A huge thank you to all the book bloggers who came together for the top 5 project! There are so many books out there, and the top 5 project is a fun way to showcase some great finds and explore more book blogs! Today features a guest post from Plaid Reader Reviews that includes their top 5 LGBTQ books.
About the Blogger
Plaid Reader Reviews started at the end of 2018 as an extension of my Instagram, which I'm no longer diligent in maintaining. At first, the blog was just posted book reviews of books I'd already read and posted on Instagram but longer and more in-depth. But at the start of 2019, I started doing book challenges, I got a Twitter account for the blog and updated my website to the first paid plan. I got art done for the blog finally. I think I only read 38 books that year but everything has grown exponentially since then. I read 81 last year I did bunches of book challenges and lists and interacted with other bloggers more. I just got another premium plan and am in the middle of a readathon, the way I see it the blog can only go up from here in 2021.
Twitter: @plaid_reader | Instagram: Plaid_Reader | Website: Plaid Reader Reviews
1.) Before I Let Go
Best friends Corey and Kyra were inseparable in their tiny snow-covered town of Lost Creek, Alaska. But as Kyra starts to struggle with her bipolar disorder, Corey's family moves away. Worried about what might happen in her absence, Corey makes Kyra promise that she'll stay strong during the long, dark winter.
The reason I picked the book is that Corey is a wonderful ace lead and Kyra is pan and there other queer characters in the as well book.
You can find my review here.
2.) The Henna Wars
Nishat was ready to come out to her family, or so she thought, she wasn't ready however for being iced out, being barely spoken to, or being spoken about. She wants to keep her family but she doesn't want to hide who she is and if she thought things were a problem when she was a lesbian theoretically. When childhood best friend Flávia walks back into her life and her school she falls for her instantly.
I chose this book because it shows the effect of being queer in a non-western setting and the idea of having to choose your family over your identity.
You can find my review here
3.) Even If We Break
For five friends it was supposed to be one last game. A getaway before everyone went their separate way, a chance to say goodbye. To each other and the game they've been playing for the last three years of high school.
But everyone has their own demons and everyone is hiding secrets. Some of them have reason to be paranoid, but others are hiding secrets that put the whole group at risk. This book also features lots of trans and queer characters. I chose it because it has become my standard for writing who survives a horror novel.
You can find my review here
4.) B*Witch
New girl and secret witch Iris just wants to get through her first day of school without a panic attack. The last thing she expects is to be taken in by a coven of three witches: soft-spoken Greta, thoughtful and musical Ridley, and fiery and spirited Binx. They may be the first witches Iris has met IRL, but their coven is not alone in their small northwestern town.
I chose this book because while I've just started this book you can find queer and trans girls even at the beginning of the book and they are given smart leading roles. I'm working on this book right now for a reading challenge and can't wait to see what more it has to offer.
5.) Summer and July
Two girls become friends and help each other with their own problems, a sweet first love story. I chose it because it's a sweet queer read and we deserve sweet stuff too. It's just a cute book, that deals with serious issues with identity and loss.
Mosier has a particular talent a writing emotionally, and it's evident in this book you really connect with both girls’ stories as well as their emotional development.
My review can be found here.