Books matching: abusive queer relationship
15 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:Bold, inventive, and emotionally searing - "In the Dream House" reinvents memoir and confronts rarely discussed truths. Unforgettable, but not an easy read.
'In the Dream House' by Carmen Maria Machado is a memoir that intricately explores the author's experience in an abusive queer relationship. Rather than following a linear narrative, the book breaks down the story into fragments, interweaving reflections on gaslighting, folklore, and the author's writing process. The writing style is described as creative, original, thought-provoking, and emotionally impactful, offering a unique and engaging approach to discussing the complexities of abuse in lesbian relationships.
I daresay you have heard of the Dream House? It is, as you know, a real place. It stands upright. It is next to a forest and at the rim of a sward. It has a foundation, though rumors of the dead burie...November 2019 - #2
Save:A gorgeously written, steamy gay romance set on the Mediterranean that delivers both beauty and emotional punch - best suited for those who appreciate evocative storytelling and don’t mind a bit of spice.
Readers describe "Le Berceau" by Julius Eks as a short but beautifully written gay romance novella set on a boat on the French Riviera. The plot focuses on a romantic relationship between two high school-aged boys, exploring themes of love, sexuality, and morality. The writing style is often praised for being poetic, engaging, and honest, with some opinions highlighting the book's erotic content and the characters' emotional journeys.
These summer nights on land are nearing unbearable. The smothering of hotair around my neck seems like a distant memory now asI suck in the salty freshness of the Lion’s breath.Both windows in this li...March 2020•84 pages - #3
Save:A fast-paced, uplifting prequel that’s both emotionally charged and contemplative - perfect for fans of Millman’s series and anyone looking for a life-affirming read about growth through hardship.
The Journeys of Socrates by Dan Millman is a captivating prequel to the Way of the Peaceful Warrior series, delving into the early life of Sergei Ivanov, also known as Socrates. Set in 1870 Russia, the book follows Socrates' journey from an orphan raised in a Russian military school to a man seeking revenge after a tragic event in his life. Throughout the story, Socrates encounters various mentors who guide him towards finding peace and acceptance, ultimately leading him to transform his anger into forgiveness and discipline. The writing style is described as fluid, with well-built main characters that evoke empathy from the reader, even during philosophical discourses.
SERGEI WAS WORRIED, that October day, when he was summoned to his uncle’s office. Being summoned—a rare event for any young cadet—usually meant bad news or punishment. So, in no hurry to stand before...2005•352 pages - #4
Save:A quietly beautiful, nostalgic story perfect for those who savor atmosphere and subtle emotional shifts, but it may not win over readers looking for vivid characters or action-packed drama.
'Goodbye Tsugumi' by Banana Yoshimoto is a novel that delves into the complexities of a toxic friendship between two cousins, Marie and Tsugumi, set in a quaint seaside town. The book beautifully captures the feelings of nostalgia, love, and displacement through the eyes of the characters. The writing style is described as calm, simple, and sensitively written, with an emphasis on natural perceptions and the transitory nature of relationships.
Leaving behind the town of my childhood, the quiet cycles of fishery and tourism that keep it running, I came to study at a certain university here in Tokyo. Now I’m having loads of fun, living in the...1989•190 pages - #5
Save:A smart, sharply observed debut about messy modern relationships - emotionally raw, sometimes frustrating, but undeniably compelling. If you’re drawn to introspective fiction and complex, imperfect people, give it a try.
'Conversations with Friends' by Sally Rooney is a novel that delves into the complex relationships and personal issues of young college students in Dublin. The story follows Frances and Bobbi, two 21-year-old university students who perform spoken word poetry together and become entangled with a married couple, Melissa and Nick. As their relationships overlap and intersect, the characters navigate themes of friendship, love, self-discovery, and growing up. The narrative offers a deep understanding of the emotional struggles and self-awareness that young people experience as they try to find their true selves.
Rooney's writing style is described as direct, strong, and engaging, with complex and well-developed characters that captivate the reader. The novel captures the intensity of early adulthood, portraying the challenges and complexities of relationships, self-consciousness, and personal growth. The dialogue is smart and funny, with moments of beautiful imagery woven into everyday scenes, creating a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that explores the nuances of human emotions and interactions.
Bobbi and I first met Melissa at a poetry night in town, where we were performing together. Melissa took our photograph outside, with Bobbi smoking and me self-consciously holding my left wrist in my...July 2017•330 pages - #6
Save:Quirky, gutsy, and uncompromisingly weird - “Mostly Dead Things” is an unforgettable dive into queer grief, family messiness, and the strangest corners of Florida. You’ll either love it or want to toss it, but you probably won’t forget it.
'Mostly Dead Things' by Kristen Arnett is a dark and humorous novel that delves into themes of grief, family dynamics, and identity. The story follows Jessa, a young woman trying to hold her family together after the death of her father and the departure of her brother's wife. The narrative explores Jessa's complex relationships with her mother, brother, and a new love interest, all set against the backdrop of the family taxidermy business in swampy Florida. Arnett's writing style is described as visceral and bleak, with a focus on detailed descriptions of the characters and their surroundings.
Carefully, that’s a given. Cutting with precision sounds like the same thing, but it’s not. Consider the following: you’ve pared the flesh from a mango for a bowl of fruit salad. Have you done it thou...2019•356 pages - #7
Save:A powerful and tender epic about love, loss, and resilience, "The Great Believers" will break your heart and leave a lasting imprint - well worth the emotional ride.
The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai is a novel that follows the lives of a group of friends in Chicago during the 1980s AIDS crisis. The story alternates between the past and present, exploring the impact of the epidemic on the characters and their relationships. The book delves into themes of death, family tension, love, and loss, capturing the emotional turmoil of the characters as they navigate through the devastating effects of the disease.
Makkai skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, including the struggles of the gay community, the art world, and family dynamics. The narrative moves between Chicago in the 1980s and Paris in 2015, following characters like Yale, Fiona, and Nico as they grapple with personal tragedies and search for meaning amidst the challenges they face. Through poignant storytelling and vivid character development, the novel offers a poignant exploration of friendship, grief, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Yale found the bulletin from last night’s vigil in his pocket and folded it into something resembling the cootie catchers his childhood friends used to make on buses—the ones that told your fortune (“...2018•444 pages - #8
Save:An exquisitely written, harrowing exploration of obsession and codependency - These Violent Delights is dark academia at its most tragic and intense. You'll either love it or hate it, but you definitely won't forget it.
These Violent Delights by Micah Nemerever is a dark and intense novel that follows the complex and twisted relationship between two young men, Paul and Julian. The story is set in 1970s Pittsburgh and delves into the deepening bond between Paul, a shy and artistic working-class student, and Julian, a wealthy and charismatic individual. As their friendship evolves into a passionate love affair, it spirals into obsession and violence, leading to a series of destructive events. The narrative unfolds through Paul's perspective, offering a raw and intimate portrayal of their tumultuous relationship and the psychological turmoil they both experience.
The novel is praised for its beautifully wicked prose, compelling character development, and the atmospheric content that immerses readers into the story. It explores themes of love, obsession, identity, and the destructive nature of relationships, culminating in a gripping and harrowing narrative that delves into the depths of human emotions and complexities. These Violent Delights is a psychological thriller that intricately weaves together elements of suspense, darkness, and profound character dynamics, creating a haunting and unforgettable reading experience.
The pills let his mother sleep, but they didn’t help her do it well. They left her lower eyelids dark and thick, as if she hadn’t slept at all. Paul could tell when she was taking them because she bec...September 2020•480 pages - #9
Save:A Dowry of Blood is a beautifully written and deeply introspective gothic novel that puts vampire legend in the service of exploring abuse, autonomy, and found family. Approach it for atmosphere and emotion rather than pure vampire thrills.
A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson is a unique take on the vampire genre, focusing on the story of Constanta, Dracula's first bride. The book is written in an epistolary format, with Constanta writing letters to her deceased former creator, exploring their life together and the reasons behind his demise. The narrative delves into themes of abusive relationships, with a focus on the dynamics between the characters and their journey to forge a new life after the death of their creator. The book combines elements of fantasy, horror, and romance, with beautifully written interludes that add depth to the story.
You came to me when the killing was done, while my last breaths rattled through failing lungs. The drunken singing of the raiders wafted towards me on the breeze as I lay in the blood-streaked mud, to...2021•262 pages - #10
Save:A joyful, diverse, and memorable collection - there’s something in here to make everyone feel seen. Highly recommended for anyone craving queer stories told with creativity and heart.
Out Now: Queer We Go Again! is an anthology edited by Saundra Mitchell, featuring 17 new short stories with LGBTQ characters. This collection spans various genres, offering readers tales of magic, romance, and contemporary life. Each story stands alone, making it accessible even if you haven't read its predecessor, All Out. The writing style is engaging and varied, with many authors contributing their unique voices. Readers can expect a diverse range of experiences, from first love to complex relationships, all delivered in a refreshing and relatable manner that avoids preachiness.
The book captures the essence of teenage life and identity, blending humor and heartache. Stories like "What Happens in the Closet" and "A Pound of Flesh" showcase a mix of fantasy and real-life situations, making the collection compelling and enjoyable. With quick-paced narratives and a modern feel, Out Now is perfect for readers looking for relatable queer stories. It is ideal for quick reading sessions, bringing comfort and connection to anyone longing for representation in literature.
You’re not even sure what she does here every day, but you probably shouldn’t continue to watch her while trying to nail a Caballerial for the first time. Losing focus there is the kind of thing that...May 2020•385 pages
