BookTok, the thriving literary community on TikTok, has become an essential space where readers share book recommendations, reviews, and passion for storytelling. As the world becomes more accepting and inclusive, LGBTQ+ literature is playing a vital role in reshaping narratives. Whether you're a BookTok creator looking for your next post idea or just someone who loves reading diverse and inclusive stories, the following list of eight must-read LGBTQ+ books will captivate your heart, expand your horizons, and keep you hooked from the first page to the last.
1. "Red, White & Royal Blue" by Casey McQuiston
Why it’s a Must-Read: The world of royal romance and political drama is beautifully brought together in Casey McQuiston’s Red, White & Royal Blue. This debut novel centers around Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, and Prince Henry of Wales. Their initially antagonistic relationship turns into a passionate, unexpected love affair that is set against the backdrop of political intrigue, media scrutiny, and personal growth.
Why BookTok Loves It: McQuiston's clever writing, delightful banter, and steamy romance have made this book a favorite on BookTok. It celebrates love in all its forms while showing the power of overcoming societal expectations. The book’s positive portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters, who defy both political and royal traditions, strikes a chord with many readers looking for heartwarming stories of self-acceptance and love.
Key Themes: Political intrigue, royal romance, coming out, self-identity, forbidden love.
2. "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera
Why it’s a Must-Read: They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera is a poignant, heart-wrenching novel that explores the fleeting beauty of life through the eyes of two teenage boys—Mateo and Rufus—who receive a phone call informing them that they only have 24 hours to live. The novel follows their journey to live a lifetime in a day, confronting their fears, desires, and the truth about their feelings for one another.
Why BookTok Loves It: This book has gained immense popularity on BookTok for its emotional depth and raw portrayal of love, loss, and living in the moment. The diverse LGBTQ+ representation resonates with readers who value stories that touch on mortality and the significance of human connection. It’s a perfect blend of contemporary romance and thought-provoking themes that will make readers laugh, cry, and think about their own lives in new ways.
Key Themes: Mortality, love, coming-of-age, emotional growth, LGBTQ+ friendship and romance.
3. "The House in the Cerulean Sea" by TJ Klune
Why it’s a Must-Read: If you love magical realism with a heartwarming queer twist, The House in the Cerulean Sea is your perfect read. TJ Klune’s novel tells the story of Linus Baker, a mild-mannered government worker who is sent to a mysterious orphanage to investigate six magical children. What he finds is not only the children’s extraordinary abilities but also a love story that blossoms between him and the caretaker, Arthur Parnassus.
Why BookTok Loves It: This novel's warm, whimsical nature and its portrayal of found families, acceptance, and love without borders make it an instant favorite for BookTok enthusiasts. It has a unique blend of magic, humor, and deep emotion, which has captured the hearts of countless readers. For those seeking escapism with an LGBTQ+ twist, The House in the Cerulean Sea is both magical and tender.
Key Themes: Found family, LGBTQ+ love, magic, acceptance, kindness, inclusion.
4. "Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli
Why it’s a Must-Read: If you haven't read Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli, you’re missing out on one of the most popular YA LGBTQ+ novels of the last decade. The story follows Simon Spier, a high school junior who is in the closet and is blackmailed by a classmate who discovers Simon’s secret. Throughout the novel, Simon navigates high school, his growing feelings for his anonymous love interest, and the challenges of coming out.
Why BookTok Loves It: As the foundation of the beloved movie Love, Simon, this novel has long been a go-to recommendation for LGBTQ+ teens and adults alike. BookTokers love its relatable characters, funny yet heartfelt writing, and the celebration of self-discovery and coming-out journeys. It’s a sweet and accessible entry point into LGBTQ+ fiction that resonates with readers of all ages.
Key Themes: Coming out, teen romance, friendship, identity, self-acceptance.
5. "Cemetery Boys" by Aiden Thomas
Why it’s a Must-Read: Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas brings readers a diverse and supernatural twist on LGBTQ+ fiction. The story follows Yadriel, a transgender boy from a family of Latinx Brujos, who is determined to prove his abilities as a healer. When he accidentally summons the ghost of Julian Diaz, the son of a local gang leader, Yadriel’s journey to help Julian move on becomes an exploration of love, identity, and self-acceptance.
Why BookTok Loves It: This novel is a fan-favorite on BookTok for its compelling mix of paranormal elements, cultural representation, and the romance between Yadriel and Julian. It offers a fresh perspective on LGBTQ+ storytelling by blending Latinx heritage, ghostly intrigue, and themes of family acceptance in a narrative that’s both moving and thrilling.
Key Themes: Transgender identity, Latinx culture, love, ghostly mystery, LGBTQ+ coming-of-age.
6. "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Why it’s a Must-Read: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a timeless YA classic by Benjamin Alire Sáenz that explores the deep and transformative friendship between two Mexican-American boys, Aristotle and Dante. As they grow and navigate their cultural identities, family pressures, and budding romantic feelings for each other, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and understanding.
Why BookTok Loves It: This novel resonates with readers for its lyrical writing, emotional depth, and exploration of the intersection of identity, culture, and love. The romance between the two boys is tender and beautifully written, making it a standout title on BookTok for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and their personal growth within a rich cultural backdrop.
Key Themes: Mexican-American culture, LGBTQ+ romance, friendship, self-discovery, identity.
7. "One Last Stop" by Casey McQuiston
Why it’s a Must-Read: If you enjoyed Red, White & Royal Blue, you’ll love Casey McQuiston’s One Last Stop. This sapphic romance follows August, a cynical New Yorker, who meets a mysterious woman, Jane, on the subway. What August doesn’t know is that Jane is a time traveler from the 1970s. Their whirlwind romance brings together themes of time, fate, and love, all set against the backdrop of modern-day New York.
Why BookTok Loves It: BookTok has embraced One Last Stop for its delightful mix of romance, magic, and witty humor. McQuiston’s knack for creating relatable characters, dynamic relationships, and an unforgettable love story makes this novel an instant favorite among LGBTQ+ BookTok fans, especially those who love sapphic fiction with a twist.
Key Themes: Time travel, sapphic romance, self-discovery, love across time, fate.
8. "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller
Why it’s a Must-Read: For readers looking for a sweeping, epic romance that has transcended genre boundaries, The Song of Achilles is an unforgettable tale of love, loss, and destiny. Madeline Miller’s retelling of the Iliad focuses on the love story between Achilles and Patroclus, two figures from Greek mythology. The novel explores their relationship, the events of the Trojan War, and the consequences of fate.
Why BookTok Loves It: The Song of Achilles has become a beloved read for its emotional depth, poetic writing, and unforgettable romance. It combines historical fiction, mythology, and LGBTQ+ love in a way that captures readers’ hearts and imaginations. Its widespread popularity on BookTok is a testament to its universal themes of love and sacrifice.
Key Themes: Mythology, historical fiction, epic romance, love and loss, LGBTQ+ representation.
Final Thoughts: Why LGBTQ+ Books Matter on BookTok
LGBTQ+ literature is essential in providing diverse perspectives, showcasing authentic experiences, and creating spaces where all readers can see themselves reflected in the stories they love. The books listed here represent just a fraction of the LGBTQ+ narratives that are shaping the literary landscape today. As BookTok continues to grow and amplify underrepresented voices, it’s clear that these stories are not only important but are increasingly becoming the voices of a generation of readers seeking connection, authenticity, and inclusivity.
By picking up one (or all) of these must-read LGBTQ+ books, you’re not just adding another title to your reading list—you’re diving into narratives that are as diverse, rich, and complex as the world itself. Happy reading!
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