7 Must-Read Memoirs for Summer 2023
Summer is coming in hot. Is your reading list ready? Here are our top seven LGBTQ+ memoirs to read while lounging by the poolside, relaxing on a beach, or in the comfort of your own home. This carefully curated collection of our favorite memoirs will immerse you in complex stories that dive deep into each author's narrative and highlight the queer experience.
Pageboy by Elliot Page
No Queer summer reading list is complete without a recommendation of Elliot Page’s new page-turning memoir. The Oscar-nominated star from Juno and the Umbrella Academy shares about his journey through stardom and coming out as a trans man. Every person, regardless of their sex or gender will be moved by this brilliant and honest story of transformation.
2. íHola Papi!: How to Come Out in a Walmart Parking Lot and Other Life Lessons by John Paul Brammer
In this comical and tenderhearted book, John Paul shares his story of growing up biracial and in the closet in America's heartland. Through short essays prompted by questions asked of his advice column, JP shares his perspective on some of life's most challenging questions, like: How do I let go of the past? How do I become the person I want to be? Is there such a thing as being too gay?
3. We Have Always Been Here by Samra Habib
After growing up Ahmadi Muslim in Pakistan and fleeing as refugees to Canada with their family, Samra Habib learned early on that they had to keep her identity hidden. Canada held different issues, however, from racism to the threat of poverty to a potential arranged marriage. In an effort to find their true self, they started a journey of self-exploration, looking for other queer Muslims like themselves and a way to express their creative femininity freely.
4. Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
This is a seminal book for any person who has just recently come out of the closet (or is planning to). Maia Kobabe writes their story of growing up, dealing with crushes, their self-identity, and how to come out to those you trust. They share with honest detail how it feels to deal with medical tests that are for a gender that you don’t feel like. Insightful and playful, this memoir speaks to queer, cis, nonbinary, and any person learning more about who they are.
5. Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations by Mira Jacob
Mira Jacob, an Indian-American queer woman, details conversations she’s had with her son, spouse, friends, family, and strangers through poignant graphic illustrations. These conversations range from humorous and light to soul-wrenching and impossible to answer. This emotion-packed memoir covers topics such as American identity, interracial families, and the realities that divide us– and what brings us together.
6. Fun Home by Alison Bechdel
An oldie– but a goodie– this graphic memoir follows Bechdel as she grows up and deals with nuanced family situations. She shares about her father who — not long after she came out as a lesbian — was discovered to be gay and died by suicide. With irreverent humor and punchlines, this story shares about family drama and what it means to grow into yourself.
7. The Only Way Through is Out by Suzette Mullen
After years of playing it safe, author (and certified book coach!) Suzette Mullen finds the courage to reject her comfy life and come out. By finally fully and publicly embracing her true self, Suzette built a life that was big enough for her. Bittersweet and empowering, The Only Way Through Is Out is both a coming-out and coming-of-age story, as well as a call to action for every human who is longing to live authentically but is afraid of the cost. This inspiring story is set to hit the shelves in February of 2024– but it's not too early to pre order!
Our summer book list highlights the voices of writers in the LGBTQ+ community and offers a range of genres. So, grab your favorite iced beverage, find a cozy spot in the sun, and get ready to lose yourself in these pages.
And, if you are looking for instruction and inspiration while you write your own memoir, check out our upcoming events on memoir writing: Blueprint for a Memoir: How to Write a Memoir for the Marketplace.
