Week 9: March 27th - Reading

Hey friends! I haven't actually finished anything this week, but since it is the Trans Rights Read-A-Thon currently, I wanted to take this week to highlight some of my favorite books by trans authors and/or centering trans characters. Given our current sociopolitical climate this is so important now more than ever.

YA:

• Hell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph White: this is the book that really propelled me from my reading slump back in 2023. It's a high-octane dystopian horror that will leave you with a head-rush. I've also heard that White's sophomore novel "The Spirit Bares Its Teeth" is very good, but I unfortunately am easily triggered by asylum stories so I cannot give you a first-hand account. Still though, if you enjoy horror, this is a great choice.

• Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas: one of the loveliest books I read last year, truly. Yadriel is such a compelling protagonist here, and despite the fantastic magic system this story feels so lived in that it's beautiful on every single page. I was sobbing by the end in the best way.

• Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa: who doesn't love a Pride and Prejudice remix? Taking the second eldest Bennett sibling and making him a young trans man is such a unique perspective on a beloved story. It gives us so much insight into the characters and was truly refreshing.

• Dear Mothman by Robin Gow: I will take every opportunity to recommend this book that I can. This middle grade novel-in-verse is so tender and heartbreaking but also healing. Every line has such a poignant moment that will bring you in and guide you through a journey of grief, identity, and healing. This isn't just my obsession with Mothman coming into play here: this book genuinely deserves the praise.

Adult:

• The Affair of the Mysterious Letter by Alexis Hall: a Lovecraftian-inspired urban fantasy retelling of Sherlock Holmes with a transmasc Watson character to take us through the mystery? Sign me the FUCK up.

• Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi: this is truly the most bizarre reading experience I've ever had, but in a good way. It's semi-autobiographical in a way that makes the world feel a bit more fantastic, like anything could be possible. Sorry, I don't know how else to describe it besides saying you should just read it for yourself.

• The Companion by EE Ottoman: genuinely one of the sexiest books I've ever read in my life. This was so hot and romantic, but also it was deeply refreshing to read a book about trans people in the 1940s that didn't focus on the rampant erasure and transphobia of the time (and of this time really). If you want something quick to get you swooning, absolutely pick this up.

• The Deep by Rivers Solomon: one of my absolute favorites from last year, this book reads like a new mythology. It's a perfect blend of magic and fable and our darkest histories. If you can get ahold of the audiobook that would be my recommendation: Daveed Diggs narrates it and does an absolutely phenomenal job.

Non Fiction:

• Genderqueer by Maia Kobabe: if traditional memoirs feel unapproachable at times, then this is the perfect book for you. Kobabe is such a masterful illustrator and manages to take eir gender journey and weave it into an engaging narrative of eir life. This is definitely part of the "modern queer literature" starter pack and I would recommend it happily.

• Bless The Blood: A Cancer Memoir by Walela Nehanda: this is going to absolutely be one of my favorite books of the year without a doubt. Nehanda's memoir written in spoken-word style is just a powerhouse of navigating the American medical system when you have every disadvantage against you. This hits deep in the bones. I would absolutely make sure you get the audiobook of this if you can: Nehanda's delivery just makes everything so much more poignant.

Next week I should have finished my books for the Trans Rights Read-A-Thon as well as a couple others to round out March, so I'll see you then!