One of the privileges of literature is the ability to give a voice to the unheard and transmit compelling stories that can elicit a plethora of emotions.
Many gay narratives represent the underserved, ignored, and suppressed, but they are also far more than just that—they are also exceptional pieces of work that can stand on their own.
As a reader, the following books will either allow you to see yourself represented or offer a glimpse into the reality of a community that has not just endured but thrived in the face of oppression, hatred, and discrimination.
They depict romance between men in all facets—the good, the bad, the ugly, and the empowered.
Whether you’re seeking heartwarming romances, thought-provoking explorations of identity, or captivating coming-of-age tales, this collection features the best gay books for any audience.
Giovanni’s Room
A classic of queer literature, Giovanni’s Room was equal parts controversial and revolutionary upon first release in 1956. However, it remains an exceptional and poignant insight into the struggles of homosexual men in the era.
The story follows David, a young American man in Paris who begins a passionate affair with an Italian man named Giovanni. The story is told in reverse, starting on the day of Giovanni’s execution.
Exploring themes of social alienation, internalized homophobia, masculinity, and misogyny, Giovanni’s Room is not a “feel-good” story. Nonetheless, it is one of the best gay books, and BBC Arts deemed it one of the most inspiring novels of all time.
Young Mungo
Published in 2022 yet set in the early 90s, Young Mungo follows the story of Mungo Hamilton, a teen boy growing up in the poverty-stricken areas of Glasgow, submerged in religious conflict. He, a Protestant, finds a youthful and innocent love with a Catholic boy, yet it struggles to blossom in an environment parked by violence, religious prejudice, and abuse.
A coming-of-age story set in turbulent times, the book does not shy away from depictions of dark content that may trigger readers. Nonetheless, multiple publications widely acclaimed it as one of the year’s best books.
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous
Although On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous is undoubtedly one of the best gay books, it does not stop there. It’s an ambitious work that approaches multiple topics with profound meaning.
The book is structured as an extensive letter addressed by a son to his Vietnamese mother, who can’t read. This narrative device frames the entire book, and the events depicted follow the disjointed nature of someone recalling ideas, moments, and memories without any chronological order.
His letter approaches all sorts of thoughts—from generational trauma derived from war to pop culture and even his romance with a white boy.
Call Me by Your Name
Defined as a coming-of-age young adult romance, Call Me By Your Name depicts the summer romance between 17-year-old Elio and 24-year-old Oliver. Bonding over their shared intellectual interests, the withdrawn Elio is inevitably infatuated and obsessed with the charming and extroverted Oliver, beginning a relationship with long-lasting consequences.
A somewhat controversial read due to its depictions of obsessive love and age differences, Call Me by Your Name is nonetheless lauded not only as one of the best depictions of gay romance in literature but also as one of the best LGBTQ+ books.
Tin Man
A short book with a lovely yet melancholic storyline, Tin Man follows the complex dynamic between two childhood friends throughout the decades as they look back to the past and consider the many alternative routes their lives could have taken.
Ellis and Michael have been inseparable since childhood, and their friendship soon blossoms into young love, which then turns into friendship once more. As the years pass, they meet Annie, and the three of them become best friends, with Annie eventually marrying Ellis.
However, looking back to the past, Ellis and Michael cannot help but wonder—what if?
Heartstopper
Unlike other entries in this list, Heartstopper is not a straightforward book. Instead, it is the first volume of a graphic novel series, making it closer to a comic book than traditional literature.
This sweet and romantic YA story depicts the blossoming friendship and eventual romance between Charlie and Nick—one is a neurotic and openly gay bullying victim, while the other is a soft-hearted and cheerful rugby player.
Heartstopper is lauded as one of the best gay books and BookTok romance books precisely because it commits to depicting a fluffy and happy read, which led to multiple volumes and one sequel novella for the fans.
Boyfriend Material
Luc is the nepo baby of famous rockstar parents. He may be a bit of a mess, but the media exaggerates his deeds to the point of tainting his image beyond the truth.
When donors pull away from an event because of yet another scandalous article, his boss demands Luc clean up his image—and what better way to do that than to get himself a respectable boyfriend? Luckily, strait-laced Oliver is the perfect boyfriend material. And he needs a fake boyfriend, too.
Boyfriend Material is the best gay book for rom-com fans, as it masterfully balances a tender romance with a snarky sense of humor.
The Heart’s Invisible Furies
Although John Boyne is more well-known for The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, The Heart’s Invisible Furies stands out as the meeting point between many of the author’s identities and interests—his Irish background, gay identity, and love for historical fiction.
The novel follows the life of Cyril Avery, portraying 70 years of his life—from his teen mother’s tragic pregnancy to his upcoming death. Through this biographical lens, the readers explore the ever-changing environment in Ireland, the challenges gay men have gone through, and Cyril’s personal highs and lows.
Pageboy: A Memoir
Although he is not a gay man—therefore, including him in this list could be a bit of a stretch—Elliot Page’s autobiography is a queer staple and belongs under the large LGBTQ+ umbrella, as it deals with identity, sexuality, gender dysphoria, and more.
Pageboy: A Memoir is the only nonfiction book on this list and is an introspective look at the life of actor Elliot Page. His very public transition made him one of the most recognizable faces for trans people—but also the target of harassment and much more.
A Marvelous Light
Set in an alternative Edwardian England with a thriving yet secret magical society, A Marvelous Light follows Baronet Robin Blyth, a completely mundane, magicless person appointed to a magical position through an administrative mistake. His reluctant and grumpy partner is Edwin Courcey, but they must set aside their differences to investigate the mysterious death of Robin’s predecessor.
A Marvelous Light is the first part of The Last Binding trilogy. It is also best defined as historical fiction featuring magic, a murder mystery, conspiracies, gay romance, spicy content, and a good dose of comedy—a very implausible combination of tropes and genres that works magnificently well.
Paladin’s Hope
Paladin’s Hope is the third entry to T. Kingfisher’s The Saint of Steel series, a collection of fantasy romance books following a group of paladins—holy knights serving various deities—that have lost their god and now must find a new purpose.
In this book, the romance is between Galen and Piper—one a paladin that has lost hope and sanity, and the other a lich-doctor that works among the dead. The two men end up tangled in the investigation of a series of murders, with Piper studying the bodies and Galen dedicated to protecting him.
The Best Gay Books Are The Ones Being Written
After enduring shame, oppression, hatred, and erasure, the voice of gay men is finally being heard.
The books featured in this list are varied and dissimilar from one another. Nonetheless, they have something in common: stories that resonate with a big audience and help normalize the beauty of consensual love regardless of form. If you like our list of best gay books, check out the best WLW books for further reading.
Cheers to Pride, and here is hoping more stories continue being told.
