Put Some Pride into Your Bookshelf
Commemorate the momentous month of June by celebrating Pride through literature. Show your support by picking up a copy of some of the latest bold new releases by and about the LGBTQ+ community.
Endless Fall: A Little Chronicle by Mohamed Leftah, translated by Eleni Sikelianos
This powerful coming of age memoir by Moroccan author Mohamed Leftah begins in 1960s Settat, a small town in Morocco, when a young Leftah witnesses a classmate’s dramatic suicide. The ensuing story recounts Leftah’s childhood meditation on difficult subject matter, from suicide to homosexuality, to adultery, and those often-hypocritical people who judge others.
I’m a Fool to Want You: Stories by Camila Sosa Villada, translated by Kit Maude
This book’s nine short stories all have a common thread – challenging readers to examine how they think about identity, gender, and sexuality. Through these stories, Villada erases the line that separates fantasy from reality and weaves together tales from different times, cultures, and countries with a unique perspective and imagination.
Spitting Gold by Carmella Lowkis
On the surface, Carmella Lowkis’ debut novel is a 19th century Parisian thriller. The story follows two sisters who are conning a wealthy family by posing as spirit mediums to get enough money to pay their sickly father’s medical bills. But when they attempt to trick the family with their schemes, unexplainable occurrences begin to plague them, as well. But intertwined in the plot is the author’s research into queer history and feminist reimagining in literature. The result is an atmospheric Gothic tale that’s not quite what it seems.
How It Works Out by Myriam LaCroix
This debut novel explores just what would happen if you could rewrite the path your relationship takes until you hit the one where it all works out. Myriam and Allison unexpectedly fall in love when they meet at a grungy punk house and their resulting relationship unfolds in many hypothetical situations. The resulting story is both funny and emotional, exploring our need for connection and love in all forms.
April May June July by Alison B. Hart
Following a family that has grown apart over the years, April May June July embarks on a story of four estranged siblings who reunite after years apart at a family wedding. To make things more complicated, one of the siblings has recently spotted their father, who has been missing for over a decade. Now in each other's lives once again, the family must reckon with the past, as well as the present.
INDIE AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
Actually, I Can by Nika Stewart
Nika Stewart does it all. A working mom, social media influencer, cancer survivor…or rather, thriver, and now, an author. In her new book, Nika brings readers along on her journey of self-discovery and empowerment. When her cancer became a viral story, Nika showcased her life with optimism, joy, and humor. “Actually, I Can” invites readers to join Nika in rethinking the way humans perceive adversity and makes for an uplifting and inspiring read.