crafted by queer people or featuring queer characters, both implicitly and explicitly. Books contain our past and our future, and spending a little time each week to enjoy a Big Queer Story might just be soothing for your soul.

Take a look below at our reading list for the remainder of the year, and be a part of our very informal book club. Challenge yourself to get through one (or all!) of the books below.

JULY

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong. This poignant and lyrical novel by Ocean Vuong explores the complexities of identity, intergenerational trauma, and the power of love through the raw and intimate letter of a young Vietnamese-American man to his illiterate mother.

AUGUST

The Color Purple by Alice Walker: First published in 1982, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel explores the lives of African American women in the early 20th century. It delves into the complex relationship between Celie and Shug Avery, two women who form a deep bond and develop a romantic connection.

SEPTEMBER

Orlando by Virginia Woolf: Published in 1928, "Orlando" is a novel that explores themes of gender and identity. The story follows the life of the titular character, who experiences a transformation from a man to a woman and navigates various relationships with both men and women.

OCTOBER

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara: Published in 2015, this novel follows the lives of four friends over several decades in New York City. It explores the life of Jude St. Francis, a gay man who has endured immense trauma. Hanya Yanagihara's emotionally charged storytelling delves into themes of friendship, love, and the lasting impact of the past.

NOVEMBER

A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood (1964): Set in 1960s Southern California, this novel follows a day in the life of George, a gay English professor mourning the loss of his partner. It is known for its introspective exploration of grief, isolation, and the search for connection.

DECEMBER

The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith: Also known as "Carol," this 1952 novel tells the story of Therese Belivet, a young aspiring artist who falls in love with an older woman, Carol Aird. Patricia Highsmith's groundbreaking work defied conventions of the time by presenting a positive lesbian relationship.

Whether you're seeking stories that resonate with your own experiences or looking to broaden your perspective, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Shoot us an old fashioned email at hey@probablythis.com.