A light-hearted high-school romance to love riddled with politics — the world of queer literature has had some remarkable books in the last decade that feature love, self-discovery and unforgettable characters. The best part, you can continue the journey with your most-loved characters with the on-screen adaptations, two of which are soon coming to OTT platforms.
My Kolkata picks six LGBTQIA+ books from the last decade will have you hooked from the first page and keep you entertained till the very end. These queer romances are guaranteed to leave you smiling, swooning and wanting more!
‘Love and Other Disasters’ by Anita Kelly (2022)
Need a dose of chaos, soul-searching and laughter? Look no further than Love and Other Disasters, which features bisexual disaster magnet Join Evie on a journey of love and self-acceptance in this hilarious and heartwarming 2022 novel by Forever. As Evie navigates romantic encounters, she also finds personal growth by exploring her inner self. Anita Kelly’s storytelling will keep you engaged right till the last page with themes like self-acceptance, learning from mistakes and finding happiness in unexpected places. This novel is a perfect read if you’re looking for a quirky, relatable and ‘perfectly flawed’ protagonist.
‘Heartstopper’ by Alice Oseman (2019)
Fall head over heels for Charlie and Nick's heartwarming romance in the Heartstopper series! Published by Hachette in 2019, these graphic novels follow their adorable journey of self-discovery and young love. The series began as a webcomic from creator Alice Oseman before it was self published and eventually acquired by Hachette. Set in a British high school, we meet Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson, two seemingly opposite boys, whose connection blossoms into a deep friendship and a tender romance. The theme of self-discovery is embedded in its core and with its authentic characters it’s an instant must-read. An honest and light-hearted romance, which is feel-good yet tackles important subjects like coming out, self love, bullying and more. The Netflix series, which premiered last year, boosted the fame of this already popular series and Oseman’s novels have sold over six million copies worldwide. The second season of the show is set to premiere on August 9, giving you even more reasons to dive into these charming volumes.
‘Red, White, and Royal Blue’ by Casey McQuiston (2019)
If the forbidden romance trope is your thing, then prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions with Red, White, and Royal Blue. This 2019 novel, published by St Martin’s Griffin whisks you away into the worlds of Alex, the First Son of the United States, and Prince Henry of England, as they navigate a secret romance amidst political chaos. While it is a heartwarming story, it also challenges conventions and celebrates love in all its forms. Apart from being a modern love story, it also focuses on topics like family dynamics, public image and the pressures that come with being in the public eye all the time. The novel is a perfect blend of tender, emotional moments which make your heart ache and hilarious instances that leave you grinning ear to ear. If you’re already a fan, gear up for the movie adaptation, starring Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez, which will be premiering on Amazon Prime on August 11, bringing to life the witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and heartwarming moments of the book.
‘What If It's Us’ and ‘Here's to Us’ by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera (2018, 2021)
Brace yourself for a tale of fate, missed connections and the power of second chances in What If It's Us. Published by HarperTeen, this 2018 collaboration between Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera follows a budding romance set in New York City. Broadway fanboy Arthur and reserved, cynical student Ben explore the complexities of love while navigating life as queer teenagers and grappling with things like ADHD, identity, acceptance, and the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ youth. While a fictional love story is at the centre of this narrative, this novel doesn’t shy away from showcasing the complexities of relationships in modern times, from the influence of social media to long-distance love. The second instalment, Here's to Us, published in 2021, offers fans the opportunity to delve deeper into their lives and see how their relationship evolves through heartwarming moments and unexpected twists.
‘Carry On’ series by Rainbow Rowell (2015)
Is Harry x Draco fanfiction your secret love? Then this 2015 series, published by Wednesday Books, will be right up your alley. Writer Rainbow Rowell goes meta with this work that is inspired by the fanfiction writer by the protagonist of her previous novel Fangirl. A classic enemies-to-lovers story, the Carry On series takes many of the themes from Rowling’s magnum opus — a magical school, the worst ‘chosen one’ — but adds a lot more to it. At the heart of the novel is the slow-burning, captivating romance between Simon and Baz, who go from bitter rivals to reluctant allies and much more. The chemistry between the lead pair makes it a swoon-worthy read. Set in the magical world of Watford School of Magicks, it brings all the enchantments of an intricate magical system, complete with spells and curses, while also narrating the personal journeys of the characters as they understand who they truly are and embrace their true selves. Carry On has two well-reviewed sequels: Wayward Son and Any Way the Wind Blows, which continue the story of Simon, Baz and their friends.
‘Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda’ by Becky Albertalli (2015)
Get ready to totally love Simon as the witty highschooler walks on the path of self discovery and coming out in Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. This 2015 story revolves around the lovable Simon Spier, who is keeping a big secret — he’s gay. Author Becky Albertalli (one of the writers of What If It’s Us) presents his journey through a series of emails between Simon and an anonymous classmate, known only by the pseudonym ‘Blue’. This format not only adds an intimate and personal touch to the storytelling but also allows readers to experience Simon and Blue’s relationship as it unfolds. Simon’s sarcastic and witty takes on many subjects and his relationship with his friends offer lighthearted moments that are peppered with more poignant ones involving the ups and downs of teenage relationships, the challenges of coming out — and more. The novel was adapted into the highly acclaimed film, Love, Simon, in 2018, which can be categorised as one of the flag-bearers of lighthearted and normalised LGBTQIA+ stories in mainstream media, specially for the ‘young adult’ audience.
