Hello! As the title suggests, I would like to read more books with FTM or gay protagonists.

I (not so) recently read Hell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph White and it was probably the best book I’ve ever read. It completely opened my eyes to a part of fiction I didn’t realize wasn’t completely online.

After realizing that people do write about people like me, I’ve been trying to find other books within that demographic. Unfortunately, I come from a small, extremely religious town and have a limited number of bookstores and a limited number of people I can ask for recommendations from.

I recently moved states, and found myself smack-dab in the middle of the gayest and transest area I’ve ever seen personally. And while I am more comfortable waltzing into Barnes and Noble asking for a book- I still feel a bit weird asking people who don’t know much about trans and gay men for recommendations.

So I turn to you! The wonderful people of Reddit who I know would never lead me astray! Please! I know you all read far more than I do and I know you have good recommendations! Any genre will do but I do have some preferred ones.

My preferred genres/tropes are:

-romance/romantasy
-dystopian
-historical or period/era fiction
-religious fiction
-enemies to lovers
-YA is a-okay!!
-roommates
-horror/ “spooky” books (as described by the lovely woman in B&N)
-body horror
-monsters of any and all types
-minimally spicy/kinda spicy (I’ve realized A LOT of romance revolving gay men is like, purely smut. And while I enjoy it as much as another guy, I would like more story than spice.)
-magic realism
-found family
-QPR

They do not have to have all of those (by any means!!) or any at all! Those are just my preferences towards genres since that’s mostly what i’ve read. But please recommend me any genre! I love reading things outside of my comfort zone and would love to get into a genre outside of my own tastes!

Any and all recommendations will help! I found exactly one book at B&N that promised a trans main character and literally jumped for joy! My boyfriend was delighted I found one and the woman at B&N was also delighted to have found one for my collection.

It means the world to me. And it means the world that these types of books can be published.

Thank you so much, I appreciate it more than you all know. Thank you!

The title says it all. I'm looking for a fantasy book with dragons and also gay men. It doesn't have to be romantasy at all, I'm totally fine with romance being the subplot. I usually don't read books that focus mainly on romance, although I'm open to get into that aswell. It'd prefer for it not to be YA, but am open for suggestions.

I wanna get back into the fantasy genre but as a queer man, I just prefer to have queer male protagonists (or at least side characters). I'm up for anything fantasy from magical realism to high fantasy.

I'm talking about the kind of book that makes you put it down and suddenly question why the hell you're living the way you are. The kind that makes you want to quit your job, drop out of university, move to another country, or just throw your entire life into the air and start over.

The Stranger and Dark Matter did that for me. It's hard to explain, but after finishing them, I felt like I was looking at the world through a completely different lens. My problems hadn't magically disappeared, but they suddenly seemed so insignificant compared to the sheer possibility of being alive and getting to choose what to do with it all. I felt this weird sense of freedom, like I could just say "fuck it" and build a completely different life if I wanted to.

That feeling has faded, and I'm craving it again.

So yeah, give me the books that genuinely fucked with your worldview and made you want to do something drastic with your life. Not just books that made you feel inspired for a few days, but ones that made you question everything and got you living differently.

I usually read a lot of sci-fi and fantasy, I did read some romances as well and I really enjoy when there is some love in other genres.
I've read the The will of the many, all of Brandon Sanderson books, Dune, White Nights, LOTR, Pride & Prejudice and Frankenstein.
These last 2 are written by women and I want to read more books from women, I realized that my to read list is only male (Red rising, dracula, blade runner).
Any recommendations based on the ones I like?
Any help is appreciated.
Also, I've read Verity with my wife but didn't enjoy much, honestly anything that is too grounded I don't usually like, I need to "leave" my location, time or space doesn't matter, I really liked pride & prejudice space wise is on earth but it's from a distant time so it felt alien.

My six year old learned about Native Americans in kindergarten recently. Unfortunately, because we're not from the US and there is very little awareness about these things here in general, it's all done in a pretty racist I-word & Cowboys way.

I've been looking everywhere for some books to read that might give him a better perspective, but everything seems to be written by white people and contain tons of harmful stereotypes.

Chapter books, picture books, fiction or non-fiction, I'd happily take any suggestions you might have!

Every year I do an A-Z book challenge, which I have almost completed this year. There is a bonus category for a book beginning with a number. I did think I'd try 1984 but I'm not in the right mental space for it currently.

I'm currently enjoying cosier books. My main genres are fantasy, sci-fi, mystery (a la Agatha Christie or Arthur Conan Doyle) and queer romance, though willing to try most things if they're reasonably light.

ETA: The and A are fine, I just ignore them.

i've chosen the horror flair because i imagine most books involving haunted houses would be horror, but i'm more than open to non-horror as well! "haunted" can also be used loosely here to describe houses (or even other structures and spaces) that are just weird. any length, age, or popularity is also fine.

for example, some books like this i'm already interested in are: the haunting of hill house by shirley jackson, house of leaves by mark z. danielewski, and piranesi by susanna clarke.

thank you much!

I’m looking for gentle, cosy fantasy but without romance. For complicated reasons I won’t go into, I don’t feel comfortable reading romance novels. I can deal with a small bit of side plot of a couple of characters getting together or a pre established relationship, but nothing front and centre.

I recently tried Twigs Travelling Tomes not realising quite how much romance there was in it. I absolutely adored the world building, the characters, the story, the adventure element, the disney/Ghibli vibes but I DNFd because there was just too much romance for me personally.

I’d love some cosy fantasy books that have all the lovely warm vibes and world building, all the cuteness and joy, but without romance. Happy to also be recommended cosy mystery that is fantasy/paranormal/magical in nature as I think that it overlaps with cosy fantasy as a genre.

Thank you so much

I’m really searching for a campy horror that’s a little erotic. Like if rocky horror picture was a slasher. I recently read “Spread Me” and am looking for more horror books that have seductive or erotic undertones. Bonus points if it’s actually scary and the eroticism is intertwined in the plot or monster. Think like house of 1000 corpses. Campy, scary, and why is everything kind of sexual?

Hello everyone!

I am pregnant with my first child (a girl) and am desperate to find a fantasy book or series to fall in love with while I'm laid up in bed. I'm not immersed in the booktok culture or anything, so I haven't read a lot of new stuff.

I'm not big on high fantasy with dragons and completely alternate worlds, but I do love when fantasy and realism/contemporary are combined. So nothing like LOTR or Wheel of Time, etc.

My favorites as a child/teen were the Narnia and Worst Witch books, anything where someone discovers a fairy in their backyard lol, and Roald Dahl.

I loved The Magicians and I've been reading a lot of Liane Moriarty lately (I love the female POV), but she's getting boring. I quite liked Practical Magic, but not as much as The Magicians. I really enjoyed Wicked about 15 years ago.

I like Fairy Tales and Vampires also.

Any ideas? As you can tell, my book reads are so out of date that if you're thinking of it, I probably have not read it. I was considering Water Moon, but not sure if it's quite right. No strictly romance books (like ACOTAR).

Strong relationships between mother and daughter also appreciated.

Thank you so much!

EDIT: RIP my inbox lol

Ok, I'm heading to the library tomorrow and I'll be looking for the following in no particular order.

1. Discworld - Tiffany Aching and Witches series

2. Discovery of Witches

3. When Women Were Dragons

4. The Encyclopedia of Faeries

5. The Kingdom Will Not Kill Me

6. Elemental Masters Series

7. Doors of Eden

I heard a few social media posts coining a unofficial sub genre of fiction booke. Its described as "short bleak existential books that feel like your smoking a cigarette at 2am". I assume the most famous example would be the stranger by Albert camus. But I'm looking for that vibe

I really struggle with subtext (Me being on the spectrum and all) so I am currently searching for a book that I can read in order to really understand subtext and add it in my writing.

Hello!I would like to learn more about the history of the Vatican and of the Catholic Church and its popes.
Any good suggestions?

I really enjoyed the story telliing of Elizabeth Bathory in this series. I don't care that it may not be true or historically accurate.

I am wondering if someone could suggest a book that gives similar vibes as the portrayal of Elizabeth Bathory in this Netflix series.

Not looking for strictly historical books.. but maybe "gothic horror"?

Ideally middle grade fiction, but books for an older audience are fine as long as they're middle grade clean.

Thank you! :)

McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove is my favorite book of all time. For those who have read it, is there a science fiction or fantasy equivalent? I don’t mean just epic in scope, I mean thematically and tonally.

can anyone recommend any literary fiction from Finnish authors with decent translations into english?

pls no YA, non-fiction or fantasy

Really got into reading this year but choosing a book became a very tedious chore. If few pages don't capture my attention it is impossible for me to stick to a book. They're all mostly novels, a mix of thrillers and suspense.

Homo Faber (7/10)
The world according to Garp (6/10)
The beach (7/10)
The silent patient (8/10)
Verity (9/10)
Rock Paper Scissors (8/10)
Dark Matter (8/10)
The Couple Next Door (6.5/10)
The Secret History (8.5/10)
The Firm (7/10)
Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow (7.5/10)
I also tried to read The Historian by Kostova and The Kind Worth Killing but all online versions had some editing typos I had to put them away.
I know that usually I'm supposed to be less mouthful and just say the genres that I like but maybe some bookworms among here enjoy analysing newbies' tastes and giving them something special to recommend.
Use my list if you're searching for a book and noticed that you haven't read something by the way.

I would love to read something where established world lore sets up really good dreadful circumstances.

An example of this is the three horn blasts in Storm of Swords (or even the TV adaptation version) where this is knowledge you've been give but it's a twist it actually comes through.

I don't need to know what qualifies the book, just that it's able to create a moment of suspense and shock like this.

Hi, I’m going through a pretty traumatic breakup and have barely been able to get myself reading anything. Right now I’m finding pretty much anything romantic or sexy or even vaguely having to do with love kinda triggering, so would like to completely avoid it if possible, and it feels like that takes pretty much anything I can think of off the table. Even books that don’t have a romantic focus so often have some kind of love-related subplot going on and right now I just can’t. Also not up for heartbreak or breakup subplots yet. :-/

I mostly read classic lit, contemporary fiction, and occasionally sci-fi, I’m open to genres (except horror/slasher). Needs to be short (I’m lucky if I can manage a few pages in a day right now), non-depressing, non-misogynistic please, and I’d love something that ropes me in a little bit to keep me distracted.

So far the only book I’ve found that mostly has fit the bill was Tove Jannson’s The Summer Book, as it pretty much only has a grandmother and her grandchild in it most of the time. Love that book, but it’s very vignette-y and I would love something with a little more of a moving plot.

Something funny would also maybe be great? Any suggestions in the vibe of like, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy but without any flirty subplot could be great, I’m aware the romance in there is minimal but I think it’s still too much for me right now, sigh.

I’ve been having a bit better luck with movies, so in case it helps spark some suggestions: girl-power heist movies like Oceans 8 have been great lately, The Devil Wears Prada 2 worked (not the first movie though!), Dr Strangelove was great also, and Good Luck Have Fun Don’t Die! was so much perfect distracting chaos.

In better times, favorite books include anything by Jane Austen, Anna Karenina, lots of 1800s classics in general, sardonic lit fic like Naoise Dolan or Imogin Binnie’s Nevada, social commentary-esque speculative fiction (Octavia Butler, Ursula Leguin, Naomi Alderman, any good dystopian novel or cyberpunk), and for beach reads I love things like Crazy Rich Asians, the Oh My God What a Complete Aisling series, or Emily Henry novels. Obviously most of these do not fit the moment at all so in need of help!

Thank you so so much!

Hi all! I’m seeking recommendations for some retro pulpy gothic romances. You know the ones with oil painted covers of beautiful women in night gowns, running away from spooky castles. Heaving bosoms etc. Specifically from between the 1960s to 1980s, but anything from the 1990s is welcome too.

I’ve recently been getting into retro fantasy novels. Currently I’m halfway through Meredith Ann Pierce’s Darkangel, which I am very much enjoying, but I want to take a break with something else after before I start on the second in the trilogy.

After beginning Dark Shadows and finishing the bbc Gormenghast series, I’ve been wanting some books in a similar vein.

Since it’s such an expansive genre, I’m kind of stuck on what to start with! Any popular recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Hello all. Big delicate ask. 

My darling friend (F49), who is a non-reader, just lost her youngest daughter (16) and it was extremely traumatic. Four weeks later, at a yoga class, she witnessed the woman right in front of her, snap her ankle and bone puncture through the skin. Four days later, her mum was taken into hospital with a broken shoulder. The next day, her mum died unexpectedly. She’s wrapped up in devastation and overwhelm. She’s coming to stay with me for a whole month and switching off her phone. I’m thinking of everything I can do to create the most healing, healthy environment. I suggested she get a kindle paperwhite for Christmas, and then, when she’s with me, she can read books, as opposed to going on her phone.

Please can you think of books that are EASY to read (imperative - I'm hoping she gets a sense of achievement from finishing a book). Nothing preachy. Nothing… sad? (I think she’s probably got that box ticked). Just something that may help her escape? Warm her? Give her a sense of hope? Help her learn something she might value learning. 

Her emotional EQ is off the charts high. She’s always been a really social, fun person who brings everyone together. She lights up the room without trying. She’s funny and generous, forgiving. 

Please, give me your best suggestions so I can load up her kindle, tuck her up and let her heal…well, as heal much as is possible.

Any thoughts, books, advice, welcomed. And thank you. This could make a real difference.

EDIT:  I can’t thank you all enough times. This is such a great list and I cried at some of your amazing comments. I actually felt the love. Thanks, Redditors!

I’ve gone through and read each of your comments and noted down all of them. I’ll be building up ebooks ready for her, and I’ve also taken on some of your other really great suggestions; weighted blanket, don’t force her, build a ‘Guide for her, e.g. I want a silly beach read, I want to read about someone who has gone through something similar, I want a cosy mystery, I want a fantasy and total escapism, etc. All really good and useful ideas which I will implement.

Just in case anyone else has a similar question, I’ve consolidated all the comments for ease of reference.

Complete book list

Highest verified upvotes first

1. It's OK That You're Not OK by Megan Devine — 265 upvotes reported in our earlier extraction
2. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune — 25 upvotes
3. Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery — 20 upvotes
4. Small Gods by Terry Pratchett
5. The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
6. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
7. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
8. A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
9. The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain
10. Kingmaker by Sonia Purnell
11. A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle
12. What You Are Looking for Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama
13. Shady Hollow by Juneau Black
14. A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher
15. Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
16. Tepper Isn't Going Out by Calvin Trillin
17. The Elsewhere Express by Samantha Sotto Yambao
18. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
19. The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower
20. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
21. Bearing the Unbearable by Joanne Cacciatore
22. Actress of a Certain Age by Jeff Hiller
23. Be Here Now by Ram Dass
24. The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers
25. The House in the Cerulean Sea sequel — author TJ Klune
26. A Summer at Sea by Katie Fforde
27. A Springtime Affair by Katie Fforde
28. Recipe for Love by Katie Fforde
29. A Rose Petal Summer by Katie Fforde
30. Summer of Love by Katie Fforde
31. Hitman Anders and the Meaning of It All by Jonas Jonasson
32. Sweet Sweet Revenge Ltd. by Jonas Jonasson
33. The Cat Who series by Lilian Jackson Braun
34. The Alanna series by Tamora Pierce
35. The Princess Knight by Cornelia Funke
36. The Moomin books by Tove Jansson
37. Home Front Sleuths series — author not verified
38. Discworld series by Terry Pratchett
39. The Elsewhere Express by Samantha Sotto Yambao
40. Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen
41. Starfish by Lisa Fipps
42. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
43. The Emma M. Lion series by Beth Brower
44. A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle
45. The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
46. Books by Kristin Hannah — various titles
47. Books by David Sedaris — various titles
48. Books by Katie Fforde — various titles
49. Books by Leonie Swann — various titles
50. Books by Alexander McCall Smith — various titles
51. Books by James Herriot — various titles
52. Books by Tessa Bailey — various titles
53. Books by Rebecca Armitage — various titles
54. How to Carry What Can't Be Fixed — author not verified
55. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
56. Welcome to Holland by Emily Perl Kingsley
57. Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved by Kate Bowler

Other things recommended

These aren't books, but they were suggested as potentially comforting alternatives or activities:

• Audiobooks
• Adult colouring books and quality colouring pencils or markers, colour-by-numbers
• Zentangle
• Jigsaw puzzles
• Crossword puzzles and word searches
• Diamond art - I just learned about that!
• Crochet kits, Cross-stitch and embroidery, Knitting
• Drawing and painting
• Music, including calming or unfamiliar composers
• Walking, including walks in parks
• Playing with or walking a dog - she has a beautiful dog at home :)
• Tetris ***  Thank you for the comment about this helping trauma!
• Simple card games
• Cooking together
• Scenic drives
• Gentle outings to libraries - I actually don’t have bookshops or libraries on my island :( hence the kindle
• Baths, naps and weighted blankets
• Comfortable food and protein drinks
• Watching films or television together

Once again, Reddit - THANK YOU!  You are all wonderful people in this thread. I really will take on board all you’ve said.

I love reading books about women doing cool things in nature. I loved The Sun is a Compass, and Bicycling with Butterfly’s. I’ve also read Welcome to the Goddamn Ice Cube but DNF’d it.

any suggestions?