Welcome to 2Queer2Fiction’s Faves list, where we showcase the crème de la crème of LGBTQ+ literature! As avid readers and lovers of all things queer, we’ve carefully curated a list of our absolute favorite books that we believe everyone should have on their shelf. These are the stories that moved us, challenged us, and ultimately left a lasting impact. Whether you’re a fan of heartwarming romance, gripping adventures, or heart-pounding thrillers, our faves have something for everyone.
Each book on this list has been chosen not just for its storytelling, but for its representation of the diverse and vibrant LGBTQ+ community. From iconic classics that have shaped queer literature to fresh new voices making waves in the literary world, this collection spans genres and experiences.
We’re all about amplifying queer voices, so you’ll find books here that highlight intersectionality, showcase underrepresented identities, and celebrate the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ lives. These are the books that made us laugh, cry, and sometimes even scream, “Yes, this is exactly what I needed!”
So, dive into this list of our favorite LGBTQ+ books, find your next favorite read, and maybe even discover a new author who speaks to your soul. Happy reading!
Our favorite LGBTQ+ books
Sam’s Faves
No lies here, only truths, and Sam’s truth is that she loves to blush at cute couplings. A sucker for a good romance and some spicy smut. Though primarily an avid reader of Sapphic themed novels and fan-fiction, Sam doesn’t turn down other queer subjects. However, most of her favorites share a theme in that the main characters are strong women, discovering who they are and fighting for who they love.
The first Sapphic novel Sam ever read was Annie on My Mind by Nancy Garden. So of course, this is the first review 2Q2F ever published because of how much this story meant to her.
“This groundbreaking book is the story of two teenage girls whose friendship blossoms into love and who, despite pressures from family and school that threaten their relationship, promise to be true to each other and their feelings.”
Real tears were shed reading One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston. Though heartwarming and entertaining, Sam read McQuiston’s second novel deep into a Sapphic book-binge. After reading 23 other books that year, she did not expect to be so engrossed in the story that tears trickled down her face reading the climax.
One Last Stop is about a woman named August Landry, a cynical pseudo detective, who finds love in a woman she meets on a subway named Jane Su, a punk butch lesbian from the 1970s who has been misplaced in time and on the subway.
The Rise of Kyoshi by F.C Lee. Sorry, not sorry! When one of the creators and a producer of her favorite childhood cartoon (and it’s sequel—featuring queer characters, might we add) announced that a series of original novels was being developed she quite literally jumped for joy. Those in the know are aware of the mighty Avatar’s small taste in women, and men of varying sizes, make this a perfect fit for 2Q2F.
“The Rise of Kyoshi delves into the story of Kyoshi, the Earth Kingdom–born Avatar. The longest-living Avatar in this beloved world’s history, Kyoshi established the brave and respected Kyoshi Warriors, but also founded the secretive Dai Li, which led to the corruption, decline, and fall of her own nation.”
Renny’s Faves
Renny’s first experience with a queer thriller was The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling. Tired of queer tales in sappy romances, they found joy—and increased blood pressure— reading this rollercoaster of a novel.
“A thrilling, atmospheric debut with the intensive drive of The Martian and Gravity and the creeping dread of Annihilation, in which a caver on a foreign planet finds herself on a terrifying psychological and emotional journey for survival.”
An angst driven story of love and loss, Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield is one of the most compelling stories Renny has read in 2024. Beautiful and well written, Our Wives is a melancholy look at learning to let go.
“Miri thinks she has got her wife back, when Leah finally returns after a deep-sea mission that ended in catastrophe. It soon becomes clear, though, that Leah is not the same. Whatever happened in that vessel, whatever it was they were supposed to be studying before they were stranded on the ocean floor, Leah has brought part of it back with her, onto dry land and into their home.”
Though previously established that Renny is not an avid romance reader, they found Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Black to be the feel-good romcom of 2022. A perfect palate cleanser for the densely stimulating literary masterpieces they are so fond of, laughs were had, and pearls were clutched on this joyous ride of a novel.
‘A clever and steamy queer romantic comedy about taking chances and accepting love—with all its complications. Delilah Green swore she would never go back to Bright Falls—but when Delilah’s estranged stepsister, Astrid, pressures her into photographing her wedding, Delilah finds herself back in the godforsaken town that she used to call home. She plans to breeze in and out, but enter Claire Sutherland, one of Astrid’s stuck-up besties, and decides that maybe there’s some fun (and a little retribution) to be had in Bright Falls, after all.’