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How Queer Bookshops Changed the World
For over a century, LGBTQ+ bookshops have been the unsung heroes of queer liberation
Home not only to books but chaotic community noticeboards, vicious rescue cats and countless meet cutes, queer bookshops have always been more than just bookshops, offering friendship, solidarity and sanctuary.
Travelling the world – Shakespeare and Company in Paris, Gay’s the Word in London, the Oscar Wilde Bookshop in New York – A. J. West explores the remarkable history of these bookstores. Tracing their evolution from under-the-counter operations to beloved out-and-proud institutions, West reveals how the queer bookshop stood at the vanguard of LGBTQ+ rights, offering support and vital information through the AIDS crisis and bringing the fight to Section 28 and book bans.
A powerful testament not only to bookshops but to the courage of queer booksellers, from Sylvia Beach hiding books from the Nazis in laundry baskets to Craig Rodwell facing off against the police at the Stonewall riots, A. J. West celebrates the shops and booksellers that brought queer literature and lives into the mainstream.
Home not only to books but chaotic community noticeboards, vicious rescue cats and countless meet cutes, queer bookshops have always been more than just bookshops, offering friendship, solidarity and sanctuary.
Travelling the world – Shakespeare and Company in Paris, Gay’s the Word in London, the Oscar Wilde Bookshop in New York – A. J. West explores the remarkable history of these bookstores. Tracing their evolution from under-the-counter operations to beloved out-and-proud institutions, West reveals how the queer bookshop stood at the vanguard of LGBTQ+ rights, offering support and vital information through the AIDS crisis and bringing the fight to Section 28 and book bans.
A powerful testament not only to bookshops but to the courage of queer booksellers, from Sylvia Beach hiding books from the Nazis in laundry baskets to Craig Rodwell facing off against the police at the Stonewall riots, A. J. West celebrates the shops and booksellers that brought queer literature and lives into the mainstream.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2026
About the author
A.J. West
7 books226 followersA.J. West was a particularly shy boy at school, hiding away from other children with only his books for friends. Thus, he discovered the magic of ink on paper and fell in love with gothic tales of fear and fun, danger and mystery. A keen people-watcher and incorrigible eavesdropper, he grew up to study English Literature at university, before embarking on an award-winning career as a television and radio journalist. Later, he worked in the LGBTQ+ charity sector before leaving to pursue his writing career. He is married to Nicholas Robinson who gained fame as William Beech in BAFTA award winning Goodnight Mr Tom.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC of this book.
If you're interested in the history of queer bookshops, I wholeheartedly recommend this: the author clearly researched and crafted this with immense care.
The writing was accessible and never overwhelming, as it perfectly balanced facts with testimonies. At the same time, A.J. West was able to insert jokes and use humor without making it feel out of place (and making me giggle while reading).
Overall, a phenomenal read.
If you're interested in the history of queer bookshops, I wholeheartedly recommend this: the author clearly researched and crafted this with immense care.
The writing was accessible and never overwhelming, as it perfectly balanced facts with testimonies. At the same time, A.J. West was able to insert jokes and use humor without making it feel out of place (and making me giggle while reading).
Overall, a phenomenal read.
May 17, 2026
This book was brilliant!
It was so interesting to read about the origin of queer bookshops across the world. To the author’s own admission, featuring all of them was impossible so there’s much more history out there, but this overview of the shops across the Western hemisphere that were/are challenging the status quo, sticking up for LGBTQ+ rights when no one else would, and creating a safe space that both nurtured and educated, was a very interesting read.
Of course, the history is tough to read, filled with violence and abuse, but the history of these bookshops is also full of hope and aspirations for a better future for the LGBTQ+ community.
Punctuated with humour when appropriate, this was a delightful, easy-read non-fiction on the life-changing impact of queer bookshops. I had no idea about any of it, so very pleased to come away from this work enlightened by their powerful work, especially the shops right on my doorstep!
TW: homophobia, lesbophobia, violence, death, abuse
Thank you to NetGalley for a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review
It was so interesting to read about the origin of queer bookshops across the world. To the author’s own admission, featuring all of them was impossible so there’s much more history out there, but this overview of the shops across the Western hemisphere that were/are challenging the status quo, sticking up for LGBTQ+ rights when no one else would, and creating a safe space that both nurtured and educated, was a very interesting read.
Of course, the history is tough to read, filled with violence and abuse, but the history of these bookshops is also full of hope and aspirations for a better future for the LGBTQ+ community.
Punctuated with humour when appropriate, this was a delightful, easy-read non-fiction on the life-changing impact of queer bookshops. I had no idea about any of it, so very pleased to come away from this work enlightened by their powerful work, especially the shops right on my doorstep!
TW: homophobia, lesbophobia, violence, death, abuse
Thank you to NetGalley for a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Oneworld for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I did have this on pre-order but sadly it was sacrificed in my "I have no money so have to cancel some pre-orders" cull. So I was thrilled when I was sent an e-arc of it. I love A.J and I love his books so much and I was intrigued to see how he fared with non-fiction.
As a white, heterosexual, cisgendered woman, I cannot pretend to understand what it meant to be a homosexual, particularly a homosexual man, back in the day, and even, to a certain degree, in today's time, and why queer bookshops can be a place of sanctuary. And so these views come from my somewhat limited perspective.
There are footnotes in this book which I generally don't like on a kindle version because the formatting goes a bit haywire. But I sought them out and I found them really interesting, and some quite moving and entertaining, and I highly recommend you read them in your finished copy.
I am a self-confessed nerd when it comes to books, writing, literature, bookshops, literary history etc. and so I was fascinated by what A.J has discovered in this book - and I've got a whole new list of bookshops to visit (like I needed an excuse).
I didn't expect to feel so angry at a book about bookshops, but in terms of the historical context around how gay, lesbian, and trans people were treated, it's just horrendous. I'm not going to put this era's views on the beliefs of people in the 1700s for example because that doesn't work. And whilst it's still not acceptable, you can accept that those views were the views of that time. But to read similar views being thrown around in the last 100 years or so, or even in my lifetime, I just can't comprehend it. Who cares if you're a man who loves a man, or a woman who loves a woman? If you're a man who doesn't think a man should sleep with another men, then don't sleep with another man. Done. Sorted. It's as simple as that. I think what A.J has done here is about more than just bookshops, it's such an important conversation to be had.
Historical non-fiction can be quite dry and overwhelming with facts. But A.J has found a good balance here. He's given us all the information we want, but he's kept the storytelling ability, wit, and his talent in talking directly to the reader that he has with his novels, which means it's informative and a joy to read.
What I really liked is that, not only has he given us the history of queer books and bookshops, he's given us the history of the world around them, and as someone who really regrets (but won't admit to because then my Mum will say "I told you so") giving up history before GCSE level, I found it fascinating.
Reading this reminded me of a moment a while back when I was buying some books, when a stranger asked me why I was buying "gay books" if I wasn't gay? And I thought to myself...I buy books about serial killers but I'm not a serial killer - yet. What an absurd thing to think, that you can only read books written by authors and featuring characters who believe in or feel the same way as you. I have read thousands of books in my life and yes, a proportion of them will be by gay authors or feature gay characters, but I don't necessarily make it a conscious choice, I just read books. But I completely understand how important it is to have that choice, especially for younger readers who might be a bit confused by their sexuality or worried about being accepted. And to have dedicated spaces for those people to feel safe and catered for is something I have never given much thought to, I'll be honest, because it's never directly affected me. But A.J's book explains just why they are such a vital lifeline for any reader, no matter your sexuality, to find somewhere you feel you belong.
And because I don't already own 2,000+ books, I have now had to make a list of all the books he's mentioned in this book.
I read the first half one evening and the second the next morning. It was so fantastic to read, and even though there are some difficult moments in it, he's managed to infuse it with such a sense of warmth and hope.
I did have this on pre-order but sadly it was sacrificed in my "I have no money so have to cancel some pre-orders" cull. So I was thrilled when I was sent an e-arc of it. I love A.J and I love his books so much and I was intrigued to see how he fared with non-fiction.
As a white, heterosexual, cisgendered woman, I cannot pretend to understand what it meant to be a homosexual, particularly a homosexual man, back in the day, and even, to a certain degree, in today's time, and why queer bookshops can be a place of sanctuary. And so these views come from my somewhat limited perspective.
There are footnotes in this book which I generally don't like on a kindle version because the formatting goes a bit haywire. But I sought them out and I found them really interesting, and some quite moving and entertaining, and I highly recommend you read them in your finished copy.
I am a self-confessed nerd when it comes to books, writing, literature, bookshops, literary history etc. and so I was fascinated by what A.J has discovered in this book - and I've got a whole new list of bookshops to visit (like I needed an excuse).
I didn't expect to feel so angry at a book about bookshops, but in terms of the historical context around how gay, lesbian, and trans people were treated, it's just horrendous. I'm not going to put this era's views on the beliefs of people in the 1700s for example because that doesn't work. And whilst it's still not acceptable, you can accept that those views were the views of that time. But to read similar views being thrown around in the last 100 years or so, or even in my lifetime, I just can't comprehend it. Who cares if you're a man who loves a man, or a woman who loves a woman? If you're a man who doesn't think a man should sleep with another men, then don't sleep with another man. Done. Sorted. It's as simple as that. I think what A.J has done here is about more than just bookshops, it's such an important conversation to be had.
Historical non-fiction can be quite dry and overwhelming with facts. But A.J has found a good balance here. He's given us all the information we want, but he's kept the storytelling ability, wit, and his talent in talking directly to the reader that he has with his novels, which means it's informative and a joy to read.
What I really liked is that, not only has he given us the history of queer books and bookshops, he's given us the history of the world around them, and as someone who really regrets (but won't admit to because then my Mum will say "I told you so") giving up history before GCSE level, I found it fascinating.
Reading this reminded me of a moment a while back when I was buying some books, when a stranger asked me why I was buying "gay books" if I wasn't gay? And I thought to myself...I buy books about serial killers but I'm not a serial killer - yet. What an absurd thing to think, that you can only read books written by authors and featuring characters who believe in or feel the same way as you. I have read thousands of books in my life and yes, a proportion of them will be by gay authors or feature gay characters, but I don't necessarily make it a conscious choice, I just read books. But I completely understand how important it is to have that choice, especially for younger readers who might be a bit confused by their sexuality or worried about being accepted. And to have dedicated spaces for those people to feel safe and catered for is something I have never given much thought to, I'll be honest, because it's never directly affected me. But A.J's book explains just why they are such a vital lifeline for any reader, no matter your sexuality, to find somewhere you feel you belong.
And because I don't already own 2,000+ books, I have now had to make a list of all the books he's mentioned in this book.
I read the first half one evening and the second the next morning. It was so fantastic to read, and even though there are some difficult moments in it, he's managed to infuse it with such a sense of warmth and hope.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank You to NetGalley for the advanced reading copy!
You may have visited a 'specialty' bookstore or two. Have you ever considered the purpose and role of them beyond a marketing choice? In the past couple decades great effort has been put into recording lives, movements, and contributions of non-heteronormative people. Book lovers know about the struggles and maybe even a resurgence in independent shops. The multipurpose and integral functions of libraries are getting more recognition. Meeting at this intersection of queer history, bibliophile boulevard, and adjacent to industry avenue at civics crossing this book offers a wholesome perspective of how shops owned and the Queer community they embody all of these things.
It is impossible to write about a space without highlighting the people that create and inhabit it. While this is a love letter to buildings and occasionally the systems they start as, it's just as much about motivations and intentions of their curators. By following those lives, the reader is also given a peek at the social and political climate. As someone who was familiar with the broad strokes of many noted periods, I still learned quite a lot. Inflatable dolls and the U.N. anyone?
Written with enough tongue-in-cheek to make sometimes heavy topics more digestible, and at times certainly just to be playful, this isn't a bland chronology of injustice. Nor does it give the impression of universal triumph and success. West does due diligence in showing the setbacks, internal conflicts, and barriers faced. It showcases the grit, conviction, and persistence to create pockets of light that lead to hope. In the best cases- change.
I was greatly impressed by the lengths the author goes to promote previously overlooked intersectionality. Some of these groups may still feel excluded from the 'big' umbrella. African American and Asian community members for example. The various stances people take on the inclusion or exclusion of male creators, even customers, was even more complex than I anticipated. And, as has gotten a little more traction recently, nonbinary individuals.
There is major focus on the U.K. And U.S. with a dash of Canada and Australia. Just when I was about to lament some neglected regions, West touches on the status in South Africa, Asia ,Central and South America, and the cultural barriers they face in establishing 'brick and mortar' stationary stores. He also mentions the flourishing of a particular shop in Mexico City. He is also enthusiastic about these areas being a story waiting to be written that could appear in future explorations.
I'm assuming that the author intends to include the greater part of the African continent and what is more commonly called “Middle East” here as well. Some feel it is more appropriate to reference the area as S/WANA (South/West Asia Northern Africa). His adoption of that term would match the pattern of attention to detail and consideration throughout the rest of the book. But I suspect there might be some who are accustomed to the vernacular to presume exclusion.
The most resonating element of these biographies is the compassion it captures. The concept of found family is as old as queer community itself. But it is the level of thoughtfulness displayed in some of the conversations and debates floor me. There are spaces that first adopted a depth of consideration to help others feel like they belonged. They are havens for all sorts. From the expansive interpretation of feminism, gender non-conformity and presentation, those in the early days of exploring their identities, to the parents and 'straights' who wander into these spaces on their way to being allies. They are champions for one another, transforming with the needs of markets and those that come through their doors.
You may have visited a 'specialty' bookstore or two. Have you ever considered the purpose and role of them beyond a marketing choice? In the past couple decades great effort has been put into recording lives, movements, and contributions of non-heteronormative people. Book lovers know about the struggles and maybe even a resurgence in independent shops. The multipurpose and integral functions of libraries are getting more recognition. Meeting at this intersection of queer history, bibliophile boulevard, and adjacent to industry avenue at civics crossing this book offers a wholesome perspective of how shops owned and the Queer community they embody all of these things.
It is impossible to write about a space without highlighting the people that create and inhabit it. While this is a love letter to buildings and occasionally the systems they start as, it's just as much about motivations and intentions of their curators. By following those lives, the reader is also given a peek at the social and political climate. As someone who was familiar with the broad strokes of many noted periods, I still learned quite a lot. Inflatable dolls and the U.N. anyone?
Written with enough tongue-in-cheek to make sometimes heavy topics more digestible, and at times certainly just to be playful, this isn't a bland chronology of injustice. Nor does it give the impression of universal triumph and success. West does due diligence in showing the setbacks, internal conflicts, and barriers faced. It showcases the grit, conviction, and persistence to create pockets of light that lead to hope. In the best cases- change.
I was greatly impressed by the lengths the author goes to promote previously overlooked intersectionality. Some of these groups may still feel excluded from the 'big' umbrella. African American and Asian community members for example. The various stances people take on the inclusion or exclusion of male creators, even customers, was even more complex than I anticipated. And, as has gotten a little more traction recently, nonbinary individuals.
There is major focus on the U.K. And U.S. with a dash of Canada and Australia. Just when I was about to lament some neglected regions, West touches on the status in South Africa, Asia ,Central and South America, and the cultural barriers they face in establishing 'brick and mortar' stationary stores. He also mentions the flourishing of a particular shop in Mexico City. He is also enthusiastic about these areas being a story waiting to be written that could appear in future explorations.
I'm assuming that the author intends to include the greater part of the African continent and what is more commonly called “Middle East” here as well. Some feel it is more appropriate to reference the area as S/WANA (South/West Asia Northern Africa). His adoption of that term would match the pattern of attention to detail and consideration throughout the rest of the book. But I suspect there might be some who are accustomed to the vernacular to presume exclusion.
The most resonating element of these biographies is the compassion it captures. The concept of found family is as old as queer community itself. But it is the level of thoughtfulness displayed in some of the conversations and debates floor me. There are spaces that first adopted a depth of consideration to help others feel like they belonged. They are havens for all sorts. From the expansive interpretation of feminism, gender non-conformity and presentation, those in the early days of exploring their identities, to the parents and 'straights' who wander into these spaces on their way to being allies. They are champions for one another, transforming with the needs of markets and those that come through their doors.
April 25, 2026
“The threat of extreme politics threatens to make it ever more difficult for new generations to find facts in the fog, sense amidst the screaming, peace amidst war and we should be thankful that there are still places to go where stories and essays are curated by human beings, not radicalising algorithms and subjective influencers.”
This book takes you all throughout history and around the world where queer bookstores were popping up over time and locations. It’s also a history of queer culture which I’m so glad to have read.
We start off in regency England and how lots of wealthy aristocrats were hiding themselves from the world. Certain stores opened carrying various books, although not many at the time. I need to read more about the history of Oscar Wilde because he sounds fascinating. Everything I hear about him is some sort of comical story. I do feel for the wrath he faced towards the end. No one deserved that.
Moving on, we then learned more about the history of the famous Shakespeare and Co in Paris and what an interesting tale of James Joyce's Ulysses and that aforementioned whale scene. Going to need to add that one to my TBR. I’m upset he kind of screwed them over in the end though.
I'm not sure I agree with "Ernest Hemingway's reputation is today somewhat tarnished by the modern world's vigilance regarding misogyny, racism and vainglory." Um rightly so as it should be. Stop putting these bad people on pedestals. Can we like the art if we don't like the artist? That’s a hard one to answer.
However, I do love the lore of Allen Lane and I didn't know he was standing with Agatha Christie at the time he thought of Penguin books and a simple paperback. He brought books to public places like chemists and local bus stations rather than bookshops and also paperbacks instead of expensive hardbacks.
There’s so much lore dropped throughout this story, I’ll need to revisit it from time to time. This would make a perfect coffee table book!
From Paris, we jump to San Francisco and the beatnik poets time period of Alan Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac (famous for On the Road). Their first bookshop was City Lights San Francisco. It's nice hearing what San Fran once was before Silicon Valley took over. It's such a beautiful city with a rich history.
I won’t name them all but the first shops open in the major cities you would think like London, Paris, San Francisco, New York, Boston, Berlin etc. Eventually they make it to the small towns which shows the real progress of the need for queer culture everywhere.
Our journey continues with the AIDS and HIV crisis hitting the community in the late 80’s and 90’s and gives a shoutout to lesbians being the biggest supporters of the sick gay men and supporting them to the end.
Eventually, we hit the late 90’s and 2000’s and where the big chain stores and Amazon took out most of these businesses sadly but their legacy lives on in the people that the helped along the way.
Oh Gwyn 💔 my heart breaks for his story. I wonder what he died of.
Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read an ARC of this beautiful, amazing book.
This book takes you all throughout history and around the world where queer bookstores were popping up over time and locations. It’s also a history of queer culture which I’m so glad to have read.
We start off in regency England and how lots of wealthy aristocrats were hiding themselves from the world. Certain stores opened carrying various books, although not many at the time. I need to read more about the history of Oscar Wilde because he sounds fascinating. Everything I hear about him is some sort of comical story. I do feel for the wrath he faced towards the end. No one deserved that.
Moving on, we then learned more about the history of the famous Shakespeare and Co in Paris and what an interesting tale of James Joyce's Ulysses and that aforementioned whale scene. Going to need to add that one to my TBR. I’m upset he kind of screwed them over in the end though.
I'm not sure I agree with "Ernest Hemingway's reputation is today somewhat tarnished by the modern world's vigilance regarding misogyny, racism and vainglory." Um rightly so as it should be. Stop putting these bad people on pedestals. Can we like the art if we don't like the artist? That’s a hard one to answer.
However, I do love the lore of Allen Lane and I didn't know he was standing with Agatha Christie at the time he thought of Penguin books and a simple paperback. He brought books to public places like chemists and local bus stations rather than bookshops and also paperbacks instead of expensive hardbacks.
There’s so much lore dropped throughout this story, I’ll need to revisit it from time to time. This would make a perfect coffee table book!
From Paris, we jump to San Francisco and the beatnik poets time period of Alan Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac (famous for On the Road). Their first bookshop was City Lights San Francisco. It's nice hearing what San Fran once was before Silicon Valley took over. It's such a beautiful city with a rich history.
I won’t name them all but the first shops open in the major cities you would think like London, Paris, San Francisco, New York, Boston, Berlin etc. Eventually they make it to the small towns which shows the real progress of the need for queer culture everywhere.
Our journey continues with the AIDS and HIV crisis hitting the community in the late 80’s and 90’s and gives a shoutout to lesbians being the biggest supporters of the sick gay men and supporting them to the end.
Eventually, we hit the late 90’s and 2000’s and where the big chain stores and Amazon took out most of these businesses sadly but their legacy lives on in the people that the helped along the way.
Oh Gwyn 💔 my heart breaks for his story. I wonder what he died of.
Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read an ARC of this beautiful, amazing book.
April 15, 2026
~Book Review~
How Queer Bookshops Changed the World by A.J West
To take a word right from the book: This novel is a pure form and the very definition of egalitarianism.
A history lesson I never knew I needed until I experienced this book. A deep dive into the backstory of queer bookshops and the literary world which happened around them.
If you're a lover of books, then you're bound to find sanctuary in bookshops. Across the globe and for over a century, LGBTQ+ bookshops have been the unsung heroes of queer liberation, and A.J. has finally given them a voice within this pocket-rocket novel.
It's poignant and emotionally evocative.
I can only imagine the impact this book must have had during its research, creation, and deliverance.
A.J. has a unique and talented writing style. It's elegant, eloquent, and sharp. Although this isn't like his other books, it is just as flawless. This book covers such refined details and perhaps missed moments that were once captured in history. These facts deserve to be not only recorded but actually heard.
I feel like this was the best possible author to deliver them.
As a fictional reader, non-fiction can somewhat get lost with me because of it's dry and heavy nature. Yet A.J. managed to find just the right balance of informative, fun, and simply an utter joy to read.
It wasn't overwhelming, but became a novel I read slowly, to be able to fully digest everything it has to offer. The use of A.J.'s well-known wit and humor kept everything light but was done so with purposeful respect.
I adored the accounts of how books first evolved, from the well-known leather-bound hardbacks to the more portable paperbacks.
History does, of course, hold some dark and sinister events. This book doesn't shy away from these. It's difficult to comprehend what people once went through, just because they desired to be their true self within society. This book is powerful and provides some insight into these harrowing and detestable events.
This is one fascinating book and one I would quite happily re-engage with again because there is so much to learn, reflect, and take away. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book; no matter what your favorite genre may be, this book has something for everyone and is a reminder that history should never repeat itself.
How Queer Bookshops Changed the World by A.J West
To take a word right from the book: This novel is a pure form and the very definition of egalitarianism.
A history lesson I never knew I needed until I experienced this book. A deep dive into the backstory of queer bookshops and the literary world which happened around them.
If you're a lover of books, then you're bound to find sanctuary in bookshops. Across the globe and for over a century, LGBTQ+ bookshops have been the unsung heroes of queer liberation, and A.J. has finally given them a voice within this pocket-rocket novel.
It's poignant and emotionally evocative.
I can only imagine the impact this book must have had during its research, creation, and deliverance.
A.J. has a unique and talented writing style. It's elegant, eloquent, and sharp. Although this isn't like his other books, it is just as flawless. This book covers such refined details and perhaps missed moments that were once captured in history. These facts deserve to be not only recorded but actually heard.
I feel like this was the best possible author to deliver them.
As a fictional reader, non-fiction can somewhat get lost with me because of it's dry and heavy nature. Yet A.J. managed to find just the right balance of informative, fun, and simply an utter joy to read.
It wasn't overwhelming, but became a novel I read slowly, to be able to fully digest everything it has to offer. The use of A.J.'s well-known wit and humor kept everything light but was done so with purposeful respect.
I adored the accounts of how books first evolved, from the well-known leather-bound hardbacks to the more portable paperbacks.
History does, of course, hold some dark and sinister events. This book doesn't shy away from these. It's difficult to comprehend what people once went through, just because they desired to be their true self within society. This book is powerful and provides some insight into these harrowing and detestable events.
This is one fascinating book and one I would quite happily re-engage with again because there is so much to learn, reflect, and take away. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book; no matter what your favorite genre may be, this book has something for everyone and is a reminder that history should never repeat itself.
May 7, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for giving me access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Libraries and bookshops are magical places so I was immediately intrigued to read this book about the origins of queer bookshops. As I suspected, the author shared these spaces were more than just places of commerce and became hubs for community, questions, awakening, advocacy, and activism.
While the history is shared mostly chronologically, it does not read as a stodgy history book (as a History major, I feel compelled to describe many history books this way). Instead, the bookshop history is situated within the broader social context. I was especially intrigued to read how bookshops supported HIV/AIDS awareness and support in the very early years of the pandemic.
Having scant knowledge of the bookshops’ origins before, I appreciated how West introduced us to the main players, covering the Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop, Adonis Bookstore, Gay's The Word, Lavender Menace Bookshop, and Giovanni’s Room, while highlighting how the spaces evolved in many major US cities (New York, LA, San Francisco, and Philadelphia) and around the world (e.g Hares & Hyenas in Australia). Some started as shelves inside other businesses, while others emerged as full stores and almost always faced the same challenges: societal pressure, police raids, changing legal definitions (Miller Laws), vandalism, and accessing content amidst a volatile and conservative publishing regulations. They struggled and thrived with the support of the LGBTQ+ community, allies, and by providing a service and safe space.
I highly recommend this book for folks interested in queer history, bookish reads, and social movements.
In terms of production, the quality was good but I think AJ West could have even more impact with a professional narrator. That’s not to say AJ did a poor job. He has a great voice and accent. But some parts lacked energy and it may be because he wrote this amazing book and then read it (likely a whole bunch of times) and maybe just didn’t have energy for pizzazz all the time. But it's history so you have to jazz it up a bit to keep all readers focused, in my opinion. A professional narrator would have enhanced an already great listening experience.
Libraries and bookshops are magical places so I was immediately intrigued to read this book about the origins of queer bookshops. As I suspected, the author shared these spaces were more than just places of commerce and became hubs for community, questions, awakening, advocacy, and activism.
While the history is shared mostly chronologically, it does not read as a stodgy history book (as a History major, I feel compelled to describe many history books this way). Instead, the bookshop history is situated within the broader social context. I was especially intrigued to read how bookshops supported HIV/AIDS awareness and support in the very early years of the pandemic.
Having scant knowledge of the bookshops’ origins before, I appreciated how West introduced us to the main players, covering the Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop, Adonis Bookstore, Gay's The Word, Lavender Menace Bookshop, and Giovanni’s Room, while highlighting how the spaces evolved in many major US cities (New York, LA, San Francisco, and Philadelphia) and around the world (e.g Hares & Hyenas in Australia). Some started as shelves inside other businesses, while others emerged as full stores and almost always faced the same challenges: societal pressure, police raids, changing legal definitions (Miller Laws), vandalism, and accessing content amidst a volatile and conservative publishing regulations. They struggled and thrived with the support of the LGBTQ+ community, allies, and by providing a service and safe space.
I highly recommend this book for folks interested in queer history, bookish reads, and social movements.
In terms of production, the quality was good but I think AJ West could have even more impact with a professional narrator. That’s not to say AJ did a poor job. He has a great voice and accent. But some parts lacked energy and it may be because he wrote this amazing book and then read it (likely a whole bunch of times) and maybe just didn’t have energy for pizzazz all the time. But it's history so you have to jazz it up a bit to keep all readers focused, in my opinion. A professional narrator would have enhanced an already great listening experience.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Bookstores have always been a place where I, as a heterosexual, cisgender white woman, have found refuge from the world around me. I share this personal disclosure because I recognize that my perspective is limited, and it shapes how I approached this book.
This nonfiction work is written in a way that feels like AJ West is sitting across from you, telling a story you want to lean in and listen to. It reminded me of a history class I once took in college, where the professor would perch on the edge of her desk and share the stories that never made it into the textbooks. This is one of those histories, and it deserves to be told, heard, and remembered.
While history books can sometimes feel dry, West weaves in cultural context and moments of light humor that make the narrative engaging without diminishing the weight of the subject. And make no mistake: the topic is heavy. There are moments that will make you angry, frustrated, and heartbroken as you confront the ways people have been, and continue to be, treated because of their sexuality.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by West himself, and the experience was rich and intimate. It felt less like a lecture and more like being guided through a story by someone who deeply understands its importance. I found myself pausing often to jot down names of bookstores, authors, and historical details. I even preordered the hardcopy because there is so much here I want to revisit.
This book is for anyone who loves books, who believes in their power to challenge perspectives and validate lived experiences, and who appreciates the role bookstores have played as sanctuaries for those who needed them. I have already recommended it to several friends and suggested it to my local indie bookstores as a potential nonfiction book club pick.
Thank you Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
This nonfiction work is written in a way that feels like AJ West is sitting across from you, telling a story you want to lean in and listen to. It reminded me of a history class I once took in college, where the professor would perch on the edge of her desk and share the stories that never made it into the textbooks. This is one of those histories, and it deserves to be told, heard, and remembered.
While history books can sometimes feel dry, West weaves in cultural context and moments of light humor that make the narrative engaging without diminishing the weight of the subject. And make no mistake: the topic is heavy. There are moments that will make you angry, frustrated, and heartbroken as you confront the ways people have been, and continue to be, treated because of their sexuality.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by West himself, and the experience was rich and intimate. It felt less like a lecture and more like being guided through a story by someone who deeply understands its importance. I found myself pausing often to jot down names of bookstores, authors, and historical details. I even preordered the hardcopy because there is so much here I want to revisit.
This book is for anyone who loves books, who believes in their power to challenge perspectives and validate lived experiences, and who appreciates the role bookstores have played as sanctuaries for those who needed them. I have already recommended it to several friends and suggested it to my local indie bookstores as a potential nonfiction book club pick.
Thank you Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am an extremely curious person and an avid reader, completely passionate about books, and if you are like that too, this book will be perfect for you, just as it was for me.
What a lovely, strong and informative narrative about the resistance and persistence of our queer community. I personally think everyone should read this book but especially if you're queer. Get to know our elders, get to know the path they had to walk so we could have the chance to run today. It is important that we connect with the deep roots that permeate this soil, whether they are about reclaiming offensive words or commenting on how capitalism disproportionately affects minorities.
An informative book like this can be tricky, you have to be careful that the flow of information does not turn the reading tedious and A.J. West did it perfectly in my opinion. He masterfully covers historical details, never forgetting, in his sharp and fluid narrative, the people behind that story. And as this is a review of the audiobook as well and the author is also the narrator behind it, the listening experience was also marvelous.
Although focused on the western world, as a queer woman of color I still would like to give special props to West for writing so carefully about about queer people of color, Glad Day and The Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop being two of them, and also the Stonewall rebellion and of course, Marsha Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. It's always important to remember intersectionality when recounting historic facts and I felt like West did it well.
Learning about the past, especially the past of a community you belong to, is an act of resistance, and this book is part of that as it recounts often obscure events like the AIDS crisis and the Nazi take over in an very honest, thoughtful and inspiring way.
Definitely a must read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oneworld Publications for providing me with this ALC in exchange for an honest review.
What a lovely, strong and informative narrative about the resistance and persistence of our queer community. I personally think everyone should read this book but especially if you're queer. Get to know our elders, get to know the path they had to walk so we could have the chance to run today. It is important that we connect with the deep roots that permeate this soil, whether they are about reclaiming offensive words or commenting on how capitalism disproportionately affects minorities.
An informative book like this can be tricky, you have to be careful that the flow of information does not turn the reading tedious and A.J. West did it perfectly in my opinion. He masterfully covers historical details, never forgetting, in his sharp and fluid narrative, the people behind that story. And as this is a review of the audiobook as well and the author is also the narrator behind it, the listening experience was also marvelous.
Although focused on the western world, as a queer woman of color I still would like to give special props to West for writing so carefully about about queer people of color, Glad Day and The Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop being two of them, and also the Stonewall rebellion and of course, Marsha Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. It's always important to remember intersectionality when recounting historic facts and I felt like West did it well.
Learning about the past, especially the past of a community you belong to, is an act of resistance, and this book is part of that as it recounts often obscure events like the AIDS crisis and the Nazi take over in an very honest, thoughtful and inspiring way.
Definitely a must read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oneworld Publications for providing me with this ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
How Queer Bookshops Changed the World is a non-fiction historical timeline of LGBTQ+ bookshops and their impact on society and the LGBTQ+ communities. I was incredibly impressed by the level of research, interviews, and historical context that this work brings to a focused and timely topic. This review is for the audiobook read by the author.
The book runs in chronological order, starting with a shop in 1749 that published materials about homosexuality all the way to the present day. The book is indeed global, with bookshops located in the US, England, France, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Scotland, and Australia highlighted along with small tidbits towards the end from Africa, India, and Latin America. The focus of each chapter is a bookshop, with the author expounding on how the shop started, unique features of the owners and shop's wares, and the shops successes and trials with bringing queer literature to the public. I also enjoyed how the author wove in notable queer literature and its impact on the community. Many of the shops were also involved in notable events in LGBTQ+ history, including the Stonewall Riots in the 1960s, feminist movements, the AIDS epidemic, and legal case studies on the definition of "obscenity." For example, stories of how nurses would visit gay and lesbian bookshops to get pamphlets on AIDS that they couldn't legally give out in hospitals.
I could see how reading this book could become a little dry, but West brings a conversational tone to the audiobook that kept me invested in each shop. I highly recommend this book to the readers and the ones wanting to learn more about how books and bookshops can impact communities. Those interested in LGBTQ+ history from a unique point of view will also find much to learn from and enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me to listen to this eARC audio.
The book runs in chronological order, starting with a shop in 1749 that published materials about homosexuality all the way to the present day. The book is indeed global, with bookshops located in the US, England, France, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Scotland, and Australia highlighted along with small tidbits towards the end from Africa, India, and Latin America. The focus of each chapter is a bookshop, with the author expounding on how the shop started, unique features of the owners and shop's wares, and the shops successes and trials with bringing queer literature to the public. I also enjoyed how the author wove in notable queer literature and its impact on the community. Many of the shops were also involved in notable events in LGBTQ+ history, including the Stonewall Riots in the 1960s, feminist movements, the AIDS epidemic, and legal case studies on the definition of "obscenity." For example, stories of how nurses would visit gay and lesbian bookshops to get pamphlets on AIDS that they couldn't legally give out in hospitals.
I could see how reading this book could become a little dry, but West brings a conversational tone to the audiobook that kept me invested in each shop. I highly recommend this book to the readers and the ones wanting to learn more about how books and bookshops can impact communities. Those interested in LGBTQ+ history from a unique point of view will also find much to learn from and enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me to listen to this eARC audio.
May 8, 2026
I loved this book so much. I am a queer person in my late 30's who came out in my late 20's and previous to that had very little connection to any queer community. I am in many ways a late bloomer and reading non-fiction like this is one of my ways of catching up and learning about queer people past and present. With my passion for books and the archival nature of my job this book was a must read as soon as I found out it existed.
Despite growing up in the late 90's and early 2000's at the time when queer bookshops were in many ways booming, I remained in the closet due to community pressure and fear. So I saw myself in the details of this book. Many booksellers had the experience of watching people feign disinterest at the door because they were uncertain and afraid for various reasons. Had there been a queer bookshop I know I would have been that person at the door.
While I am not a bookseller, I work in a queer space and relate now to clerks waving and greeting people encouraging them to cross the threshold into a space where they can truly be themselves and be embraced for it.
The author narrates the book himself and very well. Splashes of humor and a balance of the factual information with finer details that made history come to life and kept my attention from the start.
Overall this was an informative and joyful read that had me both laughing and crying. I will highly recommend this book to literally everyone because of the value I place on queer history and my passion for queer books. I cannot wait to purchase physical copies for myself and others.
Many thanks to NetGalley, author A.J. West & Dreamscape media for the ALC in exchange for this honest review.
Despite growing up in the late 90's and early 2000's at the time when queer bookshops were in many ways booming, I remained in the closet due to community pressure and fear. So I saw myself in the details of this book. Many booksellers had the experience of watching people feign disinterest at the door because they were uncertain and afraid for various reasons. Had there been a queer bookshop I know I would have been that person at the door.
While I am not a bookseller, I work in a queer space and relate now to clerks waving and greeting people encouraging them to cross the threshold into a space where they can truly be themselves and be embraced for it.
The author narrates the book himself and very well. Splashes of humor and a balance of the factual information with finer details that made history come to life and kept my attention from the start.
Overall this was an informative and joyful read that had me both laughing and crying. I will highly recommend this book to literally everyone because of the value I place on queer history and my passion for queer books. I cannot wait to purchase physical copies for myself and others.
Many thanks to NetGalley, author A.J. West & Dreamscape media for the ALC in exchange for this honest review.
May 8, 2026
ESSENTIAL reading for anyone who cares about books and bookshops alike. Queer bookshops have always been a place of freedom and what you'll learn from this book in particular is that they're as big a part of history as any bookstore and more than most, as big as Stonewall and Silverlake.
AJ West takes us through several historically important bookshops in the UK, the US, and Canada (mostly; there are a few in Europe and the "future" epilogue brings up other bookshops, or lack thereof, in other places), the history of these shops and the people who ran them, and what they meant not just to the community they resided in, but in the historic human rights movements as a whole. Queer Bookshops have long been places not just to buy books, but to find and participate in community, to share experiences one can't really outside of very specific places a lot of times... and did you know that during the heyday of the AIDS crisis, a lot of hospitals weren't even giving out information, and it was queer bookshops that stocked pamphlets and real life information, as well as a place to just sit with your feelings?
I actually listened to about two hours of this on the way to an author talk with a friend, and said author brought up several things mentioned in this book (Silverlake, the "L" placement in LGBT, and a few other things) and we turned to each other, delighted, like hey we had just heard that!
The author (who also narrated) was able to tell history in an accessible and friendly way and honestly I want to go buy a copy when I can and just pilgrimage to a lot of places I haven't yet been that are mentioned here.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media for the ALC for review - this is an important one.
AJ West takes us through several historically important bookshops in the UK, the US, and Canada (mostly; there are a few in Europe and the "future" epilogue brings up other bookshops, or lack thereof, in other places), the history of these shops and the people who ran them, and what they meant not just to the community they resided in, but in the historic human rights movements as a whole. Queer Bookshops have long been places not just to buy books, but to find and participate in community, to share experiences one can't really outside of very specific places a lot of times... and did you know that during the heyday of the AIDS crisis, a lot of hospitals weren't even giving out information, and it was queer bookshops that stocked pamphlets and real life information, as well as a place to just sit with your feelings?
I actually listened to about two hours of this on the way to an author talk with a friend, and said author brought up several things mentioned in this book (Silverlake, the "L" placement in LGBT, and a few other things) and we turned to each other, delighted, like hey we had just heard that!
The author (who also narrated) was able to tell history in an accessible and friendly way and honestly I want to go buy a copy when I can and just pilgrimage to a lot of places I haven't yet been that are mentioned here.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media for the ALC for review - this is an important one.
May 12, 2026
As a queer woman and someone who loves books, this audiobook felt incredibly meaningful to listen to. How Queer Bookshops Changed the World goes far beyond the history of bookstores ~ it’s really a history of queer community, resistance, survival, and connection.
I loved learning about the real impact queer bookshops had throughout history, especially during times when queer people had very few safe spaces or reliable access to information. Some of the sections discussing the AIDS crisis, censorship, customs seizures, and the role these stores played in activism were especially powerful. It really highlighted how these spaces were never just bookstores ~ they were community hubs, lifelines, gathering places, and sources of hope.
I also really appreciated how accessible and engaging A.J. West made the history feel. Nonfiction can sometimes feel dense, but this audiobook kept my attention the entire time. The author narrating it himself added a lot of personality and warmth to the listening experience, and you could genuinely feel his passion for the subject throughout.
One of my favorite parts was hearing about the relationships between the shops and booksellers themselves ~ how they supported each other and worked together instead of competing. There was something really moving about seeing how connected these communities were across different countries and generations.
I did find some sections a little fast-paced at times because there is so much history packed into one book, but overall I found it incredibly informative, emotional, and inspiring. It also left me wanting to support queer and independent bookstores even more.
If you love queer history, bookstores, or stories about community and resilience, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved learning about the real impact queer bookshops had throughout history, especially during times when queer people had very few safe spaces or reliable access to information. Some of the sections discussing the AIDS crisis, censorship, customs seizures, and the role these stores played in activism were especially powerful. It really highlighted how these spaces were never just bookstores ~ they were community hubs, lifelines, gathering places, and sources of hope.
I also really appreciated how accessible and engaging A.J. West made the history feel. Nonfiction can sometimes feel dense, but this audiobook kept my attention the entire time. The author narrating it himself added a lot of personality and warmth to the listening experience, and you could genuinely feel his passion for the subject throughout.
One of my favorite parts was hearing about the relationships between the shops and booksellers themselves ~ how they supported each other and worked together instead of competing. There was something really moving about seeing how connected these communities were across different countries and generations.
I did find some sections a little fast-paced at times because there is so much history packed into one book, but overall I found it incredibly informative, emotional, and inspiring. It also left me wanting to support queer and independent bookstores even more.
If you love queer history, bookstores, or stories about community and resilience, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 15, 2026
An interesting, fast-paced, thoroughly researched and honest history. Looking at queer development, rebellion and rights through the lens of bookshops across the world, the impact they had on communities, on publishing and individuals. It is detailed but easy to read, full of different peoples' experiences, different book shops, different titles, different movements, it is diverse and radical and difficult and beautiful. I learnt a lot in reading.
These shops were not just places to buy queer literature, and in early days there was very little queer literature available, they were spaces for community, for information and for building movements. They allowed people to find themselves, find their community and find their fight. It is an incredible history, full of horrific opposition, discriminatory laws, physical attacks, harmful rhetoric, painful rejection, book burnings and more, many of these shops, so important to their communities and queer history, have now closed, very few remain. Suffering the fate of so many small bookstores, in some ways the battle seems won, queer books are stocked in the mainstream stores, they are not isolated and set apart or targeted, but the cost is high in the loss of these community spaces and the histories they carried. Small indie bookshops are being opened, but they are struggling to thrive in this economy. However, this history continues as areas in the world that remain legally opposed to the queer community begin to see the development of queer shops. Hope is building in these places, in the face of growing hate and backwards steps, of stories of pain and hurt and hiding, these spaces are still so important.
An important history, brilliantly and thoroughly told.
These shops were not just places to buy queer literature, and in early days there was very little queer literature available, they were spaces for community, for information and for building movements. They allowed people to find themselves, find their community and find their fight. It is an incredible history, full of horrific opposition, discriminatory laws, physical attacks, harmful rhetoric, painful rejection, book burnings and more, many of these shops, so important to their communities and queer history, have now closed, very few remain. Suffering the fate of so many small bookstores, in some ways the battle seems won, queer books are stocked in the mainstream stores, they are not isolated and set apart or targeted, but the cost is high in the loss of these community spaces and the histories they carried. Small indie bookshops are being opened, but they are struggling to thrive in this economy. However, this history continues as areas in the world that remain legally opposed to the queer community begin to see the development of queer shops. Hope is building in these places, in the face of growing hate and backwards steps, of stories of pain and hurt and hiding, these spaces are still so important.
An important history, brilliantly and thoroughly told.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I LOVE READING ABOUT QUEER HISTORY!!! This was an excellent book looking at different queer bookstores over the years and tracing how these establishments evolved with the changing landscape of queer rights. It was so lovely learning about how a lot of the store owners and booksellers would help out other stores and assist them with getting stock instead of viewing them like competition. I loved seeing the community aspect of the stores, like being a hub for advocacy or sharing vital information about AIDS when it wasn’t available elsewhere.
While I had heard of some of these stores before there was still so much to learn within this book. I never knew of all of the different stories of queer bookstores having to fight back against their governments when stock was constantly being seized at the borders by customs or having their stores raided for “obscene” materials. And there were so many moving passages, like seeing the reactions of people from East Germany getting to visit one of the bookstores after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
I’m so glad that A.J. West wrote this book. It’s such an engaging read that shares so much interesting information about the history and evolution of queer bookshops. He also does an excellent job narrating the audiobook. I was so disappointed whenever I had to pause it to get on with other things in my life. I highly recommend this book to readers who are interested in queer history and the history of independent bookshops!
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
While I had heard of some of these stores before there was still so much to learn within this book. I never knew of all of the different stories of queer bookstores having to fight back against their governments when stock was constantly being seized at the borders by customs or having their stores raided for “obscene” materials. And there were so many moving passages, like seeing the reactions of people from East Germany getting to visit one of the bookstores after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
I’m so glad that A.J. West wrote this book. It’s such an engaging read that shares so much interesting information about the history and evolution of queer bookshops. He also does an excellent job narrating the audiobook. I was so disappointed whenever I had to pause it to get on with other things in my life. I highly recommend this book to readers who are interested in queer history and the history of independent bookshops!
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Dreamscape Media for the #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Queer bookshops have been both at the forefront and underground in the last century, but always in the fight for queer liberation. A. J. West takes readers on a journey through history and across the world, exploring ways in which queer bookshops have been safe havens, political targets, victims of censorship, or catalysts for political movements. A notable example is how queer bookshops filled the information gap during the AIDS crisis, when the rest of the world was turning its eyes away.
A. J. West does such a phenomenal job of tracing history and connecting the dots between the bookshops and their impact. It’s well-researched, and includes anecdotes from shop owners or from beneficiaries of the presence of queer bookshops. Any nonfiction history book runs the risk of monotony, but A. J. West's mix of history, wit, and queer joy all make this such a delightful (and informative!) read. I learned so much from this through-line of queer history, even more powerful by the fact that bookshops have been at the center of much queer progress. This is a book that belongs on every queer bookshelf.
Reviewed as part of an #ARC from #NetGalley.
Read this book if you:
📚 have ever read a book with a queer author or about queer topics
🏛️ love global perspectives and historical overviews
🏳️🌈 know the meaning of “friend of Dorothy” or “lavender menace”
Follow me on Instagram
for more book reviews!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Queer bookshops have been both at the forefront and underground in the last century, but always in the fight for queer liberation. A. J. West takes readers on a journey through history and across the world, exploring ways in which queer bookshops have been safe havens, political targets, victims of censorship, or catalysts for political movements. A notable example is how queer bookshops filled the information gap during the AIDS crisis, when the rest of the world was turning its eyes away.
A. J. West does such a phenomenal job of tracing history and connecting the dots between the bookshops and their impact. It’s well-researched, and includes anecdotes from shop owners or from beneficiaries of the presence of queer bookshops. Any nonfiction history book runs the risk of monotony, but A. J. West's mix of history, wit, and queer joy all make this such a delightful (and informative!) read. I learned so much from this through-line of queer history, even more powerful by the fact that bookshops have been at the center of much queer progress. This is a book that belongs on every queer bookshelf.
Reviewed as part of an #ARC from #NetGalley.
Read this book if you:
📚 have ever read a book with a queer author or about queer topics
🏛️ love global perspectives and historical overviews
🏳️🌈 know the meaning of “friend of Dorothy” or “lavender menace”
Follow me on Instagram
for more book reviews!
May 19, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this ALC!
“How Queer Bookshops Changed the World” by A.J. West is an amazing little history of a niche but extremely interesting topic. In it, he describes the story of several queer bookshops (or bookshops which stocked queer reading materials) throughout history, and how they influenced the queer community around them.
This was absolutely lovely. There is no area of history that interests me more than queer history (We Have Always Been Here!), and this book covers a specific topic I didn’t even think to consider the history of.
Obviously well researched, telling a varied history with lots of heart and hurt with a great amount of compassion. Certain parts of the stories told herein almost had me tearing up a little.
Not only does this book tell us the history (and in some cases, present) of these bookshops, it also describes the world at the time these shops opened and operated, what life was like for queer people at the time. There are also interviews (transcribed), which brought the story even closer to the reader.
The audiobook is narrated by the author himself, something I always appreciate and which I felt worked really well for this book specifically as you could tell that West really cares about the topic and the shops and people he has learned about in order to write this book.
I know that the topic is a bit nice, but I really cannot recommend it enough, especially as an audiobook. If you like queer people, books and history, give it a go!
“How Queer Bookshops Changed the World” by A.J. West is an amazing little history of a niche but extremely interesting topic. In it, he describes the story of several queer bookshops (or bookshops which stocked queer reading materials) throughout history, and how they influenced the queer community around them.
This was absolutely lovely. There is no area of history that interests me more than queer history (We Have Always Been Here!), and this book covers a specific topic I didn’t even think to consider the history of.
Obviously well researched, telling a varied history with lots of heart and hurt with a great amount of compassion. Certain parts of the stories told herein almost had me tearing up a little.
Not only does this book tell us the history (and in some cases, present) of these bookshops, it also describes the world at the time these shops opened and operated, what life was like for queer people at the time. There are also interviews (transcribed), which brought the story even closer to the reader.
The audiobook is narrated by the author himself, something I always appreciate and which I felt worked really well for this book specifically as you could tell that West really cares about the topic and the shops and people he has learned about in order to write this book.
I know that the topic is a bit nice, but I really cannot recommend it enough, especially as an audiobook. If you like queer people, books and history, give it a go!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Netgalley for the rare double blessing of an ebook and audiobook ARCs for this one. The fact that the author narrated this himself gave this a smidgen of personality and levity which can big down historical popular non-fiction. The author does quite an exhaustive job of tracing the history of queer bookstores in the Western world, one that is intricately connected across continents, and civil rights for queer and feminist movements. I was familiar with most of the historical context so the role of the bookstores through these times as safe spaces is an interesting lens. Being from Philadelphia, home of Giovanni's Room, and having just returned from London and it's very own Gay's The Word Bookshop, it was interesting to see how much came before and after these two long standing havens of queer history and knowledge. I did find my mind slipping from the narrative pace frequently and it took me a while to pinpoint that it might be because the author's style is very journalistic and less academic introspective. So your enjoyment may vary based on what style of popular non-fiction you prefer. It's an important and comprehensive account of queer and feminist movements and history of censorship, especially in the current times, and I'm glad it's coming out now. But if you crave a deeper dive into specific eras of queer literary history, you'll need to look elsewhere because this is very much a speed run.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
This was an incredibly thoughtful, inspiring, and deeply important read—one that feels as much like a tribute as it does a history.
How Queer Bookshops Changed the World shines a light on spaces that were never just about books—they were lifelines, safe havens, and catalysts for change. The way this book weaves together history, activism, and community is both powerful and moving. It highlights not only the cultural impact of queer bookshops, but the people behind them—their courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to creating spaces where others could feel seen and supported.
What stood out most to me was how immersive and heartfelt the storytelling felt. Each chapter carries a sense of purpose, honoring the legacy of these spaces while also reminding us why they still matter today. It’s informative without ever feeling heavy, and emotional without being overwhelming—striking a perfect balance that kept me fully engaged from beginning to end.
This is the kind of book that lingers with you. It encourages reflection, sparks appreciation, and reinforces just how vital community-centered spaces are, especially in times of uncertainty.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oneworld Publications for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A beautifully written and meaningful read that celebrates history, community, and the enduring power of books.
This was an incredibly thoughtful, inspiring, and deeply important read—one that feels as much like a tribute as it does a history.
How Queer Bookshops Changed the World shines a light on spaces that were never just about books—they were lifelines, safe havens, and catalysts for change. The way this book weaves together history, activism, and community is both powerful and moving. It highlights not only the cultural impact of queer bookshops, but the people behind them—their courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to creating spaces where others could feel seen and supported.
What stood out most to me was how immersive and heartfelt the storytelling felt. Each chapter carries a sense of purpose, honoring the legacy of these spaces while also reminding us why they still matter today. It’s informative without ever feeling heavy, and emotional without being overwhelming—striking a perfect balance that kept me fully engaged from beginning to end.
This is the kind of book that lingers with you. It encourages reflection, sparks appreciation, and reinforces just how vital community-centered spaces are, especially in times of uncertainty.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oneworld Publications for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A beautifully written and meaningful read that celebrates history, community, and the enduring power of books.
April 28, 2026
This book is a great mix of the history of specific queer book stores throughout the world, as well as a history on their contributions to the queer rights movement.
This is an area of queer history that is relatively unknown to most people but was very interesting to learn about. I loved both the focus on various stores, some I had heard of and some I hadn’t, and the people that run them. The author’s dedication to finding the story behind each store is evident in this book, not wanting these people to fall to the wayside of history.
I also loved learning how the stores contributed to the queer rights movement and even fought back. Whether it was just being a place of information and community in times where that wasn’t a thing or fighting legal battles, these stores are an important part of queer history. As a Canadian I found it particularly interesting with the Canadian bookstore’s battle against seizure of books at the border.
In the final chapter there was a couple mentions of not western world bookstores. I do wish there was a bit more diversity but I also understand that might not be possible.
The author narrated the book himself and was a great narrator! He did a good job with keeping it engaging!
Thank you to the NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is an area of queer history that is relatively unknown to most people but was very interesting to learn about. I loved both the focus on various stores, some I had heard of and some I hadn’t, and the people that run them. The author’s dedication to finding the story behind each store is evident in this book, not wanting these people to fall to the wayside of history.
I also loved learning how the stores contributed to the queer rights movement and even fought back. Whether it was just being a place of information and community in times where that wasn’t a thing or fighting legal battles, these stores are an important part of queer history. As a Canadian I found it particularly interesting with the Canadian bookstore’s battle against seizure of books at the border.
In the final chapter there was a couple mentions of not western world bookstores. I do wish there was a bit more diversity but I also understand that might not be possible.
The author narrated the book himself and was a great narrator! He did a good job with keeping it engaging!
Thank you to the NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2026
Queer bookstores historically have been — and continue to be — a refuge for LGBTQ+ readers and writers, youth, as well as disabled and other marginalized individuals. They’ve been hideouts, safe havens, gathering spaces, community connectors, activist hubs and health information centers — even wedding spaces.
“How Queer Bookshops Changed the World” explores important past and present queer bookstores around the world, queer authors, book bans, drag artists reading to kids, library funding and much more.
One interesting story was about the oldest feminist bookstore in the U.S., Amazon Bookstore, which had a sharp increase in orders in the late ‘90s because Amazon.com customers thought they were ordering from the online retailer — and AB’s customers were sometimes mistakenly ordering from the online shopping website when they thought they were ordering from the indie store. The 1970 storefront sued the online retailer, they settled out of court, and Amazon Bookstore changed its name to Amazon Bookstore Cooperative.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator felt like those of the Big Bus Tours narration — super engaging and inviting.
Thank you to #NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an advanced audiobook copy of #HowQueerBookshopsChangedTheWorld.
Publication date May 7, 2026
“How Queer Bookshops Changed the World” explores important past and present queer bookstores around the world, queer authors, book bans, drag artists reading to kids, library funding and much more.
One interesting story was about the oldest feminist bookstore in the U.S., Amazon Bookstore, which had a sharp increase in orders in the late ‘90s because Amazon.com customers thought they were ordering from the online retailer — and AB’s customers were sometimes mistakenly ordering from the online shopping website when they thought they were ordering from the indie store. The 1970 storefront sued the online retailer, they settled out of court, and Amazon Bookstore changed its name to Amazon Bookstore Cooperative.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator felt like those of the Big Bus Tours narration — super engaging and inviting.
Thank you to #NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an advanced audiobook copy of #HowQueerBookshopsChangedTheWorld.
Publication date May 7, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Oneworld Publications for this arc!
It is rare that any work of non-fiction has touched me in the way that this book did.
How Queer Bookshops Changed the World is not only an in depth history of LGBTQ+ bookshops but a history of queer community and the fight for acceptance and information. West touches on events such as Stonewall, the fight against Customs and the AIDs Crisis, consistently showing how important these bookshops are to the LGBTQ+ community.
West provides an expansive history of Queer Bookshops in whatever form they took around the world. He also dives into the lives of those running and frequenting these stores, with a plethora of quotes throughout.
Not only was this a clearly well researched book but it was also beautifully written. West’s writing is extremely easy to read and find yourself lost in. He doesn’t sugarcoat the events that took place but he knows when to throw in a little joke and lighten the mood. I feel that I have learned so much from this book and I had a great time doing it.
It also serves as a great reminder to support our independent bookshops, especially those owned by minorities. I cannot recommend this book enough!
It is rare that any work of non-fiction has touched me in the way that this book did.
How Queer Bookshops Changed the World is not only an in depth history of LGBTQ+ bookshops but a history of queer community and the fight for acceptance and information. West touches on events such as Stonewall, the fight against Customs and the AIDs Crisis, consistently showing how important these bookshops are to the LGBTQ+ community.
West provides an expansive history of Queer Bookshops in whatever form they took around the world. He also dives into the lives of those running and frequenting these stores, with a plethora of quotes throughout.
Not only was this a clearly well researched book but it was also beautifully written. West’s writing is extremely easy to read and find yourself lost in. He doesn’t sugarcoat the events that took place but he knows when to throw in a little joke and lighten the mood. I feel that I have learned so much from this book and I had a great time doing it.
It also serves as a great reminder to support our independent bookshops, especially those owned by minorities. I cannot recommend this book enough!
May 15, 2026
I got an ARC of this audiobook. To see more reviews check out MI Book Reviews.
I really did enjoy this one. It was informational, but had some heart. I jumped from bookstore to bookstore across different time periods. So not only were the stores discussed, but current cultural issues with censorship and getting to know the owners was talked about. I wish there was more of the micro history bend to the book. I wanted to know more about the censorship laws and how publishing was handling the queer books that the bookstores were trying to sell.
The book also mainly focused on gay and lesbian shops. There were little to no mention of trans people. Other identities were not mentioned from what I can remember. Queer does mean more than gay and lesbian. I wish there was more discussion of other identities, outside of a mention of Kate Bornstein existing.
Overall, it was a great introduction and added some classic books to my TBR. I just wanted a bit more indepth into the the topic. I woul dhave gladly listened/read a longer book to get those details. West was an author that humanized the stores and issues. So I have no doubt they could have pulled off a deeper look at the issues as well.
I really did enjoy this one. It was informational, but had some heart. I jumped from bookstore to bookstore across different time periods. So not only were the stores discussed, but current cultural issues with censorship and getting to know the owners was talked about. I wish there was more of the micro history bend to the book. I wanted to know more about the censorship laws and how publishing was handling the queer books that the bookstores were trying to sell.
The book also mainly focused on gay and lesbian shops. There were little to no mention of trans people. Other identities were not mentioned from what I can remember. Queer does mean more than gay and lesbian. I wish there was more discussion of other identities, outside of a mention of Kate Bornstein existing.
Overall, it was a great introduction and added some classic books to my TBR. I just wanted a bit more indepth into the the topic. I woul dhave gladly listened/read a longer book to get those details. West was an author that humanized the stores and issues. So I have no doubt they could have pulled off a deeper look at the issues as well.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Although this is, in essence, a history book with a pretty specific focus on U.S, Canadian, and UK bookstores that did business in the past century, the way the story was told reveals the deep significance and impact that these places have had throughout the years.
The story of queer bookshops reveals the shape of queer communities--the books they wrote, the movements they supported, and the culture they enriched. A.J. West does a fantastic job narrating the book in audio format. And while there is a specific focus on western bookstores, there is mention of queer bookshops in other places, such as Japan and Mexico. Though I'm sure to really account for the histories on non-Western queer bookshops would require their own books, as this one has shown just how much these shops are tied into major events and queer culture as an integral part of history.
This is not simply a book tracing the history of specialized small businesses. This illustrates a brilliant facet of queer history: how these bookshops thrived thanks to their community and in return became the lifeblood of their community should never be forgotten.
The story of queer bookshops reveals the shape of queer communities--the books they wrote, the movements they supported, and the culture they enriched. A.J. West does a fantastic job narrating the book in audio format. And while there is a specific focus on western bookstores, there is mention of queer bookshops in other places, such as Japan and Mexico. Though I'm sure to really account for the histories on non-Western queer bookshops would require their own books, as this one has shown just how much these shops are tied into major events and queer culture as an integral part of history.
This is not simply a book tracing the history of specialized small businesses. This illustrates a brilliant facet of queer history: how these bookshops thrived thanks to their community and in return became the lifeblood of their community should never be forgotten.
April 28, 2026
I received a free ARC through NetGalley
Title: How Queer Bookshops Changed the World
Written By A.J. West
Star rating (out of 5): 5
Reading Format: Audiobook
Content review: Wow! I love learning about this history! I learned so much and the book was so gripping that I couldn’t put it down. This book is so well researched and I highly recommend we all read it. I loved hearing about the individuals that used books to change the world. It’s important to see how far we have come but also how quickly things can revert back if people do not stand up for what they believe. It is inspiring to read about these everyday heroes.
Description: A. J. West gives a historical recounting of LGBTQ+ bookshops and their owners. This book documents how Queer bookstores have been a place of sanctuary, a place to find likeminded people, and a place where a community could find books where they were represented. Each moment in history is well researched and inspiring. We have to remember that a bookstore can change the world.
Title: How Queer Bookshops Changed the World
Written By A.J. West
Star rating (out of 5): 5
Reading Format: Audiobook
Content review: Wow! I love learning about this history! I learned so much and the book was so gripping that I couldn’t put it down. This book is so well researched and I highly recommend we all read it. I loved hearing about the individuals that used books to change the world. It’s important to see how far we have come but also how quickly things can revert back if people do not stand up for what they believe. It is inspiring to read about these everyday heroes.
Description: A. J. West gives a historical recounting of LGBTQ+ bookshops and their owners. This book documents how Queer bookstores have been a place of sanctuary, a place to find likeminded people, and a place where a community could find books where they were represented. Each moment in history is well researched and inspiring. We have to remember that a bookstore can change the world.
May 7, 2026
4.5⭐
I have been a fan of every book that A.J West has written and this has not changed that. All his previous books were historical fiction and one of the parts I think he really conveyed well was the history, making the reader feel they were truly there.
When I realised that this book was a history of queer bookshops I knew that A.J would do a fantastic job at portraying the stories well.
I found this book a fantastic read, I've always been interested in why people couldn't accept others for who they are and how we got from the times where being homosexual was illegal to nowadays where in a majority of countries it is accepted and celebrated.
This book did a fantastic job at taking us through those times where people had to hide the lesbian and gay books to a more modern time where people started opening queer bookshops. The fears, the pride, and everything in between.
I loved everyone of the stories of the people who went against what was 'acceptable' to bring us to the point we are at today in most western countries.
I highly recommend this book!
I have been a fan of every book that A.J West has written and this has not changed that. All his previous books were historical fiction and one of the parts I think he really conveyed well was the history, making the reader feel they were truly there.
When I realised that this book was a history of queer bookshops I knew that A.J would do a fantastic job at portraying the stories well.
I found this book a fantastic read, I've always been interested in why people couldn't accept others for who they are and how we got from the times where being homosexual was illegal to nowadays where in a majority of countries it is accepted and celebrated.
This book did a fantastic job at taking us through those times where people had to hide the lesbian and gay books to a more modern time where people started opening queer bookshops. The fears, the pride, and everything in between.
I loved everyone of the stories of the people who went against what was 'acceptable' to bring us to the point we are at today in most western countries.
I highly recommend this book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5🌟 for story, 5🌟 for audio
I so very much enjoyed this! Rich in queer history and extremely bingeable. I could have continued to listen to more of this history.
As readers we all know how important books and bookshops can be (libraries too!). Learning how specifically they have affected the queer world brought out all the feelings. Wonderfully written and narrated. It was well researched and fun to learn about. At no point did this feel like a non-fiction book to me. I finished in one day because i just wanted it to keep going.
I 100% recommend this book, even if you aren't a non-fiction fan. I will patiently wait to purchase my own copy for my shelf, and then I'm going to read it with a note this time to track all the books and bookshops mentioned to see how many I can read and visit.
Thanks to Dreamscape Media and A.J. West for sending for me an Alc to review.
Narrated by A. J. West.
I so very much enjoyed this! Rich in queer history and extremely bingeable. I could have continued to listen to more of this history.
As readers we all know how important books and bookshops can be (libraries too!). Learning how specifically they have affected the queer world brought out all the feelings. Wonderfully written and narrated. It was well researched and fun to learn about. At no point did this feel like a non-fiction book to me. I finished in one day because i just wanted it to keep going.
I 100% recommend this book, even if you aren't a non-fiction fan. I will patiently wait to purchase my own copy for my shelf, and then I'm going to read it with a note this time to track all the books and bookshops mentioned to see how many I can read and visit.
Thanks to Dreamscape Media and A.J. West for sending for me an Alc to review.
Narrated by A. J. West.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and A.J. West for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I've found myself reaching for non-fiction more lately, so I jumped at the opportunity to listen to this early. Even as a member of the queer community, there is still so much history I have yet to uncover, and this was an excellent opportunity to fill in the blanks.
The narration was fantastic. It's often hit or miss when an author narrates their own book, but A.J. West's delivery was great. I also felt the book was well researched and thoughtful. You can tell a lot of care went into the writing. While the subject matter can be quite heavy at times, there were several moments that made me genuinely laugh, which was a welcome surprise. I highly recommend this to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of queer history, whether you identify as part of the community or you consider yourself an ally.
I've found myself reaching for non-fiction more lately, so I jumped at the opportunity to listen to this early. Even as a member of the queer community, there is still so much history I have yet to uncover, and this was an excellent opportunity to fill in the blanks.
The narration was fantastic. It's often hit or miss when an author narrates their own book, but A.J. West's delivery was great. I also felt the book was well researched and thoughtful. You can tell a lot of care went into the writing. While the subject matter can be quite heavy at times, there were several moments that made me genuinely laugh, which was a welcome surprise. I highly recommend this to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of queer history, whether you identify as part of the community or you consider yourself an ally.
May 14, 2026
It’s impossible to write about the existence of a space without acknowledging the many people behind creating that movement and how queer bookshops changed the world does just that. As an avid reader, bookshop sleuth, and queer person, I loved reading more about the fight that got us here. I absolutely take advantage of having queer literature available to me at all times.
This books takes us all over the world and throughout time as queer bookshops began popping up, interwoven with queer history and culture- and told with enough tongue in cheek sass to address some of the heavier topics. From regency England to today, building and creating a queer reading community is an ongoing topic.
I wish I could have sat beside AJ as they did this research, that’s how much I loved it.
How Queer Bookshops Changed the World will be published May 7, 2026 and I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for my review.
This books takes us all over the world and throughout time as queer bookshops began popping up, interwoven with queer history and culture- and told with enough tongue in cheek sass to address some of the heavier topics. From regency England to today, building and creating a queer reading community is an ongoing topic.
I wish I could have sat beside AJ as they did this research, that’s how much I loved it.
How Queer Bookshops Changed the World will be published May 7, 2026 and I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for my review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A.J. West did a great job voicing his own story. I could feel the passion he has for the history the books, people and shops that have made an impact on communities across the US, UK and beyond.
This book is a story not just about queer bookshops that have impacted communities, but also the people who fought for the stories that belong in these stores. Who fought for safe spaces for the LGBTQ communities throughout the decades. There are stories that show how people found a home within these shops. They no longer felt alone in a time where their feelings had to be hidden. These spaces are important now more than ever.
While I did enjoy the audiobook and recommend listening, it is worth having a physical copy to annotate and reference. There are a number of books and shops mentioned that I would love to read and explore.
Thank you Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ALC.
This book is a story not just about queer bookshops that have impacted communities, but also the people who fought for the stories that belong in these stores. Who fought for safe spaces for the LGBTQ communities throughout the decades. There are stories that show how people found a home within these shops. They no longer felt alone in a time where their feelings had to be hidden. These spaces are important now more than ever.
While I did enjoy the audiobook and recommend listening, it is worth having a physical copy to annotate and reference. There are a number of books and shops mentioned that I would love to read and explore.
Thank you Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ALC.
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