Books Like...

Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle dives into a captivating horror comedy set in Hollywood. The story follows Misha, a gay screenwriter, who faces eerie consequences when he refuses to kill off his beloved gay characters as demanded by the industry. As Misha's horror creations come to life, they haunt him and his friends, creating a wild and suspenseful ride full of unexpected plot twists. The writing captures the visceral thrills of the horror genre while maintaining a strong queer perspective, making it a refreshing read for queer audiences and horror fans alike.

Tingle's writing style is both playful and unsettling, using campy humor mixed with serious themes surrounding identity and representation. While the character development is minimal, it suits the tone of the story, focusing instead on the engaging horror elements and bizarre happenings. Readers appreciate the blend of nostalgia and fresh horror tropes, with a critical lens on Hollywood's treatment of queer stories. With graphic scenes and comedic undertones, this is a fun and thought-provoking take on horror that highlights queer struggles and joy.

"Hell Followed with Us" by Andrew Joseph White follows the story of Benji, a 16-year-old ex-evangelist who finds himself adrift in a post-apocalyptic world after the death of his father. Feeling lost and hopeless, Benji is taken in by a group of queer kids who offer him acceptance and a sense of belonging. As Benji navigates this new world and grapples with parts of himself he's kept hidden, he finds love, loss, and triumph among those who have been marginalized and cast aside. The book delves into themes of love, found family, queerness, transness, and the struggle to find one's place in a society plagued by extremism.

Andrew Joseph White's writing style is described as bold, brash, and beautiful, with rich and vivid imagery that brings the post-apocalyptic world to life. The book is praised for its diverse and well-developed characters, its exploration of relevant social issues, and its ability to evoke strong emotions in readers, from rage over injustice to empathy for the characters' struggles.

'Cuckoo' by Gretchen Felker-Martin is a horror novel that explores the dark and twisted experiences of a group of queer teens sent to a conversion therapy camp. The narrative delves into themes of identity, trauma, and the struggle for acceptance, as the characters face both supernatural and psychological horrors. The writing style is noted for its graphic descriptions, particularly in the second half, which includes elements of body horror reminiscent of Stephen King's work, particularly 'It'. The book's setting adds an additional layer of tension, as it captures the sinister atmosphere of the camp and the harrowing experiences of the characters trapped within it.

The story is told through a blend of vivid imagery and a fast-paced narrative that grips the reader's attention. While some readers appreciate its strong start and engaging characters, others find it to be a slog at times, with pacing issues that may detract from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, the author successfully portrays the emotional weight of the characters' experiences, prompting readers to reflect on deeper questions about healing and safety in a world that often feels hostile.

'Black Sheep' by Rachel Harrison follows the story of Vesper, a young woman who is disenchanted with her life working at a chain restaurant. After receiving a wedding invitation from her ex-boyfriend and best friend, she is intrigued to return home to a small village that is actually a Satanic cult called Hell's Gate. As she navigates her family dynamics, particularly her cold and non-loving mother who is a famous horror movie actress, Vesper begins to unravel her past and make realizations about her identity and desires. The plot unfolds delicately, revealing little tidbits that keep the reader wondering how they fit into the big picture, while the writing style combines elements of humor, darkness, and relatability.

In 'The Spirit Bares Its Teeth' by Andrew Joseph White, the story revolves around Silas, a trans boy in Victorian England who is being forced into a marriage despite his true interests in surgery and medicine. He is sent to a horrific school for wayward girls, where he must investigate the mysterious occurrences involving violet-eyed girls for his survival. The book is a blend of historical fiction, body horror, queer love story, and feminist manifesto, portraying Silas's journey from fear to bravery amidst the rejection of his trans and autistic identities by society.

The plot of the book includes graphic descriptions of medical procedures, misogynistic and ableist themes, and a commentary on societal norms and attitudes towards neurodiversity. The writing style is described as sensory, immersive, and gripping, with relatable characters and a storyline that leaves readers with a mix of emotions, making it a thought-provoking and important read.

In the chilling novel 'Boys in the Valley' by Philip Fracassi, set in a Catholic orphanage in a remote valley of Pennsylvania during a harsh winter, a group of boys and priests find themselves trapped as a sinister force begins to possess and change the children. The story unfolds into an epic battle between Light and Dark, where faith is tested, sacrifices are made, and the characters must fight for survival against the demonic darkness that has infested St. Vincent's.

Fracassi masterfully weaves a tale of suspense and horror, skillfully developing characters that readers can root for or against, with a writing style that is both descriptive and immersive. The atmospheric setting, the tension between good and evil, and the ominous foreshadowing of events create a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, experiencing a range of emotions from fear to sadness to terror.

'Brainwyrms' by Alison Rumfitt is a disturbing and dark horror novel that delves into extreme and grotesque themes. The book follows the story of two damaged individuals, Frankie and Vanya, who have faced trauma and bigotry throughout their lives. The narrative explores their disturbing coping mechanisms, including parasitic worms, toxic relationships, and self-harming behaviors. The writing style is visceral and graphic, painting a vivid picture of the horrors faced by the characters, from body horror to transgressive elements. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on edge and delving into uncomfortable and unsettling territories.

'Into the Drowning Deep' by Mira Grant follows a crew on the ship Melusine as they venture to the Mariana Trench to investigate the disappearance of a previous crew who encountered killer mermaids. The story is described as a mix of horror, science fiction, and adventure, with a focus on the tension between humans and the predatory mermaids. The narrative is filled with gore, tension, and twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the crew faces the terrifying creatures of the deep.

The novella 'Bloom' by Delilah S. Dawson follows the story of Rosemary Ro Dutton, a literature professor who visits a local farmer's market in search of magic in her mundane life. There, she encounters Ash, a mysterious and alluring woman who runs a booth selling cupcakes and other goods. As Ro becomes increasingly drawn to Ash, she uncovers dark secrets and unsettling truths about her, leading to a shocking and horrific climax. The narrative is a blend of romance, horror, and suspense, with a focus on the evolving relationship between Ro and Ash, ultimately culminating in a disturbing revelation that changes everything.

The Honeys by Ryan La Sala follows the protagonist, Mars, as he navigates the aftermath of his twin sister's death and delves into the mysterious Aspen Conservancy camp where she spent her summers. The book combines elements of horror, mystery, and queer themes, as Mars uncovers dark secrets about the camp and its enigmatic residents, the Honeys. The writing style is described as atmospheric, intense, and lyrical, pulling readers in with its captivating storytelling and unexpected twists.