Recs if you like Real Life...

books with characters who are in their 20s (and trying to figure out their 20s). primarily but not exclusively lit fic.

Focused on stories with beautiful prose, depth, and explore the intricate realities of the LGBTQ+ experience. Sub-genres could range from historical, contemporary, science fiction, magical realism, and classics (even romance!).

I will continue to update this, so comment if you have more!

ownvoices books across genres by queer men/masc authors that feature queer men as main characters

disclaimer: this is all just based on my own research and may not always be 100% accurate to the author’s identity - feel free to comment any edits or suggestions!

Books for when you’re laughing at life while quietly freaking out about it. Stories full of absurdity, awkwardness, and existential dread, perfect for anyone who’s ever thought, “WTF is even happening?"

Trying to support indie publishers and read more diverse fiction! I’m starting with the Booker Prize and hopefully adding more when I can. Add your recs in the comments!

Love an academic setting, but tired of protagonists who are at most 20 years old? Needing some solidarity to get you through your own terminal degree? These books across all fiction genres depict the graduate school experience.

Not exhaustive but literary fiction with Black American authors .

Will continue to update with time

Last updated 10.11.2025

pain, pain and more pain, but make it queer.

I will continue to update this, so feel free to add more suggestions

canadian author emily r austin's recommended books, as taken from her website!

Books that would be great for a local, in-person book club at a cafe and will hopefully spark great discussion!

queer literary fiction from around the world

Books that take place in and around university or college campuses (and I'm including some boarding schools). Perfect for back to school season in the fall.

books to convey to the general public that you are cool, well-read, smart, and interesting. also, they're just great intellectually stimulating reads!

books i still think about but aren't that talked about in my very subjective opinion (ya and adult)

Book recs by the king himself

iowa city, where everyone seems to be writing a book — modern + contemporary works from university of iowa iowa writers' workshop alum & faculty

required reading from me. changed my brain chemistry.

i cry a lot but these made me SOB