The Best Gay Novels will feature a list of eight novels you should read for fun in your spare time, according to our opinion. So, if you’d like to find out which they are, please proceed with reading.
Our list of the Best Gay Novels
It’s becoming increasingly challenging to come up with a recommended reading list of excellent books written by queer authors. It is because there are now so many of them publishing outstanding books. Nonetheless, it’s a good problem to have.
Below, we have compiled a list of eight of our favorite gay novels. The list features some of the most talented writers, including some classics.
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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” is a highly regarded novel by award-winning author Benjamin Alire Sáenz. This book revolves around the themes of family, friendship, and first love and has a strong fan following among readers who enjoy works of authors like John Green, Love, Simon, and Call Me by Your Name. The novel has been acknowledged with the prestigious Printz Honor award for its moving and powerful depiction of two teenage boys who, despite facing opposition from society, learn to embrace love.”
Dante and Ari are two boys with different personalities and abilities. Dante is a confident and expressive swimmer, artist, and poet, while Ari struggles with communication and self-esteem. Additionally, Ari is burdened by the imprisonment of his older brother. Dante is light-skinned, while Ari’s features are darker. Despite their differences, they form a solid and meaningful connection that helps them navigate through the challenges of life. They learn important lessons about themselves and each other and grow stronger as they overcome obstacles.
In October 2021, it was announced that Alberto would be directing the film adaptation of a novel, marking her directorial debut. The filming for the movie took place from October to November 2021, and the film premiered on September 9, 2022, at the 47th International Toronto Film Festival.
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The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
“It is a thrilling, profoundly moving, and unique retelling of the legend of Achilles and the Trojan War. The story is from the bestselling author of Circe. Achilles, the son of the sea goddess Thetis and the legendary king Peleus is the greatest of all Greeks. He meets Patroclus, a young prince who has been exiled, and they become inseparable. Trained by Chiron, the centaur, in martial and healing arts, they join the heroes of Greece to lay siege to Troy when Helen of Sparta is kidnapped. The Fates test them both and demand a terrible sacrifice.”
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Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
“It is a young adult novel written by American author Becky Albertalli. The book was published in 2015 and is the author’s debut work.
The story revolves around sixteen-year-old Simon Spier, who is not openly gay. Simon prefers to keep his personal life to himself and focuses on his role in the school musical. However, things take a dramatic turn when an email containing his secret falls into the wrong hands.
Simon is blackmailed by a classmate, Martin, who threatens to expose his sexual identity if Simon doesn’t act as his wingman. On top of that, the privacy of Blue, the boy Simon has been emailing, is also at risk.
As Simon tries to navigate his junior year, he finds himself flirting with Blue over email, making things more complex. He must leave his comfort zone without damaging friendships or losing himself.
The book was adapted into a movie titled Love, Simon, which was a commercial and critical success.”
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
“Call Me by Your Name” is a story about a teenage boy who falls in love with a summer guest on the Italian Riviera. They embark on a passionate romance that lasts six weeks and teaches them about the importance of intimacy. André Aciman’s novel captures the psychological maneuvers of attraction in a frank, unforgettable way.
A film adaptation directed by Luca Guadagnino was released in the United States on November 24, 2017, to critical acclaim. At the 90th Academy Awards, it was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor (Chalamet), Best Original Song (“Mystery of Love” by Sufjan Stevens), and Best Adapted Screenplay (James Ivory), winning the latter.
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Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
It is an LGBT romance novel by American author Casey McQuiston, originally published on May 14, 2019. The story revolves around what would happen if America’s First Son fell in love with the Prince of Wales.
The White House Trio, consisting of First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz, his sister, and the Vice President’s granddaughter, are the main characters. When photos of Alex’s fight with his nemesis, Prince Henry, are leaked to the media, they stage a fake friendship to save face. However, as President Claremont begins her re-election campaign, Alex’s secret relationship with Henry could jeopardize the two nations and ruin the campaigns. The question remains: is it worth the risk?
The book was later adapted into a film that received positive reviews from critics and was a commercial success. Amazon reported that the film became the number one movie globally and one of Prime’s top three most-watched romantic comedies.
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Tales of the City (novel) by Armistead Maupin
“Tales of the City” is a novel by Armistead Maupin, the first in a beloved San Francisco-based series. The book was serialized in the San Francisco Chronicle in the 1970s. It introduced millions of people to diverse characters, including straight and gay individuals. The story centers around Mary Ann Singleton, who visits San Francisco and decides to stay, finding an apartment owned by Anna Madrigal and befriending other tenants. Mary Ann has an affair with Beauchamp Day, but he cannot perform. Edgar is dying and meets Anna in the park, and they begin a romance. Despite facing social and sexual barriers, the characters struggle to find love and happiness.
At Swim, Two Boys by Jamie O’Neill
At Swim, Two Boys is Jamie O’Neill’s debut novel that tells the story of Jim and Doyle, who make a pact to claim Muglins Rock as their own. Set in the year leading up to the Easter Uprising of 1916, it is a poignant love story that captures the changing political landscape of Ireland.
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Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
Baldwin’s second novel is known for its controversial and haunting themes of sexuality. It is considered a classic of gay literature. The story is set in 1950s Paris, a city filled with expatriates, dangerous affairs, and hidden violence. An American man struggles to repress his true desires despite his determination to live a conventional life. He meets and proposes to a young woman but has a lengthy affair with an Italian bartender. Confused and tormented by his sexual identity, he oscillates between his two conflicting desires.
Baldwin explores the complexities of love and passion in this narrative, creating a moving story that delves into the mysteries of desire and death. The novel provides insightful revelations on the human experience.
Final wordings
With so many books, writing one article about Best Gay Novels is impossible. However, since we know that tastes differ, we are inviting you to write your opinions about which Gay novels are the best in your opinion and why.
