Books Like...

'Before We Disappear' by Shaun David Hutchinson is a historical fantasy novel that delves into the lives of two main characters, Jack and Wilhelm, who are trapped in abusive relationships with magicians. The story explores themes of exploitation, love, and family, set in the early 1900s. Despite the dark elements of abuse and neglect, the book also portrays a joyful tale of queer teens falling in love and finding the family they deserve. The writing style is engaging, with alternating points of view, shorter chapters, and a satisfying ending that utilizes magic effectively.

'The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley' is a poignant and emotional story that follows the journey of Andrew Brawley, a young boy who lives in a hospital following a tragic accident that took the lives of his family. The book explores themes of grief, guilt, love, and self-discovery as Andrew navigates his way through the five stages of grief. The writing style is described as colorful, edgy, and magnificent, with the incorporation of graphic novel elements adding depth and uniqueness to the narrative.

'If This Gets Out' by Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich is a contemporary YA novel that follows the story of Ruben and Zach, best friends in a boy band, whose friendship evolves into love despite facing challenges from their management, families, and the public. The book is written with depth and sensitivity, offering alternating POVs that bring out the characters' emotions and struggles. The plot revolves around the struggles of the two main characters as they navigate fame, friendship, romance, and the pressures of keeping their relationship a secret.

The authors have created a compelling narrative that explores themes of friendship, love, fame, and self-acceptance. The story is a slow-burn romance that captures the essence of young adult emotions and experiences, making it relatable and engaging for readers. The characters are well-developed, each with their own personalities and flaws, making them feel authentic and relatable to the audience.

'Golden Boys' by Phil Stamper is a heartwarming story that follows four friends from Ohio as they embark on their summer adventures before Senior year. Sal heads to Capitol Hill for a high school internship, Gabrial travels to Boston to connect with nature, Reese goes to Paris for design classes, and Heath stays in Florida working at his aunt's arcade. The book beautifully explores themes of friendship, personal growth, young love, and the challenges of navigating relationships as a teenager. Written in a light and engaging style, the story unfolds through multiple perspectives, providing a realistic representation of friendship and the journey of self-discovery during a transformative summer.

History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera is a deeply moving novel that follows Griffin, a gay teen mourning the death of his ex-boyfriend, Theo. The story explores themes of grief, heartbreak, mental illness, and guilt as Griffin navigates his feelings towards Theo's new boyfriend, Jackson, and his own struggles with OCD. The book alternates between past and present timelines, showcasing Griffin's journey through the stages of grief and his attempts to come to terms with Theo's death.

The writing style of the book captures the raw emotions of teenage characters, particularly Griffin, in a poignant and realistic way. The narrative delves into complex relationships and the impact of loss, portraying the characters' vulnerabilities and flaws with honesty and depth. Through Griffin's introspective voice, readers witness his internal struggles, his coping mechanisms, and his eventual path towards acceptance and healing.

'Only Mostly Devastated' by Sophie Gonzales is a heartwarming YA novel that follows the summer romance between Oliver and Will, set in North Carolina. The book beautifully explores themes of love, grief, friendship, and self-discovery, all while navigating the complexities of high school life. With a diverse cast of characters and a realistic portrayal of teenage struggles, the story delves into the challenges of coming out, dealing with illness, and finding oneself amidst peer pressure and societal expectations. The writing style is engaging, blending light-hearted moments with deeper themes, making it a compelling read that resonates with readers.

'All That's Left in the World' by Erik J. Brown is a post-apocalyptic Queer YA novel that follows the journey of two teenage boys, Andrew and Jamie, as they navigate a world decimated by a flu-like virus. The story intricately weaves together themes of survival, friendship, and love as the boys face challenges, trust issues, and the harsh realities of the unforgiving world outside Jamie's cabin. The author's writing style creates a sense of urgency and emotion, drawing readers into a world where the characters must rely on each other to endure the dangers that surround them.

The book captures the essence of a tender romance blossoming amidst chaos, portraying Andrew and Jamie's evolving relationship as they find solace and strength in each other's company. The narrative explores the complexities of human connections, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity, offering a poignant tale of survival and love in a world forever altered by a devastating pandemic.

The Taking of Jake Livingston is a dark and haunting YA novel that follows the story of Jake Livingston, a black queer teenager who can see ghosts and ghouls. Set in a predominantly white prep school, the book delves into themes of racism, homophobia, and abuse, while also exploring the struggles of adolescence. The plot revolves around Jake being targeted by the vengeful ghost of a school shooter, Sawyer Doon, adding an element of supernatural horror to the narrative. The writing style is described as fast-paced, eerie, and chilling, with a focus on social commentary and character development.

'In Deeper Waters' by F.T. Lukens is a fairytale with a queer twist, a story of a prince named Tal exploring his kingdom for the first time and encountering a mysterious merman named Athlen. The relationship between Tal and Athlen is soft, tender, and focused on emotions and excitement of first love. The plot is filled with adventure, royal rescues, sibling dynamics, and magic, creating a nonstop ocean adventure that keeps readers engaged. The book delves into the inner workings of the kingdom, offering a glimpse into the politics and repercussions of the main characters' actions, adding depth to the storyline.

The writing style of 'In Deeper Waters' is engaging and captivating, with well-developed characters and a diverse, progressive world. It features wonderful representation, loving relationships, and strong family bonds within the royal family. The author, F.T. Lukens, brings the characters to life, making readers care about their problems and how they navigate through them. The book is praised for its focus on relationships, lack of rivalry among the royal family, and the overall tenderness portrayed in the interactions between the characters.

'So This Is Ever After' by F.T. Lukens is a heartwarming fantasy romance novel that follows a group of diverse characters navigating life after completing a quest. The book is praised for its adorable and fun storyline, filled with magic, self-love, and growth. The characters, including queer individuals, are well-developed and relatable, making the readers fall in love with them. The writing style is described as humorous and sarcastic, adding a layer of charm to the narrative. The story starts at the end of the quest, exploring how the characters find their happily ever after in a world that has drastically changed.