Expectation: A story of regret, but ultimately, absolution.
Reality: A profoundly moving and utterly devastating reflection on life and your missteps.
Young Mungo – Douglas Stuart
Expectation: Given the setting, time period and queer themes, an unofficial sequel to Douglas Stuart’s debut “Shuggie Bain.”
Reality: Better paced than “Shuggie Bain,” a truly shocking plot twist about halfway through made this somewhat of a thriller, and Stuart allowed his characters to find a little happiness – a nice change of pace.
Real Queer America: LGBT Stories from Red States – Samantha Allen
Some of the beliefs and opinions shared in “Real Queer America,” may be difficult for blue state or big city gays to fully understand. However, if you’ve been to the only queer space in a town where everyone congregates because there are no niche options, then you’ve experienced the queer community building Allen celebrates here.
Maurice – E.M. Forster
Expectation: Stodgy and stiff British literature from a bygone era.
Reality: Remarkably relatable for queer readers, there are elements that still feel dated, but the overall experience is rewarding.
Gender Queer – Maia Kobabe
I found Maia Kobabe’s exploration of gender, sexuality and pronouns to be informative and well done.
Edinburgh – Alexander Chee
Expectation: High-brow gay fiction with tear-inducing scenarios and redemption.
Reality: Well-written and engaging, but the last act will make or break this story for readers. I’m still on the fence about it.
Last Night at the Telegraph Club – Malindo Lo
Expectation: Typical YA fare with an historical angle.
Reality: An insightful and entertaining celebration of queer Asian American history and first love.
12 Books I’ll Attempt to Read for Pride Month
While I won’t get to every book on this list in June, I will read them at some point this year, because each represents a facet of queer life – humor, resiliency and love – that continues to propel us forward.
Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President – Candice Millard
“Destiny of the Republic” does a fine job honoring James A. Garfield’s legacy, and Candice Millard took great care to not lose the person behind the tragedy by overstuffing the book with anecdotes and ancillary characters.
Time Is A Mother – Ocean Vuong
Maybe my expectations were too high, but “Mother” felt a bit too avant-garde for this casual reader of poetry and instead of being consumed by his words, I felt they created a wall.
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup – John Carreyrou
A meticulously researched and expertly written novel about one of the biggest frauds in American business history. So much of the story is absolutely bonkers.
The Dark Half – Stephen King
Expectation: A King classic from his golden era.
Reality: A little long and convoluted, there’s still enough to keep you interested, but this isn’t one of the author’s best works.
The Book of Cold Cases – Simone St. James
Expectation: A fast-paced paranormal mystery with enough plot twists to give you whiplash.
Reality: At times too slow and too long, the story is entertaining enough but far from Simone St. James’ best work.
56 Days – Catherine Ryan Howard
Expectation: A whodunnit cashing in on COVID-19.
Reality: A surprisingly clever, sometimes shocking and utterly enjoyable mystery thriller that used COVID-19 as a logical plot point.
Homegoing – Yaa Gyasi
Expectation: An historical fiction epic focused on the experiences of two African families involved in different aspects of the slave trade.
Reality: Spanning centuries and two dozen characters, it’s a comprehensive yet intimate view of slavery and its long-term repercussions.
Heartstopper: Volumes One – Five – Alice Oseman
Overall, I’d rate this a solid effort. Each volume is good, and three are great, but it also felt like there was a lot of filler, which made the more emotional moments feel hidden. I say this fully recognizing that the length of the series – about 1,700-pages – is what allows the relationship between Charlie and Nick to unfold in a natural, unrushed way, however.
Sea of Tranquility – Emily St. John Mandel
Expectation: Highbrow science fiction.
Reality: Science fiction almost takes a backseat to this moving examination of relationships and fate.
A Place for Us – Fatima Farheen Mirza
Expectation: A family drama heavy on religious guilt and first-generation American children defying parental expectations.
Reality: An initially confusing beginning unfolds into a layered, understated and deeply moving portrayal of the danger of secrets, carrying shame and failed second chances.
A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II – Sonia Purnell
Even though Purnell’s heart was in the right place by elevating the contributions of Virginia Hall, “Woman” felt a bit tawdry. While we receive a well-rounded view of a pioneering figure in global espionage, the whole thing felt a little soulless, likely because Hall would’ve objected to its publication.
The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
Expectation: To be wowed by this modern classic.
Reality: Even at its slim length, I found it to be an exercise in repetition and tedium.