Does listening to audiobooks count as reading? Here it does. Let’s discuss your favorite reads — or listens.
All in Audiobook
Part personal memoir, part family history and part cultural commentary, “Mama’s Boy” is nonfiction that follows the formula of quality historical fiction – a strong female character, intersection with landmark events and overcoming barriers both within yourself and from the world around you.
Expectation: A YA wish-fulfillment fantasy featuring a BIPOC queer lead.
Reality: A funny, heartfelt and quickly paced story that reminded me of the best late-90s teen comedies.
While “Dream House” didn’t totally work for me, it is an important work. How Machado uses her experiences to raise awareness of the challenges same sex couples face when reporting abuse, to addressing the ways in which the queer community will turn on its own, is important and urgent.
Expectation: A what-would-you-do dramedy tailor-made to us queers that relish being the “cool” uncle or aunt.
Reality: A campy, somewhat stereotypical story that runs a little long but delivers a lot of humor and heart.
At only five hours, I’d encourage anyone to listen to “Songteller,” but it’s probably best suited for fans rather than casual observers of the superstar.
This year I’m going all in on Pride month reading by only choosing to read stories written by LGBTQ+ writers and/or featuring predominately queer characters. Getting through eight novels in a month is a stretch – even when I was quarantining – but I’m committed to prioritizing this list.
Expectation: A classic underdog overcomes Backman story.
Reality: A scattered and boring effort that showed glimpses of promise but never fully delivered.
Expectation: A World War II historical fiction tearjerker.
Reality: A simple, yet layered story that leaves you with complicated feelings.
Expectation: A quasi-cozy romance with enough sass and drama to keep you interested but a firm ground in reality.
Reality: A sometimes far-fetched but utterly engrossing story of chosen family. I was surprised by the emotional depth of the characters and how their journey unfolds.
Expectation: A dramedy about second chances with a strong main character and a colorful supporting cast of the non-penguin variety.
Reality: Predictable and outlandish, it is saved by a solid foray into Veronica’s past, but the contemporary chapters and almost every other character are unforgettable.
Expectation: A comedic take on racial inequities in Hollywood.
Reality: A layered, original and surreal examination of selling out, pushing forward and dreaming bigger than your circumstances allow.
“Why Fish Don’t Exist” is a podcast in book form, which makes it the perfect audiobook for listeners of that format looking to branch out.
Expectation: A crackling takedown of Big Tech, faux diversity and the work-life balance façade.
Reality: This was two books smooshed together. One, the corporate satire, was a helluva lot more interesting than the second, a basic bro wish fulfillment fantasy but with a BIPOC lead.
Expectation: A sappy romance about forbidden love that normalizes and celebrates infidelity.
Reality: A smart, engaging story with well-written leads and ancillary characters that help bring forward the consequences of Mallory and Jake’s actions.
The hype was lost on me, here’s six popular books I hated, plus five I couldn’t even finish.
Expectation: A heartfelt story about forming connection.
Reality: A solid first half is squandered by several convoluted plot twists that put Klara in the backseat.
Expectation: An overdone young adult romance about magical children.
Reality: A charming and queer-positive character-driven story that will keep adults and teens enthralled.
I was intrigued, uncomfortable and mostly bored by Tate’s memoir of life in group therapy. Read the description and a few reviews before deciding if it’s right for you.
Expectation: A kooky, scifi comedy with political themes and “After School Special” lessons on tolerance and second chances.
Reality: Funnier than expected with a fair amount of heart, it’s mostly feel-good plot starts to fall apart near the end.
I defend five books that have obnoxiously low Goodreads ratings for how much I enjoyed them.
