This is my first official non-official post for this blog, so please enjoy a whole article without the use of words like "ambiguous" or "second-order volitions".
Since I have been busier than usual with
multiple projects this year, particularly on days that Books Bi Queers meetings are held, I have decided to take a short break from organizing the reading club.
My plan is to resume regular book selections and meetings this summer (2023). I started Books Bi Queers back in August of 2020 at the start of the pandemic for two reasons: One, because I was tired of feeling like the only annoying bisexual in my friend group, and two, because I wanted to read and talk about gay shit, as a femme bisexual. For almost three years now, this reading club has provided a safe space for bisexuals (and queers alike!) to open up about their personal experiences while relating to and discussing their ideas surrounding queer literature. For me, Books Bi Queers is a special reminder that, not only am I valid in my sexuality, but that I am seen, heard, and appreciated by my queer (especially lesbian) peers. Thus the main reason I am writing this blog post is to briefly express my gratitude to my community while I pause the group.
And so I present to you, dear gay (or really cool straight person!!), a list of my favourite reads from the Books Bi Queers' reading list, from August 2020 - March 2023, "in no particular order".
1. Butter Honey Pig Bread by Francesca Ekwuyasi (Fiction)
The club unanimously agreed that this is one of the greatest pieces of literature of all time. The story is so mystical yet relatable, and her writing is, well, delicious. She gives the reader lots to fantasize about.
My new favourite book to get lost in, especially in the summer. It is perfectly raw. I would recommend this book to absolutely anyone looking to feel inspired. She describes her adventures in nature (and her relationships) with so much care.
3. "The One Hundred Nights of Hero" by Isabel Greenberg (Graphic Novel)
Emotional, funny and beautiful, with fantastical illustrations to match. Totally worth the weight.
4. “The Gilda Stories” by Jewelle Gomez (Fiction)
Super spooky and super gay, this is a vampire novel like no other. While the ending wasn't the reading club's favourite, the rest of the novel played out like an addicting tv series that you could easily binge.
5. "The Pervert" by Remy Boydell, directed by Michelle Perez (Graphic Novel)
A very graphic novel, filled with beauty and brutal honesty. It is based on a trans girl surviving through sex work, trying to attain the happiness she deserves. This may seem like a common story, but the style in which it is told is very unique.
Such a fun and whimsical story with fantastical descriptions that will feed your imagination! The star of this story is a trans girl who won't accept a tragic ending. Although it gets pretty real at some points, I would still consider it a feel-good read.
7. "SuperMutant Magic Acadamy" by Jillian Tamaki (Graphic Novel)
So. Fucking. Funny. Awesome drawings. Something to recommend to anyone who likes witty characters and metaphysical scenarios.
8. “Dogs of Summer“ by Andrea Abreu (Fiction)
An anthem for those of us with weird (and a little queer) childhoods, this captivating story is very nostalgic and perfectly gritty. It's odd in all the right places.
9. "Fun Home" by Alison Bechdel (Graphic Memoir)
This was the second book we ever read and it helped set a very high standard for the rest of the reading club's choices. While the story is tragic, it is also very well written, with witty lines and clever, tasteful illustrations.
10. “Stay and Fight“ by Madeline Ffitch (Fiction)
Just a really, really good book. It shows a new way of looking at family, with great characters living unexpected lives surrounded by nature - lives that you can't help but become invested in.
11. "Jonny Appleseed" by Joshua Whitehead (Fiction)
This story of a young Two-Spirit/Indigiqueer bears a great emotional mix of melancholy and humour. If you are looking for a notable book that is just vulgar enough, then honey you've found it.
12. “In The Dream House“ by Carmen Maria Machado (Memoir)
Such an unbelievably entertaining and insightful book. Her recollections are so emotional and poetic, I found it hard to put this one down.
13. "Ruby Fruit Jungle" by Rita Mae Brown (Fiction)
A queer classic clearly testing the social norms of its time. The first book that we read, this is the perfect introduction to queer literature.
I have benefited so much from embracing these works. I truly believe that if you're searching for a means to understanding yourself better, no matter your sexuality, reading the words of various queer authors is a great place to start. I hope at least one book from this list resonates with you, brings you joy, changes your perspective, or all of the above.
I'll update this blog post as soon as the club resumes and our Facebook group is back up - so keep refreshing this page if you're thinking about joining our virtual family. And please note that we provide free reading materials for our Black, Indigenous and Trans members.
Thanks for reading! <3
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