Recs if you like Giovanni's Room...
Classics Not Written by Straight Cis White Men
I've seen so many people say they don't read classics as they aren't diverse, and I wanted to give some suggestions that are.
This is a list of classics written by authors who are not Straight, Cis, White, and Men as the title suggests. I am also aiming to include a variety of cultures and regions in this list. If your looking for something more focused (e.g. diverse US classics) check out the lists I posted in the comments.
Suggestions are more than welcome!
Quest Thirst ๐ฆ (100+ Books under multiple quests)
Books that are part of 3 or more quests โจfor easier planning! Initially thought of making this on my shelf, hope the members of pb find this helpful!! (The list is incomplete, I'm working on checking & adding new quest books๐๐ป thanks for the love โค๏ธ๐ฅน)
Badge Gremlins
Shorter books (under 200 pages) that are part of at least one quest. Many are also in the public domain, making them easily accessible when you want to grind for that next badge.
apart / a part
literary (or literary-leaning) fiction focused specifically on isolation, disconnection, loneliness โ and what they teach us about life and humanity.
ft. recs from the community!
Emotional Annihilation Toolkit
Are you currently not crying to the point of vomiting, but you want to be? Need to conduct a science experiment to find out if you are in fact the ugliest crier in all of Pagebound? Well, do I have the list for you! Brought to you by the fine, very sad, folks of Pagebound! These books have been frequently suggested or upvoted in PB club posts about sad books! Suggestions in any genre, and extra tissues, are welcome!
Pagebound Readalongs
I couldnt find a list of these yet, so i made one! You may not be able to collect the badges anymore, but if youโre a completionist like me; here are all the books of the pagebound seasonal readalongs and the special event readalongs!
1001 Books to Read Before You Die
Based on the list/book published in 2006, general editor Peter Boxall.
assigned by frankie
almost every single book mentioned* on ๐ Frankie's Shelf youtube channel because their taste is wild and i love it.
updated as frankie posts. *mentioned as in the book is the focus of the video, listed in the description, or offhandedly said.
Circular storytelling
"The end is already written. Your actions are up to you, you can choose to get off this ride whenever. We both know you won't do it." Books with this vibe
Lucy Dacus Recommendations ๐
Books recommended by musician Lucy Dacus, a solo artist and member of the band boygenius. Pulled from her goodreads list.
Queer Classics: English Literature Edition
The queer agenda has taken over your English lesson and the compulsory reading list to make you disgustingly educated and gay af ๐ณ๏ธโ๐
Based off having to study older books that have monumental impact ๐ฅ Will keep updating the curriculum, CLASS IS IN SESSION ๐
books by Black authors
this is your reminder to read books by Black authors all month, all year, every yearโ not just during Black History Month. itโs crucially important to be able to diversify your reading and your bookshelves. expand your mind, your perspectives, your knowledge, and your taste. if you donโt know where to start, here are some recommendations!
Reclaiming the Classics (U.S. edition)
Classic books by U.S. BIPOC/fem/LGBTQIA Authors. Inspired by my post in US classic lit quest, I wanted a place to share all the wonderful recommendations by the PB community from the forum! 'Classic' refers to enduring, high-quality works that have stood the test of time, featuring universal themes, memorable characters, and artistic merit that remain relevant and insightful about the human condition across generations, often studied for their cultural significance and literary excellence.
emotionally restrained narrators
fiction where a composed, detached voice conceals its own turmoil, or circles a truth it cannot name, drawing the readerโs hungry gaze toward the silences, each one heavy with unspoken meaning.
itโs all in what is not said.
recs welcome as always :)
High Femme Fiction
pink, sophisticated & sometimes fatale <3 curating the personality of my aspirations (added some essential nonfic & poetry!)
warm weather blues
books that feel:
claustrophobic like the summer heat like stifling longing flushed cheeks like unbidden realisations melancholically sweet like painful emptiness existential like utter confusion
I havenโt read all book on this list (yet). Feedback regarding books/authors is welcome๐ซถ๐ป PLS CHECK TW
musical inspiration: fourth of july - Sufjan Stevens Habibi - Tamino implosion - Labrinth now, run - Hania Rani ozean - AnnenMayKantereit
LGBTQIA+ literary fiction
The only queer & GNC lists/quests Iโve seen have been genre. I love them, but I wanted to also curate a list of literary fiction with LGBTQIA+ characters and themes!
Men Loving Men in Literary Fiction
Some classic, popular, and lesser-known books about the lives and relationships of men who love men. Recommendations welcome---I'm specifically in search of more books centering trans men! [Created Sep '25]
Messy Queer Fiction for Autumn Hill ๐
Autumn Hill is a Prairieland Defendant, sentenced to 50 years in prison for protesting outside of an ICE detention facility, in a move intended to quell all political dissent. To support her, she says โsend me more messy gay fictionโ especially by queer authors of color!
Books should be paperbacks, purchased new and sent directly from Amazon, and addressed to:
Johnson County Jail, TX Cameron Arnold, 202502023 P.O. Box 247 Phoenix, MD 21131
Suggestions very welcome! ๐ซถ๐ฝ More info in comments!
A Literary Journey Through Grief
Grief as one of the main topics
ยฉ 2025 Pagebound