Representation in books is incredibly important – in this Top Five Tuesday, I share some of my favourite LGBTQ-friendly reads and why I really enjoy them. Although diversity in books has been getting better over the years, it’s still important for these reps to be in every book we read – isn’t a book that much more poignant when you are able to see yourself in a character?
I also decided to try matching my (blog) posts to my Instagram posts, so be sure to check out my insta and let me know what you think of the format! When I’m picking books it’s much easier to match – but characters? Yeah, that’s a little tougher.
Top 5 Tuesday is a weekly meme that the lovely Bionic Bookworm does. If you are interested in doing any of her topics on your blog she welcomes it! Don’t forget to check out her upcoming topics if you’re interested in participating in future Top 5’s! Be sure to check out her post here!
LGBTQIA+ Reads:
Simon v. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
This book was just perfect and precious. I loved the rep and relationship in it. (I also really need to own this book. I love it and I don’t own it yet!)
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard by Rick Riordan
This series has the best diversity in a cast and I liked how one character was gender fluid in particular – that’s not something I think I’ve ever read in middle grade or YA fiction. There’s so much diversity in it in general, but I think that Alex’s character is so incredibly important (and Magnus as well if my assumption is correct.)
Shadowhunter Chronicles by Cassandra Clare
It may not be prevalent in the first book, but the relationship that grows over the course of the series is one of my favourite ships. I loved how one character when from being unsure to six books later being in a completely committed relationship and sure of who they are. I think that acceptance of yourself is so important for readers.
The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzie Lee
You cannot help but love Monty, even though he’s a rake.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo – or – Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst
I had a tough time deciding which of these two books I liked more on the LQBTQ+ representation front. So they tie for fifth? Or I guess Six of Crows wins because I don’t have a physical copy of Audrey Coulthurst’s Of Fire and Stars.
Do you have a favourite read or character that has LGBTQ+ rep? Let me know in the comments!
Kyera's Library 
I really loved We Are Okay and The Perks of Being a Wallflower! Both really have some cute but “normal” rep of lgbtq. I love it when writers don’t make “being gay” a trait (or the only trait) of a character.
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Oh yeah, it cannot be their defining ‘trait’ because it’s just a part of who you are. I loved Perks, but I haven’t read We Are Okay yet. I’ll have to add it to my TBR.
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I think Simon is going to make a lot of lists this week and he deserves to be on every single one! And yes, I did just refer to him as real lol. I absolutely adored that book and it made my list this week, too — although my list is for a different meme/prompt entirely! =)
If you’d like to check out a different post/meme feel free here: http://bit.ly/2w1tSD0
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Oh my gosh, yes he definitely deserves to be on many lists!
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You do this to me every time!! I think my list is complete and then I see your list and face palm myself – SHADOWHUNTERS!!?? How in the world did I forget about that relationship! It’s one of the cutest, most adorable, and appropriate relationships in books! I love those two together!
Thanks for participating – added you to the list 🙂
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I’m sorry I messed up your list! But yeah.. love them!!
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😂
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Great choices!!! I didn’t chose Shadowhunters by Lady Midnight because ….Mark!!!!
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Ah yes, Mark. That’s perfect. I just figured Shadowhunters in general was pretty good for reps.
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Gentleman’s guide, definitely a great one for this list. I love it how it was historical and action too. Great choice.
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Thanks!
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Totally agree with almost all of them. Haven’t read SImon or City of Bones in full. I totally love Monty/Percy and Magnus series. Wonderful picks, and yes, I’m loving what you’re doing with Insta and these!!!
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Yay! Good. It kind of makes me pre-take a bunch so that I have a bunch to pre-schedule and always have 2-3 per week. But they’re fun, too!
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Oooooh that works out! They seem like, but they turn out so great!
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Just discovered your blog 🙂 Great post. I would put Gentleman’s Guide to the list too 🙂
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Thanks!
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