I’ve never done a TBR post mostly because I’m a mood reader. I have been in a weird reading slump for months, so I’m going to try to make tbrs so I don’t have to worry about deciding what to read next. Although I don’t really have an issue deciding what to read next because I’m in a book club, but I’m sure it’s different for other people. Making tbrs makes me want to mark books off my list, so I’m hoping both of these things encourage me to read more and rekindle my love for reading again.
For the month of June, I am aiming to read books with some form of LGBTQ+ representation as it is PRIDE MONTH. Let’s get right to it.
1. You should see me in a crown // Leah Johnson.
Book Description.
Liz Lighty has always believed she's too black, too poor, and too awkward to shine in her small, rich, prom-obsessed midwestern town. But it's okay - Liz has a plan that will get her out of Campbell, Indiana, forever: attend the uber-elite Pennington College, play in their world-famous orchestra, and become a doctor. But when the financial aid she was counting on unexpectedly falls through, Liz's plans come crashing down until she's reminded of her school's scholarship for prom king and queen.
There's nothing Liz wants to do less than endure a gauntlet of social media trolls, catty competitors, and humiliating public events, but despite her devastating fear of the spotlight, she's willing to do whatever it takes to get to Pennington. The only thing that makes it halfway bearable is the new girl in school, Mack. She's smart, funny, and just as much of an outsider as Liz. But Mack is also in the running for a queen. Will falling for the competition keep Liz from her dreams.… or make them come true? (Goodreads)
Thoughts: I’ve been so excited for this one. I started the audiobook on Thursday. Alaska Jackson’s voice and narration make it even more interesting. I don’t usually like romance books, but high school romance does it for me. There’s just something comforting and nostalgic about high school romances!
2. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo // Taylor Jenkins Reid.
Book Description.
Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?
Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.
Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways. (Goodreads)
Thoughts: I started this book last month, but got distracted as always. I’m always jumping from one book to another. Judging from what I’ve read, this book is too good and I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds.
3. One Last Stop // Casey McQuiston
Book Description.
For cynical twenty-three-year-old August, moving to New York City is supposed to prove her right: that things like magic and cinematic love stories don’t exist, and the only smart way to go through life is alone. She can’t imagine how waiting tables at a 24-hour pancake diner and moving in with too many weird roommates could possibly change that. And there’s certainly no chance of her subway commute being anything more than a daily trudge through boredom and electrical failures.
But then, there’s this gorgeous girl on the train.
Jane. Dazzling, charming, mysterious, impossible Jane. Jane with her rough edges and swoopy hair and soft smile, showed up in a leather jacket to save August’s day when she needed it most. August’s subway crush becomes the best part of her day, but pretty soon, she discovers there’s one big problem: Jane doesn’t just look like an old-school punk rocker. She’s literally displaced in time from the 1970s, and August is going to have to use everything she tried to leave in her own past to help her. Maybe it’s time to start believing in some things, after all. (Goodreads)
Thoughts: I believe in Casey McQuiston’s supremacy. Red, White, and Royal Blue made me fall in love with her and I can’t wait to see how this story is told. And I’m absolutely in love with the cover.
4. Openly Straight // Bill Konigsberg
Book Description.
Rafe is a normal teenager from Boulder, Colorado. He plays soccer. He's won skiing prizes. He likes to write. And, oh yeah, he's gay. He's been out since 8th grade, and he isn't teased, and he goes to other high schools and talks about tolerance and stuff. And while that's important, all Rafe really wants is to just be a regular guy. Not that GAY guy. To have it be a part of who he is, but not the headline, every single time.
So when he transfers to an all-boys boarding school in New England, he decides to keep his sexuality a secret -- not so much going back in the closet as starting over with a clean slate. But then he sees a classmate break down. He meets a teacher who challenges him to write his story. And most of all, he falls in love with Ben . . . who doesn't even know that love is possible. (Goodreads)
Thoughts: Another coming out story? Count me in.
Well, that is it for my TBR for June.
What are you planning to read for pride month?
Are you doing any challenges/readathons for the month?
What are some of your favorite queer authors?
I see. You're in a book club right? Brilliant, go and tell them the book to read for the month. 🧐
I've heard many great things about 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo'.
However I am more biased to reading Nigerian queer writers. So for pride.
Vagabonds by Eloghosa Osunde, every Nigerian queer person has to read this book, it's world bending.
Then
You made a fool of death with your beauty by Akwaeke Emezi, this is Emezi's first romance and based on their previous books this is definitely a hit as always.
Also
Ayodele Olofintuade dropped a new book
Swallow. That's also worth a read.
Thanks for sharing Mo 😌