A Psalm for the Wild-Built

by Becky Chambers

When I’m not quite sure of a person’s taste in books, I love to give A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers to people because of its broad appeal. It’s a novella, which is less intimidating to my friends and family who aren’t quite as vociferous readers as I am. It’s also a genre book that doesn’t go heavy on the sci-fi and a queer book that lets its gender utopia exist without much comment. And most important, it’s a hopeful, lovely book that is a quick antidote to the anxiety and hopelessness that many of us feel.

The Clothesline Swing

by Danny Ramadan

For those who are not into genre fiction, The Clothesline Swing by Danny Ramadan is a compelling contemporary fiction novel about love, death, and the stories we tell to stay alive. I am currently raising money for Rainbow Refugee to help a Moroccan woman immigrate to Vancouver, so this is also a great way to introduce the stories of refugees as I ask for donations!

[If you would like to donate a few dollars to our cause, donate HERE and choose “PRISM COLLECTIVE” in the drop down!]

Snapdragon

by Kat Leyh

For younger kids or people who appreciate a witchy story about animals, Snapdragon by Kat Leyh is a graphic novel is at the top of my list. This is a book about outcasts, young and old, and the relationships that can bring joy and meaning to our lives no matter what stage of life we’re in. A joy to read in one satisfying sitting!

Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss and the Fight for Trans Equality

by Sarah McBride

For the non-fiction aficionado, Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss and the Fight for Trans Equality by Sarah McBride is a memoir about love and political activism by Delaware’s state senator. Putting a humanizing face to heated arguments about trans rights, this book is a must read.

The Unspoken Name

by A. K. Larkwood

The Unspoken Name by A.K. Larkwood is a dense fantasy novel that isn’t for everyone…but the person it’s for is going to LOVE it. This fast paced novel is about a lesbian orc who abandons her fate as a sacrifice to the Unspoken god and decides instead to become a mercenary for an ambiguously aligned wizard. There’s a sequel, The Thousand Eyes, out too!

The Guncle

by Steven Rowley

For the family and friends who want their books to be warm-hearted and fun, The Guncle by Steven Rowley is a sure-fire hit! When the protagonist finds himself in charge of his niece and nephew for the summer, all three learn how to process grief and lean on the love of family with laugh-out-loud and sweet-but-not-sappy scenes.

Pet

by Akwaeke Emezi

For the person who likes a fantasy story that’s a bit more accessible à la A Wrinkle in Time, Pet by Akwaeke Emezi is one of my favorites. This is a story about appearances and the ability to differentiate between a monster and an angel (literally and metaphorically). I love when an otherworldly being that is both scary and comforting enters a child’s life and helps them grow up to be a little wiser than they started.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I’ll end my list with another book with broad appeal. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a story about Old Hollywood, determined women, and the relationships (real and faked) that made a young woman a movie star. It’s a page-turner with a satisfying ending that everyone can enjoy.