The Best (and Worst) Queer Books I Read in May

In May, the top book I read was “Ten Incarnations of Rebellion” by Vaishnavi Patel, known for “Kaikeyi.” Initially hesitant about delving into this alternate history of 1960s India, I opted to listen to the audiobook while following along with the first chapter. Surprisingly, I found myself fully immersed in this reading method throughout the entire novel, a first for me. The audiobook enhanced my experience, providing a deeper understanding of the story.
The narrative is intricate and authentic, focusing on resistance and revolution, featuring a queer protagonist and a sapphic relationship. However, it is not a light romantic tale and delves into some somber moments. I rated this book five stars and believe it merits the critical acclaim it receives.
Another book that caught my attention for the podcast episode airing on June 3rd is “Cosmic Love at the Multiverse Hair Salon” by Annie Mare. This delightful sapphic romance explores love transcending timelines, occasionally veering into cheesy territory but remaining enjoyable. I particularly appreciated the queer community dynamics and side character romances. As Annie Mare’s debut work, I eagerly anticipate their future creations.
On the other hand, “Be Gay, Do Crime: Sixteen Stories of Queer Chaos,” edited by Molly Llewellyn and Kristel Buckley, didn’t resonate with me as expected. While a few stories resonated with me, the majority didn’t align with my preferences, centering on flawed characters engaging in petty crimes. While this collection may appeal to many readers, it wasn’t quite my cup of tea.
Recently, I joined a queer book club where we discussed “Housemates” by Emma Copley Eisenberg, a narrative following a queer photographer and writer collaborating on a project about Philadelphia in 2020 during a road trip. Opinions within the club varied, and unfortunately, I wasn’t among those who enjoyed the book. Despite its focus on slow, character-driven storytelling, I struggled to connect with the narrative. However, some members praised its descriptive writing and realism, so it might still be worth a read.
Currently, I am engrossed in “Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil” by V.E. Schwab, a forthcoming novel featuring “toxic lesbian vampires.” This is my first foray into Schwab’s work, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. Stay tuned for a discussion on this book in June on the Book Riot podcast with Rebecca, Jeff, and Vanessa.