Curated by Ashley Dickson-Ellison (@ashley_dicksonellison)
If you're joining us for this year's Unabridged 2025 Reading Challenge, you know that a book by a debut LGBTQ+ author is a category. To provide some recommendations to get your list going for that category, we’re spotlighting our book reviews of five phenomenal debut novels by LGBTQ+ authors that deliver compelling stories and unforgettable characters. From tender romances and fierce feminism to intricate mysteries and imaginative sci-fi, these books offer something for every reader.
Whether you’re diving into Alice Winn’s poignant In Memoriam, Leah Johnson’s uplifting You Should See Me in a Crown, or Everina Maxwell’s genre-blending Winter’s Orbit, these debut novels stand out not only for their exceptional storytelling but also for the authentic experiences they celebrate.
Here’s a closer look at these five brilliant debuts. Be sure to click the titles to read the full review.
Alice Winn's IN MEMORIAM: A Story of Love, Friendship, and War (Jen's review)
From the review: “Alice Winn's gorgeous In Memoriam is the story of two boys, Ellwood and Gaunt, who love each other deeply. Set during World War I, the novel begins at their English boarding school, where it's acceptable for some boys to be together, but only quietly and only if the relationship is a temporary one.”
Leah Johnson's YOU SHOULD SEE ME IN A CROWN - An Uplifting YA Lit Novel You'll Want to Hug (Ashley's review)
From the review:
“I've been looking forward to reading Leah Johnson's You Should See Me in a Crown since it was first released. In this young adult lit novel, we meet Liz Lighty, a remarkable teenager who is navigating her way through high school with big plans to study music in college. As the story opens, Liz learns that she has not received a scholarship to the college of her choice, which will make it impossible for her to go there. She's an outstanding student and a passionate musician, but she has spent her high school career avoiding the spotlight. But as the reality that she must find a way to earn a lot of money becomes clear in her mind, she makes a decision to run for Prom Queen, a title that comes with a $10,000 check in the small town where she lives.”
Everina Maxwell's WINTER'S ORBIT - A Book that Bridges Genres (Jen's review)
From the review:
“Everina Maxwell's Winter's Orbit is a stunner of a sci fi novel. It's also an LGBTQ romance, a book centered on palace intrigue, a mystery. Quite simply, I loved it.
“The book begins with Prince Kiem. Kiem is a bit of an outcast from his prominent royal family—so, when he has the chance for redemption, he knows he should jump on it. His grandmother, the Emperor of Iskat, is in the midst of delicate negotiations with the universe's governing body, and it requires a peaceful relationship with the planet of Thea. What does she want Kiem to do?”
Book Review of Adrienne Kisner's SIX ANGRY GIRLS — Anatomical Knitting and Feminism (Jen's review)
From the review:
“Adrienne Kisner’s Six Angry Girls contains multitudes: mock trial and anatomical knitting (yes, that’s a thing) and high-school Drama and high-school drama and love and FEMINISM. This YA novel alternates between two high school seniors’ perspectives. Raina is a dedicated actor and president of the Drama Club until her long-time boyfriend, Brandon, breaks up with her in an incredibly callous way. The dissolution of their relationship makes her realize that she was in drama for all of the wrong, Brandon-centered reasons. Millie, the other protagonist, has been a part of the mock trial team since her freshman year and has earned some time in the spotlight. And then, a coup (led by Brandon!) means that she can’t be a part of the competition team anymore.”
From the review:
"Casey McQuiston’s Red, White, & Royal Blue is just a delight. It’s an unabashedly bubbly, real, foul-mouthed, sexy romance with a political heart of gold. I. Loved. It.
"At the novel’s center is an alternate reality that I, for one, would love to live in. The winner of the 2016 U. S. Presidential election was Ellen Claremont, a blonde, divorced Texan with a second husband and mixed-race kids who is seriously dedicated to liberal causes. Our protagonist is her son, Alex Claremont-Diaz, a college student who is ready to launch his own political career upon graduation. Alex is driven, brilliant, mouthy, and a social icon for the country along with his older sister June and their best friend Nora, the granddaughter of the Vice President. Together, the White House Trio plays with the media, throws amazing parties-that-are-fundraisers, and begins working on Ellen’s reelection campaign."
(A note to our readers: click on the hashtags above to see our other blog posts with the same hashtag.)
Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.
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