Best books to read this Pride month

I'm Ren, a Library Team Assistant from Hampshire Libraries here to chat to you about Pride and the wonderful queer books we have within our libraries. We strive to create a kind, warm and safe space for everyone, so we curated LGBTQIA+ book collection at Winchester. The collection includes books from an expansive range of genres so there’s something for everyone. We also have reading lists and recommendation postcards for further inspiration, so be sure to come and visit us in branch to take a look.

Pride started as a protest, and it always will be. Luckily, for us within the community, it’s now also a celebration of all identities that fall within the rainbow spectrum. This year, we wanted to celebrate stories about queer people having adventures separate from conflict around their identity, so we can all feel seen in any genre we enjoy reading.

On that note, I’d like to recommend you some of my favourite books.

The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

If you love politics, swords and sapphic pining this title is for you. In this epic sapphic fantasy, Suri impeccably balances the political intrigue, family angst and tension between the protagonists Malini and Priya, to pull you into the world of Parijatdvipa. It’s become a steadfast favourite of mine.

Representation: Lesbian, Indian LGBTQIA+

The Unbroken by C.L Clark

The Unbroken is political, sapphic fantasy which explores the deconstruction of colonialism. Clark’s masterfully woven story perfectly balances the grand politics with the interpersonal relationships. Filled with assassinations, espionage and rebellion, this is a must read for any fantasy lover.

Representation: Lesbian, Black LGBTQIA+, disabled LGBTQIA+ main character

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

Baldree masterfully moulds a queer fantasy world and diverse cast with a distinct feel of cosiness. If you’ve ever wanted to get into fantasy but weren’t sure where to start, this warm hug of a book about an orc opening a coffee shop is for you.

Representation: Sapphic

I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston

The academic rival of the main character Chloe has gone missing right after kissing her. McQuiston’s moreish writing style is one I always love, but with the central mystery of this book it was a story I truly couldn’t pull myself away from.

Representation: Bisexual main character, lesbian main character, gay and Achillean main characters, gay, lesbian, and non-binary side characters

If You Still Recognise Me by Cynthia So

Elise’s bond with her online crush Ada shows how true the bonds which are formed within online spaces can be. This is a book about reconnecting with people who you thought were lost and finding your people closer than you think.

Representation: Bisexual Chinese main character, queer side characters (lesbian, gay, asexual-spectrum, bisexual)

In the Ravenous Dark by A. M. Strickland

The main character is a pansexual blood mage wielding a magic system which feels unique to the YA genre. This is a dark tale of loss and corruption, but the love and bond which the main cast form is bright and warm enough to melt any heart.

Representation: Pansexual main character, lesbian love interest, asexual nonbinary side character, polyamorous representation

Prince & Knight by Daniel Haack, illustrated by Stevie Lewis

In this modern fairy tale, a noble prince and a brave knight come together to defeat a terrible monster and, in the process, find true love in the most unexpected place. This is a very adorable children’s book with the most charming art style and lovely message, easily enjoyable at any age.

Representation: Achillean main character, Achillean love interest

Afterlove by Tanya Byrne

Ash Persaud is determined to see her first love again after becoming a reaper in the afterlife. The only thing separating them is death. It’s a devastating but heartfelt read which pulls you in until the very last word.

Representation: Sapphic main character, Sapphic love interest, Indo-Guyanese LGBTQIA+ main character

Phoenix Extravagant by Yoon Ha Lee

Jebi just wants to paint, but now they have been pulled into painting the mystical sigils that animate the occupying government’s automaton soldiers. With giant mechanical dragons, a real-life inspired setting, and motifs of art running throughout, this is a fun book that I had a wonderful time with.

Representation: Non-binary main character