Pride Month is a time to recognize the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals and it would be impossible to do so without acknowledging some of the authors who have boldly put LGBTQ+ stories into the spotlight. From early revolutionary writers such as James Baldwin to contemporary favorites like T.J. Klune, each author has made a unique contribution to modern literature. So what better way to celebrate Pride Month than by diving into a new book series? Here are five must-read book series that we at Juniper Books feel embody the Pride spirit.
Few works are as rich, profound, and enduringly relevant as those of James Baldwin. A revolutionary well ahead of his time, Baldwin’s writing explores complex dilemmas relating to identity and acceptance through themes of sexuality, race, and social class. He is an essential writer for those interested in the history of queer literature and the roots of the gay rights movement. Our special edition James Baldwin book set pays homage to the writer’s upbringing in Harlem, a community that shaped his identity and later became central to many of his writings. With an eye-catching retro design reminiscent of the 1960s, this set immerses readers in Baldwin’s literary world and celebrates his distinct voice.
TJ Klune is known for his ability to capture nuanced themes through enchanting, romantic, and whimsical stories, and the Green Creek series is no exception. This captivating saga follows a family of human-wolf shapeshifters as they navigate friendship, love, betrayal and grief. The series has been praised for its positive and authentic representation of queer characters, especially that of underrepresented identities such as asexuality. Magical, heart-wrenching, and larger than life, the Green Creek series can’t be missed.
The Crave series by Tracy Wolff is aptly named – these books are notoriously hard to put down! A riveting mashup of romance and supernatural fantasy, Crave is suspenseful, haunting, and clever. With a headstrong heroine and a diverse cast, this series represents a witty and surprising departure from typical romance clichés. Here at Juniper Books, we collaborated with Tracy Wolff herself to create a set that captures the story’s dark, gothic atmosphere in one richly detailed design. This ornate, stone carved look is stunning on your shelf and will instantly transport you into the halls of Katmere Academy.
Photo: Sophiezandvliet on Pinterest
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman is a groundbreaking duology in LGBTQ+ fiction that has earned global recognition for its heartrending exploration of identity, desire, loss, and maturity. The first novel was published in 2007, and continues to be hugely popular today. You may have heard of its 2017 film adaptation, Call Me By Your Name, starring Timothée Chalamet. In 2019, the novel received a sequel titled Find Me. Bittersweet, thought-provoking, and set in idyllic Northern Italy, these books are a perfect summer read.
The most powerful stories are grounded in truth. If you prefer nonfiction literature, the True Colors book set from Juniper Custom is a curated collection honoring LGBTQ+ history and experiences. This essential set includes memoirs, photographs, and speeches from celebrated LGBTQ+ activists, and comes wrapped in custom-printed jackets. It also makes the perfect gift for anyone passionate about queer history and advocacy!
Pride Month is about sharing diverse perspectives and narratives, and books are one of the most time-honored ways to do this. This list covered a few of our favorite LGBTQ+ collections, but there are so many more brilliant works out there to explore. If you have a favorite of your own, check out Juniper Custom to personalize a book set or even design your own one-of-a-kind edition. Happy Pride!