YA LGBT Books discussion

Hey everyone,

While we wait another 2 days to see who won free copies of our current book of the month, let's think about the next one. What should the group read?

We'll have an open nomination this time, but do be aware that a more accessible book (low cost, in libraries, etc) is easier for members to join in on.

What YA LGBTQ book would you like to read, or do you think members who haven't read it should try, (and those who have read it can discuss), as our BotM for Feb-March?

What book made a difference to you, and might to other readers? What sounds interesting, appealing or different?

If possible, link the book page on GR and tell us a little about it or why you picked it, or post the blurb.

The titles of past books of the month that we have read are on all the threads in this "Book of the Month" folder, and you can also check with a search of the group's book-of-the-month Bookshelf at - https://www.goodreads.com/group/books... Please do not repeat a book we have read - either as a past Book of the Month or as a Buddy Read (check the Buddy Read folder) - and please only nominate the first book in a series, unless a later book stands alone completely as a solo read.

Up to two nominations per member. Nominations will be open through Midnight Jan 30th, or sooner if we get 12 nominations - the max for voting. Feel free to renominate a book that did not win in a past vote, if it fits this category.

(Authors please do not nominate your own books - but readers can definitely nominate a member author's work)

Nominations closed

Poll is here - vote through Feb 5

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/1...

I'd like to nominate How to Make a Wish by Ashley Herring Blake!

I'm nominating At the Edge of the Universe by Shaun David Hutchinson because I think it deserves way more recognition, it's amazing and carries important messages.

Cool choices, thanks for the nominations; List started...

Thanks, Jennifer - we read "We are the Ants" and I thought that was very well done. I'll have to TBR this one, whether it wins or not.

First post needs a revision pass (looks like it was copy-pasta'd from the end of December): in P3 - Jan-Feb should be Feb-Mar, and P7 should read, Midnight Jan. 31st

I'm nominating two this month, both by group authors.

The Gay Teen's Guide to Defeating a Siren by Cody Wagner. It has a PDF sample attached to the Goodreads listing if anyone want to try it before voting. It's also a pay what you want ebook on Smashwords

Blurb: (view spoiler)[
Came out of the closet by accident? Check.
Sent off to a pray-away-the-gay school? Miserable check.
Shenanigans ensued? Mega-quadruple check.

Blaize Trales’s world falls apart when he’s dragged to Sanctuary Preparatory Academy, a boarding school that claims to fix gay teens. The place sucks so much they even serve food like “Cleansing Corn.” Blaize’s misguided parents eat it up and hand him over for brainwashing.

But things at Sanctuary aren’t what they appear. Blaize soon discovers the school’s antics are all a lie. They’re also at war with an ancient enemy. Between surviving bullies, rescuing students from mysterious attacks, and passing algebra, Blaize’s life is going to get out-of-control crazy.

And freaking dangerous.

Lucky for Blaize, he wields the ultimate weapon—being gay. And he’s pretty good at it. (hide spoiler)]

Cupid Painted Blind by Marcus Herzig. It is Kindle only as far as I can find (but Marcus might still have some review copies in other formats?) but it is also on Kindle Unlimited.

Blurb: (view spoiler)[
Few things are more exciting and, frankly, unnerving than your first day of high school. Except, maybe, coming out to your friends when they already kinda knew you were gay. Or finding out that the breathtakingly handsome guy you’ve just met is best buddies with your archnemesis who happens to be a homophobic bully. Or being teamed up for a school assignment with that decidedly unattractive, facially-deformed, freaky-looking weirdo who hasn’t got a friend in the world. Or all of the above.

Matthew Dunstan, closeted freshman, future bestselling author, and frequently blushing teenager is on a quest to find himself, find love, and live happily ever after. Sounds easy enough, right? But when the opportunities for failure are endless, it doesn’t take much to turn your life upside down. And that’s not exactly what you need when you try to catch someone’s eye without attracting everyone’s attention.

Cupid Painted Blind is a heartbreaking, heartwarming, and occasionally hilarious roller coaster ride through an awkward freshman’s first few weeks of high school that will appeal to readers of all ages who enjoy Young Adult LGBTQ fiction. (hide spoiler)]

Rez wrote: "First post needs a revision pass (looks like it was copy-pasta'd from the end of December): in P3 - Jan-Feb should be Feb-Mar, and P7 should read, Midnight Jan. 31st"

Thanks - yes, copy-pasted and then distracted :)

I'm planning on reading Queens of Geek soon, and I don't see it in the past reads, so it might be fun to read with other people. I know the author's Australian though so I don't know if it's widely enough published internationally yet for it to be a practical option. No idea if there's an ebook; my copy is paperback.

Queens of Geek is in ebook and it's only $2.99 on Amazon for Kindle so it would be nicely inexpensive.

What about Another Country by James Baldwin?
It IS black history and Queer history month and Baldwin was a pioneer in both departments.

I'm not sure that Another Country fits the criteria for YA books - the MCs are older and involved in adult lives, and sexual relationships, rather than the coming of age of YA stories. Perhaps we can do it as a Buddy Read instead, if there is interest and the content is considered YA-appropriate. It is a seminal work by a major writer, but I'm not sure it fits here.

You're right, though, a book with a black lead character would be appropriate for this month. So I'm going to add one I've meant to try out - The Thunder in His Head which although a second book, appears to stand alone. (it was written before the prequel)


Nominations are now closed

Poll will be up shortly.

Poll is here - vote through Feb 5

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/1...