This Week's Review

Review by Samwise McGinn and Ray Iveson

Happy Pride Month! To kick off this June off on the right foot, Ray and I have reviewed four LGBTQIA+ novels. There are two nonfiction and two fiction titles. All are informative, exciting, and definitely engrossing! I can’t imagine a more fun way to learn about the LGBTQIA+ community than by reading a book. Without further ado, here are the titles! 

Fine: A Comic about Gender by Rhea Ewing

Fine is an anthology of interviews with people about how they relate to gender and how it fits in with their identity as a whole. This also includes the author’s own experience exploring and figuring out their gender identity. I found Fine eye opening to how experiences influence our gender expression and how we choose to identify ourselves. A memoir for anyone curious about gender identity, gender expression, and how this impacts our lives. 

Coming Back by Jessi Zabarsky Random House Graphic 

Coming Back is a fantasy graphic novel about community and tradition. The two protagonists, who are women in a romantic relationship, are sent on separate quests. These adventures lead them to learn more about themselves and their world. The world in this novel is really eye-catching and reminds me of the art in the TV Show Avatar: The Last Airbender. Once the two are reunited, they realize that both themselves and their society cannot go back to their old ways; sometimes change is the best way forward when tradition gets in the way of progress.

The Little Book of Pride by Hippo! 

The Little Book of Pride is a collection of inspirational quotes from members of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is separated into seven unique chapters covering a range of topics such as early voices of the movement and select wisdom for readers. A cute coffee-table book that is also lightly educational on LGBTQIA+ history and icons. A lovely compilation for anyone celebrating their pride!

The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer

The Darkness Outside Us is a dark science fiction novel with a captivating romantic subplot between two male main characters. Set in a spaceship on its way to check a distress signal, two rival men must learn to coexist–while simultaneously unraveling the bloodcurdling mysteries that they begin to unearth. Easily my favorite book of the year, Schrefer delivers a terrifying story that’s worth picking up for any young adult who wants a hint of romance in their science fiction.