Pride Month’s Over, but Gay Books are Forever

As we say goodbye to Pride Month, and hello to the rest of summer, it seems fitting we end on a bang: providing a comprehensive list of the best pride books you should read—whether at the beach, pool, or in between shifts at work. Any of these books should offer you solace, some joy, or even a chance to reflect. But all of them—thankfully—are queer. 

1. Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski 

I read Swimming in the Dark two summers ago, and I still think about this book often. Its exploration of emotional detachment and self-fulfillment under the guise of political repression has also served as a guide while I draft my debut novel. I cannot recommend this book enough. 

2. the build-a-boyfriend project by Mason Deaver (releases August, 2025)

After receiving an early copy of Mason Deaver’s “the build-a-boyfriend project” last week, I had the pleasure of diving in on a late night whim. Mason is a true talent—and is also incredibly kind (we were seated alongside each other last week at Instagram’s PRIDE Book Fair). While Deaver’s novel is not out until August, this is the next coming-of-age book that we need, and is even in production as a film as Tommy Dorfman’s directorial debut. 

3. I Leave It Up To You by Jinwoo Chong

Unlike the other books on this list, Chong’s literary genius is an exploration of queerness, memory, and grief. The novel centers around the story of a queer Korean American man after becoming involved in an experiment that gives him the chance to relive parts of his life. It carves out its own unique path unlike other queer texts, and I am so excited to read more of Chong’s work. 

4. Hot Boy Summer by Joe Jiménez

Fitting for the thick humidity of this summer, Jiménez’s novel explores the connection between four gay teens while they embark on the chaos of June, July, and August. This is an honest, vulnerable, read that will leave you feeling equal parts understood and prideful. 

5. The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan 

A tale of power, fame, and secrecy, Fagan’s novel is equally sapphic as it is interesting. I also find Fagan’s background as a journalist further establishes what makes her work unique. Perhaps this is premature, but I am still not finished with this book. Alas—it has to make the ranking, because I’ve enjoyed reading her work thus far. 

Honorable Mention:

6. Goodbye to Boyhood by Spencer Thomas

So there’s this author named Spencer Thomas… Not to be biased or anything, but I do want to shower my debut short story collection with some love. Ten narratives that detail the transition from early adolescence into adulthood, Thomas (me) begs the question: what does it mean to say goodbye to something that was never truly yours to begin with? Boyhood. 

Curious about what Spencer is into? Get real-time updates at shelf.im/byspencerthomas