Guest Post: I’m A Book Shark! (#OthersLitLGBT)

Hey everyone! First of all, I have to thank Adam for letting me be a guest on his blog today. His LGBT month is a fantastic event, and I’m so happy to be a part of it. For my guest post, I am sharing with you my top ten list of favorite LGBT books and characters. I’ve read more books with LGBT characters than I thought I had, and I plan to read many, many more. If your favorite isn’t on my list, I probably haven’t read it yet, so feel free to send suggestions to me! Thanks again, and I hope you enjoy my list and the rest of Adam’s LGBT event!

Top Ten LGBT Characters and Books

1.       Sing You Home
Jodi Picoult – Sing You Home
This was my number one favorite book of 2011. Jodi Picoult always knows how to write a gripping novel. This one may change your perspective on LGBT issues if you’re undecided.

2.       Nedra
Melanie Gideon – Wife 22
Nedra is so confident, witty, smart, and funny. She’s a divorce lawyer and has a loving partner named Kate. Nedra is an all-around brilliant sidekick character.

3.       Paul
David Levithan – Boy Meets Boy
In my review of Boy Meets Boy, I write, “Paul’s a cool kid, and I’d love to know someone like him in real life.” I really enjoyed his confidence and perspective.

4.       Beauty Queens
Libba Bray – Beauty Queens
I won’t name the characters because it turns out to be a surprise, but I was glad that it was added in there. Side note: this audio book is amazing!

5.       Portia de Rossi
Portia de Rossi – Unbearable Lightness
Yeah, I know she’s not a character, but her memoir is a gorgeously put together story of her struggles with weight and sexuality. Kudos to her for being so honest.

6.       Nathan and Andy
Stephanie Perkins – Lola and the Boy Next Door
Nathan and Andy are Lola’s two fathers, and BOY did I love them! Not only did Lola have supportive, loving parents, but they happened to be gay. They are a great family!

7.       The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Stephen Chbosky – The Perks of Being a Wallflower
It has been a while since I’ve read this one. I didn’t particularly enjoy it, but I did love all the Rocky Horror Picture Show references. It’s a novel lots of people have loved.

8.       Impulse
Ellen Hopkins – Impulse
This book is raw and real. This is a good example of why books that tackle tough topics should not be banned. They should be available so teens know they’re not alone.

9.       A Single Man
Christopher Isherwood – A Single Man
I was so sad while reading this book. There were good moments, but if you take away the fact that he’s gay, he lost his partner and doesn’t know how to move on.

10.   Brokeback Mountain
Annie Proulx – Brokeback Mountain
Anyone can appreciate this short story about love and loss. The movie did a great job of sticking with the story, but the book really shows the struggles of the two men. Great literature.

Thanks, Mickey, for stopping by and sharing your awesome list with us!  There are quite a few of my favorites (The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Boy Meets Boy, A Single Man) on your list!

Folks, you can visit Mickey (I’m a Book Shark) at the following:

Blog: www.imabookshark.com
Twitter: @imabookshark

Facebook: www.facebook.com/imabookshark
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/imabookshark