I’m sure that we all, as book bloggers, understand how it feels to suffer from a constantly-growing TBR.
I know I do, and I thought it’d be fun to go look through some of the books that I’ve added to my TBR pertaining to the LGBTQ+ community. And, I have a lot.
(This isn’t even including all the adult M/M romances I also own. Oops.)
I’m going to go ahead and call this a sort of Top 5 Wednesday post since this week’s topic is Favorite LGBTQ+ Reads.
I feel like I’ve already talked a lot about those, so why not shed some light on the ones that have yet to become my favorites. And this is also WAY more than five, so take it as you will.
Why I Added It to My TBR:
Short story! Forbidden romance! Superheroes! There was absolutely no way I could pass this up after reading the description, and after seeing the Goodreads description, apparently other book bloggers played a part in this, so that’s awesome as well!
Why It’s Still There:
I have no good reason for this.
Why I Added It to My TBR:
Because I was on Goodreads at the time, and everyone and their mother said it was absolutely brilliant, and it sounds absolutely brilliant. And, again, it’s quite a short book, so I could honestly read this in a day.
Why It’s Still There:
I’m still waiting for that moment where I’ll feel like reading a fantasy book. Yep, still not happening.
Why I Added It to My TBR:
Because David Levithan, that’s why. Also, I read a sampler of this in one of those free Buzz Books releases and fell in love with it and knew I just HAD to get my hands on it as soon as it came out.
Why It’s Still There:
Uh, I don’t know? Probably because it’s a contemporary novel, and in 2016, I did not read too many contemporaries. And I just don’t read too many of them in general.
Why I Added It to My TBR:
One, because I love thrillers. Two, I love dark comedy, and several reviewers have pointed it out. Three, I love gangs of anti-heroes. Four, I heard this has short chapters, and nothing makes me happier than short chapters.
Why It’s Still There:
Honestly, I don’t know? I should read this one soon.
We Are the Ants & The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley
Why I Added It to My TBR:
Initially, because everyone on Goodreads recommended them and said it was absolutely amazing. Now that I’ve actually read one of Hutchinson’s works, they’ve stayed on my TBR because it was absolutely brilliant, and I hope this one is as well!
Why It’s Still There:
Well, it used to be on there because I hadn’t read his work before, but now that I know that his books are amazing, I should easily devour these.
Why I Added It to My TBR:
Because this sounds like an amazing YA thriller, and I will hunt down and read all the YA thrillers out there because I can.
Why It’s Still There:
I don’t know. I read his adult book The Otto Digmore Difference last month and really enjoyed, so I’m interested in what will happen when he writes a thriller. I’m reall hoping it’s good.
Why I Added It to My TBR:
Because sometimes, you just want a fluffy, friends-to-lovers contemporary.
Why It’s Still There:
Again with the contemporary issue. And this one’s short as well! Really, what I’m learning is that I’m terribly lazy when it comes to contemporary.
Why I Added It to My TBR:
Because, again, cute, fluffy, friends-to-lover romance is my weakness.
Why It’s Still There:
Okay, I really have an issue with not keeping up with contemporaries.
Why I Added It to My TBR:
Because ghosts! Clock spirits! I don’t usually like novels that take place in the Victorian era because it’s so over-saturated and it’s probably the most boring time period of ever, but I’ll make exceptions when you put in some PNR elements.
Why It’s Still There:
I’m owing it all to the fact that I’m not in the mood for this one at the moment. I’m definitely hoping to at least read this one this year, though.
Why I Added It to My TBR:
Because there were so many YA thrillers that came out last year, and I’m still struggling to catch up with them all. I’m drowning in all the YA thrillers!
Why It’s Still There:
Actually, I don’t know. I’m probably going to read this one soon.
Why I Added It to My TBR:
Because I heard this book was terrifically weird, and I am here for it! I’m always a fan of weird books with a unique type of story-telling.
Why It’s Still There:
This has God-awful Goodreads reviews/ratings, so I was probably put off by that, but I honestly don’t even care about overall Goodreads ratings, and then there’s the fact that it has less than 300 ratings, so it’s sort of skewed? But, yeah, I’m definitely going to read this one.
True Letters from a Fictional Life
Why I Added It to My TBR:
Probably because the concept sounds so damn intriguing. And maybe because the cover just really stands out.
Why It’s Still There:
The first step to solving a problem is admitting that you have one. And I have a problem with trying to actually read contemporaries.
Whatever.: Or how junior year became totally f$@ked
Why I Added It to My TBR:
Because I heard this book was absolutely hilarious, and I’m all up for books that make me laugh. Most of the genres I read are dark and gloomy a large majority of the time, so it’d be nice to read something lighter.
Why It’s Still There:
More contemporary angst.
Why I Added It to My TBR:
Because as soon as the synopsis and the cover were revealed on Goodreads, everyone was freaking out and I got caught up the hype.
Why It’s Still There:
This was one of those books that had a flurry of positive reviews before it released, and after it came out, there were more mixed reviews, but I’m definitely going to read it!
Why I Added It to My TBR:
Well, I enjoyed the fanfiction bits the best of the little I read of Fangirl, and I also read the first hundred or so pages of this one before putting it down, and I really enjoyed it.
Why It’s Still There:
I’m still in a fantasy slump. Let’s hope ACOWAR breaks me out of it.
Why I Added It to My TBR:
I don’t even remember. Probably because angst-y contemporary? Or maybe because of the cover? Or maybe because I was just adding random books to my TBR like what happens when you spend too much time on Goodreads? Sounds good, though.
Why It’s Still There:
I don’t think I need to explain this anymore.
Why I Added It to My TBR:
One, everyone recommends Patrick Ness’s books. Two, weird books are my soulmates. Three, I heard this has a lot of WTF-ery. And I LOVE WTF-ery.
Why It’s Still There:
Because I’ve never been in the mood for it? This book has been on my TBR for the longest, to be honest. I honestly don’t know why.
The Darkest Part of the Forest
Why I Added It to My TBR:
I love fae, and there just aren’t enough books about fae out there that are also really good. And I haven’t read a Holly Black book yet.
Why It’s Still There:
Again, I honestly don’t know. This is probably another “Ooh, this one sounds interesting,” spree I had on Goodreads, and then the book just sits there forever and ever and ever and ever…
Why I Added It to My TBR:
Because this is one of those series like The Raven Cycle that just took off and everyone screamed about how much they loved it, so I added it because I was on a Raven Cycle high.
Why It’s Still There:
I mean, this is a finished series, so I guess I just simply don’t have an excuse?
Why I Added It to My TBR:
I saw a fantastic review for this one from Emily May, and I usually add rave reviews of her books to my TBR. Also, I love sci-fi!
Why It’s Still There:
I don’t know. With my recent obsession with sci-fi, I really should read this one soon.
Why I Added It to My TBR:
I actually haven’t read the summary of this one in forever, but I just re-read it, and oh my God, it sounds so freaking amazing!
Why It’s Still There:
I think I added this one around the time of the dystopia craze, and then it faded, and so did my interest, and now that those types of books have waned, my interest is totally peaked again.
Why I Added It to My TBR:
I saw a good review for this one pop up on my Goodreads feed way back when, and I added it to my TBR because it sounded really interesting!
Why It’s Still There:
Because I have a problem. I actually read Tattoo Atlas by this author, and it was absolutely brilliant, so I’ll probably dig into this one soon enough.
Why I Added It to My TBR:
Because Tumblr absolutely adores this series. Even though I sort of hate Tumblr overall, they did also rec the Captive Prince trilogy to me, and that’s one of my favorite series of ever, so why not?
Why It’s Still There:
Laziness? And I sort of don’t want to start a series right now; I have way too many unfinished ones; it’s basically unacceptable.
Why I Added It to My TBR:
I’ve had all of Malinda Lo’s books on my TBR for a long time, but this is the one that interested me the most, probably because the cover pulls me in AND I still don’t really know what this book is about even though I read the description. But, I absolutely love weird books anyway.
Why It’s Still There:
Another Goodreads addition. Let’s just be glad I’m not on the site anymore.
Why I Added It to My TBR:
So many people have raved about this one and Everything Leads to You, so I should obviously read the both of them. Also, I’ve seen this book in many a bookstagram pictures, and it looks absolutely gorgeous.
Why It’s Still There:
I’m just not in a contemporary mood, I admit it.
Why I Added It to My TBR:
Because everyone in the blogging community has raved about this book to the point where I just went ahead and added it to my TBR! And I’m also a sucker for gorgeous prose, and the quotes for this one sound stunning.
Why It’s Still There:
I’m waiting until I’m in the mood for this one. I’ve been sucking at reading this year, and this one looks like a pretty dense read, so I’ll wait until I’m totally ready for it.
Why I Added It to My TBR:
Again, another recent blogging community obsession. And, okay, the cover is striking and I just couldn’t help myself.
Why It’s Still There:
Yeah, in the last five to ten minutes, I haven’t suddenly been in the mood for a contemporary.
Why I Added It to My TBR:
I’ve heard lots of things about Talley’s books – both good and bad – but I’m most interested in this one because I’ve become a huge fan of YA horror, and I really need to read more of it.
Why It’s Still There:
I really don’t have any excuses except I’m just not in the mood for it.
Why I Added It to My TBR:
I bought this so long ago with some birthday money. Pretty sure my eyes saw the cover, then read the description, and I went ahead and bought it.
Why It’s Still There:
Still not in that contemporary craze. And it’s been, like, four years, so this is unacceptable to be honest.
Obviously, I really need to get cracking on conquering my TBR.
(Someone please help me.)
Have you read any of these books? What were your thoughts on them? What are some of your favorite LGBTQ+ reads? Also, I’m doing a blog post on Tips You’d Give New Book Bloggers for next month, so for all of you guys out there, what’s one piece of advice you’d give a new book blogger?
the well-thumbed reader 
I can’t believe I STILL haven’t read Carry On, it’s been on my TBR for too long! And I am so excited for Queens of Geek! It’s super geeky and nerdy and I just really need to get my hands on it 😀
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Same; I’ve had it on my TBR for years, and it’s such a shame! And the little I read was so good, so I don’t know why I haven’t continued yet??? Yes, so am I; I hope it lives up to the hype! 😄
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Wow this is quite a list! I’ve actually really been wanting to read LGBTQ+ books so I can see myself adding a lot of these to my TBR, a few are on there already though. Queens of Geek is one that I’m really looking forward to! Great post ❤
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Yeah, read all the LGBTQ+ books! They’re always some of my favorites! I’m also looking forward to Queens of Geek since everyone seems to just love it! Thank you so much! ❤
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What a list, this is awesome. Also, I love this kind of post so much! I really want to read Queens of Geek, You Know Me Well and Labyrinth Lost. You HAVE to read More Than This and I’ll Give You The Sun as soon as you can, please please pleaseeeeeeeee ?! Haha. Both books are just so good, among my favorites, really. Hope you’ll love them both ❤
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Yes, I’ve heard brilliant things about More Than This and I’ll Give You The Sun, and they sound right up my alley, so I’m sure I’d love them. I JUST NEED TO READ THEM! 😂 Also, glad we also need to catch up on some 2016/2017 releases; I’m 100% failing on that aspect of my reading goals this year. 🙈
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Wow this is a long list, and I’m guessing this isn’t even a fraction of what you have on your to-read list either.
But these all seem like amazing books. I have Nina LaCour’s books on my to-read list and really need to get started on some of them soon, same with Queens of Geek actually. Half Bad, Carry On, When the Moon Was Ours, Every Heart a Doorway and More Than This are favourites of mine so I really hope you enjoy them Mikaela, and I hope you enjoy Last Seen Leaving as well which I read recently and thought was a really good book.
Here’s hoping you manage to start making your way through some of these releases soon then! 🙂
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No, definitely not. 😂 Let’s not even begin to tour the iBooks app on my phone.
Yeah, I’m glad to see you love them! I feel like we share some of the same interests when it comes to reading taste and books, so I’m hoping that means I love them!
Haha, I hope I do as well! I’ve been horrible at reading this year ugh.
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It’s the same on my Kindle. I have a folder of unread books and it’s a big one to say the least! 😀 Well I’m definitely hoping so as well, it’s always nicer when you enjoy books than not either way. You’ve still got most of the year left, plenty of time to catch up if you had a specific goal of books you wanted to read! 🙂
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I SEE THE WONDERFUL SIMON VS IN THAT LAST PIC!!! That book is honestly my life. *cries* And Aristotle and Dante. And AGH I need to read We are the Ants! And also I’ll Give You the Sun. LGBT+ books are sooooo amazing — because 1) I get to learn about people I don’t normally read about, 2) DIVERSITYYYY #REPRESENT, 3) it’s on the pathway to being “normal” (even though some people still think it’s wrong grr)! I also want to try Half Bad, but I’m not suuuuuuuure.
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Ah, yes, I love Simon Vs and Ari and Dante! HOW EXCITED FOR YOU FOR THE SIMON VS MOVIE??? I can’t wait to see it once it comes out oh my God! I read SO MANY, but that’s probably because I ship so many gay ships and then read all the fan fiction, so that ends up transferring to my published books. 😂 I can’t help myself.
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OMGGGGG I’M SO EXCITEEEEEEED I’ll just talk all my Simon Vs. friends to see it and then we’ll cry because it was amazing (or it was horrible WHICH I REALLY HOPE IT’S NOT). BUT GAY SHIPS ARE THE BEEEEEEEEST
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I actually got an arc of Last Seen leaving last year but haven’t got around to reading it (whoops). Also yeah The Foxhole Court is huge on Tumblr and that’s kind of why I haven’t read it yet.
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Lol, I’ll probably do that one day – just have an ARC for such a long amount of time and realize I should have read it a long time ago. 😂 Do you avoid Tumblr Recommendations??? I don’t have an account, but I’m still affected by them (I read The Raven Cycle because of it).
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Yeah I guess I do avoid Tumbl recs, they just seem to be really hyped up and I find it quite overwhelming.
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I feel like that’s how Tumblr rolls – it’s just extreme hype and worship to the point that it’s ridiculous or extreme hate to the point where it’s toxic. Probably why I don’t like the site. 😂
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I still haven’t read any Nina LaCour novels and I reallly need to!
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I’m glad we suffer from the same problem! Her books are so pretty; I really want to own the physical copies! ❤
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So many of these are on my TBR too! I have, however, read Been Here All Along, Last Seen Leaving, and I’ll Give You The Sun. All of them are incredible. Especially Last Seen Leaving, that one has the romance and the thriller/mystery. I swear I spent half the book with my jaw dropped. I definitely recommend it! Also, I can relate on being lazy about the contemporaries. I have so many contemporaries on my TBR but it’s getting around to them that’s the problem. That and the fact that I’ve been in a terrible contemporary slump lately. Great list, Mikaela!! 😊♥
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Yes, I’m glad that Last Seen Leaving is a good mix of romance and mystery! I’m usually not a fan of it, but I make exceptions with my gay romances. 😄 Yeah, I feel you on that! Contemporary is my least favorite genre, and even though I can usually read gay contemporary, it still takes me a while to pick up! I’m in a fantasy slump at the moment (or just a slump in general). I’m hoping to pick my reading back up in May. Thank you, Melissa! 😄
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What a great list! We Are the Ants is probably my favourite one. Have you read History is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera? It’s LGBTQ+ too and it’s absolutely wonderful / heartbreaking. One of my all-time favourites ❤
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Yes, I have, and I loved it as well! 😍 Fortunately, I’ve already read Adam Silvera’s books, so they couldn’t be put on the TBR! But, I guess you could sort of count They Both Die At The End? 😂
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Why not? It’s already on mine. I don’t care if doesn’t come out for another 5 months 😀
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Oh God, it would’ve been so bad if I added books coming out that are also LGBTQ+. SO MANY ON MY TBR. I might make a curated list for June since it’s Pride Month, though, for LGBTQ+ releases for the last half of the year!
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You should do that! I’d be really interested in seeing that list since I’m pretty bad at keeping up with new releases
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Will do! I think it’d be pretty fun (even though these types of posts take me so long to do)! XD
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I haven’t read all of these but of the ones I have read Queens Of Geek, Carry On, More Than This, I’ll Give You The Sun and We Are Okay stand out! I also love History Is All You Left Me and Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe! Thanks for this awesome list and I can’t wait to read some of the ones I have yet to such as When The Moon Was Ours and We Are Ants! 🙂
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Ooh, yes, glad to see so many fans of those books! And, yes, Ari and Dante and HIAYLM are two of my personal favorites! No problem! Yes, I’m really hoping to read When The Moon Was Ours and We Are the Ants soon because so much hype! 😄
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OMG I have more than half of this list on my TBR too (Queens of geek,Carry On,Labyrinth lost and many more) and I just can’t find the time 😂 I do hope that I can read them soon 🙂
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Oh yes, I 100% feel you! If I had all the time in the world or more hours in the day, I’m sure I’d be able to read and do everything I wanted! 😄
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You introduced soooooo many more books to my TBR ahah it just never stops growing??! Carry On is fabulous though, you should totally read it! You Know Me Well and Queens of Geek are both on my TBR as well, I can’t wait to read them both! ❤
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Lol, mine doesn’t either, so don’t feel too bad! 😂 I know, I’m sure I’ll love Carry On so I should read it soon! 🙈
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ARghhh I NEED TO GET TO I’LL GIVE YOU THE SUN, QUEENS OF GEEK AND WE ARE THE ANTS VERY SOON. Oh and Carry On is a deliciously cute read but it’s kinda slow in places. *so many books ahh * *bulging eyeballs* 😂🌌
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YES I WANT TO AT LEAST FINISH ALL THREE OF THESE BEFORE 2017 IS OVER. I’m pretty sure I’ll fail though; I’m failing at all my 2017 goals. 😂 SO MANY BOOKS!
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WE’VE STILL GOT A LOT OF TIME THOUGH😂
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