This week’s Top 5 Wednesday (T5W) is about our top 5 queer reads. As always, T5W was created by Lainey from Ginger Reads Lainey, and now it is run by Sam from Thoughts on Tomes. Here’s a link to the group. I have a couple of books with my favorite queer relationships in them, or queer characters in general.
Let’s start.
5. The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black
I don’t remember the brother’s name in this book. But, you know, him. The loveliest surprise is when the magical prince falls for the queer boy. Beautiful story, and it is not about the sexual orientation. Like, no one gives these characters a hard time for being queer.
And that makes me so happy. I look forward to live in a world like that.
4. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
Enemies to lovers time! I adore the tension between Simon and Baz. It gives me life. I am here for it. Baz, with his cynicism and Simon with his honest fury, are perfect together. Absolutely superb. This is the kind of stuff I wish happened in books often.
In its exploration of “evil,” this book continues to be on my mind. While, yes, great, opposites may attract, I also think of how Simon perceived Baz. It is very reminiscent of some Austen novel. Just the lack of communication, and the grandness of their relationship as it acts as a form of commentary on good, evil, and the chosen ones in stories..
3. Simon Against the Homo Sapiens’ Agenda by Becky Albertalli
I will always hate Martin.
No, seriously, though, I think the whole blackmailing in this novel was heartbreaking. Still, the book has great representation and relationships. Also, Blue is the sweetest and Simon is hilarious. I’d befriend them.
2. Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare
Mark Blackthorn is just so honest about himself. I think his relationships are complicated. I cannot wait to see what will happen with him in the future. He is definitely a fascinating character, as he adjusts to life in the Shadowhunter community after being with faeries.
1. The Raven Cycle by Maggie Steifvater
I live for Ronan Lynch and Adam Parrish. Both of them led rough lives. While I have yet to start the final book, I am hoping that they can lead happy lives.
I’ve only read Simon and BLLB from this list :O I have copies of the other three, though, which is good. I have heard only amazing things about The Darkest part of the Forest, and I think it’s ADORABLE that the prince falls in love with the brother. I need to read it ASAP.
Even though I have mostly read great things about Carry On, I have read that there was bi erasure in there, which makes me sad. We don’t need more bi erasure or biphobia 🙁
As for Lady Midnight, I don’t know why I haven’t read it yet. I bought it close to release date, but I think I was Shadowhuntere-ed out after reading the last TMI book (that I didn’t really like). I hope to get around to it this year, though!
(Also: Pynch is EVERYTHING.)
I just finally listened to Simon so that I could catch up with the rest of the world, and I agree that the book was pretty darn adorable! The only other one from your list that I’ve read is Darkest Part of the Forest, which I really enjoyed. I NEED to read Carry On!
I think the brother’s name is Ben, and he was great! Loved him. The fact that his queerness was such a non-issue in a small town was a pleasant surprise for me, too. Can you believe I still haven’t read Simon Vs.?! It’s seriously embarrassing, I need to correct that ASAP.
You almost make me want to read Lady Midnight. Almost. I swore I was done with the Shadowhunters, haha. The Darkest Part of the Forest and Simon vs are such great reads. <3
Baz = awesome! I love him. 🙂