Top five queer novels that you need to read
By Ezra Zelez, Reporter
Queer books are a staple in the reading community. Authors from James Baldwin to Virginia Woolf have written about queer relations. In this modern day, books about the LGBTQ+ community are very common. Some books are better than others, but, regardless, it’s a joy to see queer representation.

#1 “Radio Silence” by Alice Oseman
Alice Oseman is known for writing the bestselling graphic novel series “Heartstopper,.” but before that series was published, Oseman wrote a novel called “Radio Silence.” This novel explores the idea that you can fall in love without being in a romantic relationship. It highlights asexuality and the struggles of finding yourself. This book mentions anxiety, animal death, and an emotionally abusive parent throughout. “Radio Silence” talks about the fact that it is okay to not want what your parents want. Overall, this book is not appreciated enough and needs to be recognized for its incredible story telling.
#2 “Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli
Some will argue that “Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda” is talked about too much, but I argue that it’s talked about with good reason. “Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda” follows the story of a boy who is scared to come out as gay in his everyday life. That is until he met a boy online who is also struggling with coming out. This book talks about the battle of not feeling safe to come out and being scared of what everyone will think. This book contains blackmail, bullying, and homophobia. For anyone who is struggling to come out themselves, this book is highly recommended.
#3 “They Both Die At The End” by Adam Silvera
“They Both Die At The End” is a tragic novel about two teens who meet knowing that they are going to die in the next 24 hours. This book is not based around their love but does touch on that topic a little. While this book is a must read, it may not be suitable for everyone because it contains animal death, blood, child death, drowning, gang violence, grief, gun violence, suicide, and suicidal ideation. Overall, this book is a good example of falling in love as friends before falling in love romantically.
#4 “She Gets The Girl” by Alyson Derrick and Rachel Lippincott
“She Gets The Girl” is a classic love story between two very different girls who know nothing about each other upon meeting. This book was published in 2022 and is already highly demanded by bookstores all over the world. While “She Gets The Girl” is a typical romance book, it does contain mentions of alcoholism, car accidents, gaslighting, racism, toxic relationships, and underage drinking. Even though this book has the classic enemies to lovers trope, it is still highly recommended.
#5 “10 Things I Can See From Here” by Carrie Mac
“10 Things I Can See From Here” is about a girl suffering with severe anxiety and living with her dead-beat dad for the summer. Even though this book is unrealistic by presenting impractical relationship standards, it is still a good story to read. Anyone who loves young adult romance should read this. Since this book is focused on anxiety, some of the topics are described in great detail. “10 Things I Can See From Here” contains alcoholism, anxiety, death, childbirth, and graphic descriptions of events. It is a beautiful story of overcoming anxiety and finding ways to be in the moment.