Reading books is an excellent way to relax and unwind. There’s a wide selection of genres that you can read, including those for gay men. In this article, we collated books that gay men will love because they may relate with the characters at some point. Let’s take a look:
Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda BY Becky Albertalli
This 2016 book is about 16-year-old Simon Spier, a closeted gay teen growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, who goes with the pseudonym ‘Jacques.’ He started an email romance with someone he knows as “Blue.” However, his emails were discovered, and he was blackmailed into having his secret revealed if he would not help a classmate. Although his parents are liberal, Simon was scared to come out. This book is best for closeted teenagers who may experience the same insecurities. It features the emotional challenges of a gay teen.
Less by Andrew Greer
Arthur, the protagonist of this 2018 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, is a struggling novelist. As his 50th birthday was nearing, he was feeling depressed. Things even took a wrong turn when he received an invitation to his ex-boyfriend’s wedding. Of course, Arthur did not attend the ceremony. Instead, he embarked on a literary world tour. The book combines fun and humour as Arthur shares his resounding heart and spirit, making this a tale of romantic misadventures.
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
Set in around the 1980s in Italy, this book follows the love affair between teenager Elio and an academic graduate Oliver. The story is a mix of love and sadness, but there are more joyful moments by the pair. This was adapted into a film in 2017 starring Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet.
Last Seen Leaving By Caleb Roehrig
This mystery thriller book is about a man named Flynn who was the suspect in the disappearance of his girlfriend named January. During the investigation, the authorities are confused since his answers don’t add up with his life with January. Apparently, Flynn has been keeping something about who he really is. The closeted gay protagonist will have a budding romance with another character.
Giovanni’s Room By James Baldwin
This is a story about David, who is caught between his attraction for men and his desire to have a conventional American life. He started having an affair with an Italian man named Giovanni. His struggles resulted in tragic consequences.
A Place Called Winter By Patrick Gale
A sure page-turner, this story about a young man named Henry Cane is based on the story of Gale’s grandfather. After being caught having a sexual relationship with another man, Henry was sent to a homestead in Canada. He was forced to leave England to live a new life where he journeyed to self-discovery. First published in 2015, this book reflects how the real Henry Cane’s experiences lived in an era wherein gay men were not accepted. This novel also shows gay history, including how upper-class English families cast their ‘gay’ sons to remote Prairies like what happened to Henry.
They Both Die At The End By Adam Silvera
Mateo and Rufus are on the verge of death. The pair met through an app called Last Friend, which allows you to connect with other people in the last days of your life. They spent time together checking off items on their bucket list but eventually developed special feelings for each other.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Bisexual Alex Claremont-Diaz is the First Son of the United States. While campaigning for his mom’s re-election for a second term as the first female president, he fell in love with the Prince of Wales. One part of the book that readers love is when Alex said in a televised speech to the nation, “I’m the First Son of the United States and I’m bisexual.” If you start reading this, it is hard for you to stop. It has references to famous titles like Hamilton, Harry Potter, and Star Wars.
Invisible Life By E. Lynn Harris
Originally self-published in 1991 and later published in wide release in 1994, Invisible Life follows Raymond Tyler, a successful law student with a beautiful girlfriend. However, everything changed when he started having a relationship with his best friend. Later on, he fell in love with a closeted football player.
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