14 Best Gay Books You Need to Read in 2023
Updated 6 November 2023
We selected the best gay books we read in 2023 to share with you. Both of us love reading, and average about 30-40 books per year. When you live in a van without a TV, a good bedtime story goes a long way. Especially when Charlie does cute little voices for each character.
Charlie’s favourite genre is fantasy. Mine is historical fiction. Since the majority of our Instagram and Youtube audience is LGBT+, we thought we’d list our top gay and LGBT books of all time that so you can add them to your gay book club! If you are a movie lover too, make sure you check out our best gay TV series of 2022 list too.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to our favourite books in our online bookshop. We chose an online bookshop that supports local and independent bookstores in the US. If you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a small commission. By making a purchase, you are directly supporting us in creating blogs like this. Happy reading!
Best gay books - gay coming of age books
1. The Heart's Invisible Furies - John Boyne
The Heart’s Invisible Furies is truly one of the best gay books of all time for us! We don’t always agree on books, but we both could NOT love a book more than we love this one! I legit hugged this book when it was over… actually longer than I’ve ever hugged Charlie! We read this book separately, and Charlie was so into it that he took the Hearts Invisible Furies into a waterfall and read it while children were nearby screaming.
So if you have to pick one gay book to read this year, please pick The Hearts Invisible Furies. It’s a mix between LGBT historical fiction and a gay coming of age book. It will give you such great insights into what it was like being a gay male living through the 1940’s right up until now.
Most people know the author John Boyne for The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas. However, we’d totally say that this is by far his number 1 book!
You can read the blurb from our online bookshop here.
2. Simon vs. The Homosapiens Agenda - Becky Albertalli
Charlie describes Simon vs. The Homosapiens Agenda as the gay version of a chick flick. And rightly so, it was then turned into gay flick: ‘Love, Simon’. The book is a mix between a young adult (YA) LGBT book and an m/m romance novel. It mainly focuses on the trials and tribulations of coming out as a teen in the modern world, and it’s a super cute to read. If we could go back in time we would 100% be reading Simon vs. The Homosapiens Agenda during our high school lunch break.
It’s one our of best gay romance books that we guarantee you’d wish you’d have read when you were growing up too. It’s a super light-hearted, funny, feel-good, YA LGBT book that you could easily binge in a day. With that said though… if you prefer movies to books, I definitely think the movie is better than the book (for once in my life!).
You can read the blurb from our online bookshop here.
3. Call Me By Your Name - André Aciman
Call Me By Your Name is such a timeless gay coming of age novel. If a book is made into a movie, it’s usually pretty freaking good. Call Me By Your Name is one of our best gay books because it truly captures the essence of what it feels like to be young and in love. And it’s set in the beautiful Italian Riveira – such nice scenery to visualise gay romance blossoming!
By the end of the book, we both needed to take a breather and to have some quiet time to contemplate the triumphs and tribulations of love. Having physical space from each other is one of the foundations of our healthy relationship, and Call Me By Your Name was great at implementing that 🤣
You can read the blurb from online bookshop here.
4. What If It's Us - Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli
Charlie and I absolutely both loved this cute teenage romance book about a boy that meets a boy in a post office, likes said boy instantly, and then tries to find him. This is a seamless gay romance book that makes you feel like the authors just wrote your typical heterosexual love story with gay characters that get to live that story out. And that’s exactly the way it should be, because love is love, and gays have crushes and fall in love too.
In the end, we always ask: are you Team Ben, or Team Arthur?
You can read the blurb from our online bookshop here.
P.s. There is a sequel called Here’s To Us which is also super cute.
5. Invisible Boys - Holden Sheppard
I walked into an LGBTQ+ bookshop in Sydney and asked the owner what his favourite gay book was. His response: Invisible Boys by Holden Sheppard.
I had no idea what to expect as I’d never heard of it. But I was so freaking surprised at how good this book was. I love my sleep and ALWAYS go to bed before 10pm, but this book kept me up until 2am needing to know what happened.
If you’re a gay male, I can almost guarantee that you will relate to one of these characters in some form. I’ve told Charlie ~50x to read it because I know he will relate, but at the time of writing this he is reading some fantasy series he can’t put down (Wheel of Time).
Invisible Boys is about 3 young teenagers in a small Western Australian town coming to terms with their sexuality. You can read more of the blurb here.
Best LGBT Memoirs
6. Untamed - Glennon Doyle
If we can’t convince you to read Untamed, maybe Adele can. Adele’s summation of Untamed was this: “This book will shake your brain and make your soul scream.” I concur, my brain has been shaken and soul is still screaming.
Untamed is more L than G in the LGBT. But it’s a queer book that is such a powerful LGBT memoir on self-discovery, self-acceptance, and self-revival that is relevant to all members of the LGBTQI+ community. It’s an LGBT memoir made up of a series of non-linear ‘episodes’ that make up one incredible whole. I spent many days at the beach reading Untamed, and am currently reading it a second time now! There’s so much good stuff in it. Untamed also stayed on the New York Times bestseller list for 7 weeks as soon as it was released!
The blurb itself is absolutely incredible (you’ll be hooked in straight away) and can be read here.
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7. Life As A Unicorn - Amrou Al Kadhi
The full title of this book is “Life As A Unicorn – A Journey From Shame To Pride and Everything in Between”. And honestly, that is the journey that we went through reading this book. It reminded us both of all the times we felt shame growing up, just for being who we were. But then it showed us how far we’ve come, and how much mother flippin’ PRIDE we have in being who we are now. More pride than we ever thought possible.
Because I read so many books, I often struggle describing what a book was about in minute detail. But I never forget how a book made me feel. Life As A Unicorn honestly made me feel the greatest sense of pride. Not only with myself (I am now louder and prouder thanks to this book), but with our LGBT community as a whole. Go team! So it’s totally one to add to your gay book club!
You can read the blurb from our online bookshop here.
Best gay books with gay characters
8. Tales of the City - Armistead Maupin
The Tales of the City series is a classic 9-book series that paved the way for literature and TV to feature gay characters. It was the first mainstream TV show to have a gay character in it playing a ‘normal’ main role.
We were late to the Tales of the City game. However, I could not be more in love with a book series that has such eclectic characters with some very deep soul. The series basically follows a group of people in San Fransisco that are trying to find their place in the city, and makes you want to live with them in 28 Barbary Lane. It’s cross-generational, and really shows that the queer world is one hell of an accepting world.
Book 2 also has one of the most heartwarming “coming out” letters I have ever, ever read (prepare your Kleenex, people!). We will be forever grateful for Armistead Maupin.
You can read the blurb of Tales of the City #1 here.
9. Tiny Beautiful Things - Cheryl Strayed
True story: When I first told Charlie I loved him, his response was: “thank you”. At the time, Charlie didn’t know what love meant to him (he hadn’t been in a relationship before), so he couldn’t say it and mean it.
I still had all these emotions that I wanted to share, because I was so glad I was found someone that I had those feelings for. So I shared them, knowing he wouldn’t say it back. But because he was unsure what love was, I told him to read Tiny Beautiful Things. After he read the first chapter, I saw his cogs ticking. And a month later he told me he loved me.
Tiny Beautiful Things isn’t a gay book or a queer book, but it is our main resource on how to LIVE LIFE to the fullest. It’s a collection of letters written by real people to ‘Sugar’ – the worlds most incredible advice giver (in our opinion). Sugar’s niche: providing radical empathy that shows what it means to be human in ANY given situation. It has a few letters from queer people, which is why I’ve added it in the category of “books with gay characters”. If we’re unsure about what to do in regards to all things love, life, work or friendship, we refer back to this book.
A example of one of Sugar’s responses to a young gay adult asking for advice about whether he should come out to his religious parents, can be read here. You’ll then see why she’s our favourite advice giver on this planet!
I’ve bought over 20 copies of Tiny Beautiful Things and gifted it to all my friends across the years.
10. Shuggie Bain - Douglas Stuart
This one’s a little more serious. We wouldn’t exactly classify Shuggie Bain as a gay novel, but rather a book with a gay character at its core. When Charlie was reading Shuggie Bain, I kept hearing him sigh: “uhhhhh”, “ohhhhh”, “poor Shuggie!”. Apparently Charlie felt what little Shuggie felt at every page, and for Charlie it was like he was going on a journey with little Shuggie. It’s not common for a book to touch Charlie like that. Yes, it’s a bit soul-destroying at times, but it also has really beautiful moments of radical acceptance which warms the soul.
You can read the blurb from our online bookshop here.
11. A Little Life - Hanya Yanagihara
This is my personal favourite from the ‘books with gay characters’ list. Why? Because I love a good cry, and A Little Life absolutely unleashed the floodgates. One day, I took A Little Life to the park so that I could read outside in the sunshine. Bad idea. This is not a ‘read in public’ book. This is a ‘cry-read in private’ book.
Trigger Warning: A Little Life is one of those books that you read and wonder how can one person go through so much? It touches on trauma and mental health quite deeply (self harm, suicidal ideation, attempted suicide, disordered eating), so if you’re looking for an uplifting feel good kinda book, I might not start here. But it is beautiful in it’s own little way, and is definitely unlike any book we’ve ever read.
True story: Charlie isn’t a crier. But I was convinced he would cry if he read this book. After he finished reading it, he still didn’t cry. He absolutely loved it, but no tears were shed. I am now convinced he’s a robot.
You can read the blurb from our online bookshop here.
1,000,000+ people have viewed the above YouTube review of A Little Life below so it’s had a lotta reads.
Best gay books - m/m romance novels
12. The Song of Achilles - Madeline Miller
A gay m/m romance novel centred around Greek mythology that’s sad but also kinda (super) erotic? Hellooo Song of Achilles.
Book a trip to Greece, pack this book in your bags, and you’re good to go!
You can read the blurb from our online bookshop here.
13. Hot Head - Damon Suede
For those that want to spice up their reading life, this recommendation comes from Charlie. I’ve never actually read a steamy m/m gay romance novel (aka erotic novel) before… but Charlie’s description of Hot Head is “50 shades of grey – the gay version”.
If that doesn’t sell you like it sold me, I don’t know what will.
You can read the blurb from our online bookshop here.
14. Shattered Glass - Dani Alexander
Turns out Charlie reads a lot of erotic LGBT books. At the time Charlie was reading Shattered Glass, I’d wake up in the middle of the night to the sound of him moaning in his sleep. I’m sure he wasn’t dreaming of donuts. Once the book was over, so was the moaning.
You can read the blurb from our online bookshop here.
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What's on your 'best gay book' list?
What would you say are the best gay books? Have you left any gay book reviews before? We’d love to know! Learning about new books is super fun for us, especially as we travel Australia by van. So let us know in the comments below.
P.s. If TV shows are more your thing, make sure to check out our best gay TV series of 2022 list.
I loved reading Logan and Tate’s love story by Ella Frank. It’s very much a erotic love story but they have to be my favourite book husbands. I temporarily fall for others but those two are the best imo. I am quite shallow 😂 and they’re very steamy. 100 times Better than 50 shades. There’s 6 books in the series and it’s called the Temptation series.
That sounds RIGHT up our alley! Hahahaha! Thanks for sharing Rachel!
Bear otter and the kid t.j. klune
Thank you! Adding it to our list!
The House in the Cerulean Sea is a great read if you haven’t already (particularly for Charlie if he likes fantasy), though I’d say everyone should give this book a go. It’s such a heartwarming story.
My favourite genre is also fantasy, although one of my all-time favourite books is actually Shogun 😁
Hi John, oh thank you so much! We will definitely check it out haha – very much appreciate the recommendation! I’m googling Shogun right now!
Loved the book recommendations and have already put several on my list for future check-out. (Also, love your humor, Michael!) As far as recommendations for you and Charlie, if you have not already done so please ready “Mama’s Boy: A Memoir” by Dustin Lance Black. This book left my heart filled with hope, and at times shaking with sadness for what the family and the world can do to gay kids growing up. It was one of those books I “hugged” when I was finished. (Dustin Lance Black is an American screenwriter, director, film and television producer, and LGBT rights activist. Black is a founding board member of the American Foundation for Equal Rights and writer of 8, a staged reenactment of the federal trial that led to a federal court’s overturn of California’s Proposition 8. – wikipedia) He’s married to the Olympic diver Tom Daley (hottie!)
Thanks Fred!! I’m glad you’ve added them to your list! Hahaha and thank you for acknowledging my attempt at humour! Hahaha appreciate it!
These recommendations are great – and we will 100% add them to our reading list! Mama’s Boy sounds exactly like my kind of book. Thank youuu!!
This is a book released in 1975, the front runner by Patricia Neil Warren. I’ve read it several times, given it to friends and then had to find it again as I just need it in my cupboard of favorite books.
Omg incredible. We love books like that. Thank you for mentioning it !
Guys – just read Someday, Someday by Emma Scott and you can thank me later – more so for Charlie :-). Red, White and Royal Blue is also great
Amazing, thank you! A few people mentioned Red, White and Royal Blue! And I’ll add Someday, Someday to our reading list too! Thank you!
I like “All the pretty boys” by Jay Castelletti. A truly wonderful experience of gay life. It’s author is Australian living in Perth.
Added to our reading list! Thank you so much <3
Aussie author Holden Sheppard, “Invisible Boys”. Coming out story based in a small regional town WA. It shows the struggles of coming to terms with identity, society’s norms, “coming out”, living a happy life & understanding the inability of some to cope. A story that makes you reflect on your own experiences.
Many years ago I read Giovanni’s Room, got me in the feels. I need to read it again.
Yes! A few people have mentioned this book so we’ll get onto that right now!
The hearts invisible furies – thank you for listing this one. I’ve not had a book I couldn’t put down in a long time, but this one did exactly that. Not sure ill be over this one for a while, so we’ll written and draws you along the journey, always wondering when c will work out the truth. Onwards to the rest of the list bow. Safe travels.
Right?! I’m so glad it did for you what it did for us! It was such an incredible book. Gahh.
Hi guys. A couple of friends recommended the Simon Snow trilogy – Carry On, Wayward Son and Any Way The Wind Blows by Rainbow Rowell (that name alone should be enough to convince you to read them). Described to me as a YA gay Harry Potter, they are a load of fun and I’m a little obsessed.
Oh man this sounds right up our alley! Thank you for the recommendation, we’ll for sure check those out!
“Him”and “Us” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy. American ice hockey friends to lovers. Good read and also in audio.
“Heated Rivalry” by Rachel Reid. More ice hockey boys but this is a great love story. The sequel “The Long Game” is out next week.
Anything by Tal Bauer.
Something a bit different, “The Lost Boy” and the sequel “The Impossible Boy” by Anna Martin.
And many more! 😃
Incredible!
Thank you for taking the time to write all these down, we’ll definitely give them a read! Much love from us!
Have been reading the song of Achilles and can’t put it down love it thanks for the recommendation
Have just read The Secret Life of Albert Entwhistle, definitely one to add to your list. Moving, heartwarming and beautifully written, it was a real joy to read.
Hi Kieran!
Thank you for the recommendation! That sounds right up my alley. Hope you’re well 🙂
I have read SO many gay books but the one I can never forget is “At Swim, Two Boys” by Jamie O’Neil. It is set in Ireland during the struggle for Irish independence and it is beautiful, epic, funny and I have never forgotten it.
Thank you Pete!! I will add it to our list! 🙂
These Violent Delights is superb and haunting. Also, The Shards by the author of American Psycho.