Why We Love - Queer Joy

Caroline and Aaron are kicking off Pride month with their favorite books that celebrate Queer Joy! To us, books that celebrate queer joy are ones where queer identity is not a primary source of pain, ostracization, or self-hate for its characters. These are books where sexual and/or gender identity is not only an integral part of the characters, but is also something to be celebrated and is deserving of love and acceptance! We hope these books make you feel hopeful and inspired, and give you all the warm and fuzzies... because we deserve a happily-ever-after too. - Our recommendations: The Guncle by Steven Rowley (bookshop.org) (libro.fm) Here For It: Or, How to Save Your Soul in America by R. Eric Thomas (bookshop.org) (libro.fm) A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske (bookshop.org) (libro.fm) Payback's a Witch (The Witches of Thistle Grove) by Lana Harper (bookshop.org) (libro.fm) Finna by Nino Cipri (bookshop.org) (libro.fm) Lord of the White Hell by Ginn Hale (bookshop.org) (libro.fm) Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (bookshop.org) (libro.fm) Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki (bookshop.org) (libro.fm) Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree (bookshop.org) (libro.fm) - Heads up: The main character in Light from Uncommon Stars does struggle with self-worth and has run away from a terrible family that could be triggering for some readers, but this is a unique story of growth, hope, and found family with a beautiful ending, so we felt it was important to include. - Thank you for supporting Friendly City Books by listening to our podcast. Shop with us in store and online at friendlycitybooks.com/shop or through bookshop.org and libro.fm. - Find us on social media - Facebook: facebook.com/friendlycitybooks Instagram: @friendlycitybooks Tiktok: @friendlycitybooks - Host: Caroline Barbee Cohost: Aaron Rishel Music: Rear Projection by Hartle Road Friendly City Books Inc. Friendlycitybooks.com