This year I’m writing my most anticipated list… half way through the year. Ya win some, ya lose some. #2021, am I right? There have been an incredible amount of wonderful books that have already come out this year and, seeing as we are in the middle of Pride, there are an exceptional amount being released as I type this blog post.
Each year I do this list I evolve it slightly. This year the info contained in this post includes:
- The podcast episode
- A link to my Goodreads shelf for easy shelf-ability
- A downloadable list of the books with release dates + facts
- Links to previous years’ lists
- 2021’s list
Keep reading if you wanna know what I’m most looking forward to reading in 2021!
First up, the podcast episode:
If you wanna here me blabber on about these books for 30~ minutes, click the link and listen above! I go into a bit more detail as to why I’m excited for each book and make jokes etc. 😋
My Goodreads shelves:
If you wanna head straight to Goodreads to bookmark all of these books I can’t blame you. Here are the links to this year and all previous years, as well! 2017 / 2018 / 2019 / 2020 / 2021
Savable list with release dates:
Here are last years lists, explained via video / podcast:
2017 / 2018 / 2019 / 2020 / 2021
Interesting stats about my 2021 list:
[image coming soon!]
- #OwnVoices: 13 (56%)
- BIPOC: 8 (39%)
- Trans representation: 2 (8.6%)
- Non-fiction: 6 (26%)
The Most Anticipated LGBTQAI+ Reads 2020 list (finally!):
1. “Everybody (Else) is Perfect: How I Survived Hypocrisy, Beauty, Clicks, and Likes” by Gabrielle Korn
- #OwnVoices
- Published by: Atria Books (Simon & Schuster imprint)
- Release date: 5th January, 2021
- Genre: Non-fiction (essays)
- Why I’m excited to read it: Korn is the former editor-in-chief of Nylon magazine and that’s way cool, but mostly I’m hungry to read more essays by intelligent, thought-provoking women. Her essays run the gamut from body insecurities, dating as a lesbian in New York, #MeToo, and Fashion Week. A blurb I read said “for fans of Roxane Gay” and I was sold.
2. “Detransition, Baby” by Torrey Peters
- #OwnVoices, trans representation
- Published by: One World (Penguin Random House imprint)
- Anticipated release date: 12th January, 2021
- Genre: Fiction, adult, contemporary
- Why I’m excited to read it: “Detransition, Baby” is one of the first books written by a trans woman to be issued by the big-five publishing houses. The blurb reads, “A whipsmart debut about three women—transgender and cisgender—whose lives collide after an unexpected pregnancy forces them to confront their deepest desires around gender, motherhood, and sex.” I want to read everything I can about the trans experience, this year– so to say I am looking forward to reading this book is an understatement. I’ve already bought it.
3. “Milk Fed” by Melissa Broder
- Published by: Scribner (Simon & Schuster imprint)
- Anticipated release date: 2nd February, 2021
- Genre: Fiction, adult, contemporary
- Why I’m excited to read it: I tend to stray away from books that are too mainstream successful, idk it’s just a thing I do, but I’m also a “book by its cover”– enter “Milk Fed.” This cover is eye-catching, to say the least. The book follows a 24-year-old jewish woman named Rachel as she goes on a 90-day communication detox from her mother, who raised her on calorie counting. The GoodReads blurb says that the author “tells a tale of appetites: physical hunger, sexual desire, spiritual longing, and the ways that we as humans can compartmentalize these so often interdependent instincts.” I want to read that.
4. “Kink: Stories” edited by Garth Greenwell and R.O. Kwon
- #OwnVoices, BIPOC
- Published by: Simon Schuster
- Release date: 9th February, 2021
- Genre: Non-fiction (short stories)
- Why I’m excited to read it: Reading more short stories is another thing I’m always trying to do. Short stories, poetry, essays… I want to read more and more and more of those things. Maybe I’m becoming “an old.” Anyway, this collection is contributed to by a multitude of authors. Sadly I can only truly say I recognized Roxanne Gay’s name, but after this I know I’ll find new authors to read! The short stories explore topics within bondage, love, BDSM, desire, and all manner of sexual kinks. 2020 was the year I decided to break down the taboos of talking about sex and desire openly within my relationships and 2021 is the year I will break down talking about it publicly. Sex and desire is great, so like, let’s talk about it AND experience it!?
5. “Follow Your Arrow” by Jessica Verdi
- #OwnVoices, bisexual representation
- Published by: Scholastic Press
- Release date: 2nd March, 2021
- Genre: Fiction, YA, contemporary
- Why I’m excited to read it: Summer comes and I’m a sucker for a cheesy, feel-good romance book. I think that’s what this book will deliver! Following CeCe, a social media influencer with oodles of followers and a #RelationshipGoals girlfriend, naturally everything ends with heartbreak. Not too long after CeCe meets a boy named Josh and he makes her really come face-to-face with her public vs. private life and bi-ness.
6. “Black Girl, Call Home” by Jasmine Mans
- #OwnVoices, BIPOC
- Published by: Berkley (Viking / Penguin Imprint)
- Release date: 9th March, 2021
- Genre: Non-fiction (poetry)
- Why I’m excited to read it: Jasmine Mans is a poet, academic, and creative. She is described as being, “a pressure point necessary for Hip-Hop, the black arts, and the generation of young scholars” in no small thanks to her viral poems online that focus on celebrity, black culture, and current events. As I was learning / writing this I discovered her piece “Footnotes for Kanye” and I’m in. “Black Girl, Call Home” is a collection about race, feminism, and queer identity. I can’t wait to devour her words.
7. “Between Perfect and Real” by Ray Stoeve
- #OwnVoices, trans representation
- Published by: Harry N. Abrams (Abrams Books)
- Release date: 27th April, 2021
- Genre: Fiction, YA, contemporary
- Why I’m excited to read it: This book had to be on my list, even though it’s already come out because I am LONG overdue for reading one of Ray’s books. I’ve been on panels with them, for goodness sake! The book follows Dean Foster who knows he’s a trans guy, but is believed by everyone at his school to be a lesbian. Though the power of theatre Dean discovers that he wants to be seen now, as he really is, and what a powerful thing it is to be seen. A perfect coming of age story for the summer months. Also of note, Ray Stoeve created the YA/MG Trans and Nonbinary Voices Masterlist, a database that tracks all books in those age categories written by trans authors about trans characters. SUCH an incredible resource for readers of all ages, especially those seeking out #OwnVoices works.
8. “The Secret to Superhuman Strength” by Alison Bechdel
- #OwnVoices
- Published by: Mariner Books
- Release date: 4th May, 2021
- Genre: Non-fiction (graphic memoir)
- Why I’m excited to read it: Alison Bechdel has written her first graphic memoir in 9 years and I was actually sent it to talk about. I nearly flipped. This new memoir is a chronicle of her exercise—and existential—journey throughout her life. Obsessed with trying every fitness craze to be invented, Bechdel has commentary for them all and records them in this new book. Those of you who know Bechdel’s work know she is incredibly (and darkly) funny, but she is also relatable in the most human way. Her art style is playful, wonderful, and makes turning the pages effortless. I sat down to dive in as soon as the book was delivered and I can’t put it down.
9. “One Last Stop” by Casey McQuiston
- #OwnVoices
- Published by: St. Martin’s Griffin (Macmillan imprint)
- Release date: 1st June, 2021
- Genre: Fiction, new adult, contemporary
- Why I’m excited to read it: Okay I was literally obsessed with “Red, White & Royal Blue” when it came out and devoured it. I’ve actually had the audiobook of “One Last Stop” for a little bit before it came out (thank you, libro.fm!) but I haven’t finished it yet. I feel like this is the perfect book for me right now, it follows twenty-three-year-old August who just moved to New York and is a subscriber to the cynicism that is “love doesn’t exist.” #Relatable. Then she meets a gorgeous girl named Jane on the train. Nothing about Jane is average, in fact, she’s literally displaced in time from the 1970s. Hopefully by the time this blog is posted I’ll have finished it. It’s gonna be a good one.
10. “¡Hola Papi!: How to Come Out in a Walmart Parking Lot and Other Life Lessons” by John Paul Brammer
- #OwnVoices, BIPOC
- Published by: Simon & Schuster
- Release date: 8th June, 2021
- Genre: Non-fiction (essays)
- Why I’m excited to read it: Brammer has been a popular LGBTQ advice columnist for some time now. I’ve not read any of his work before now, but with a title like this one, how can I ignore it? In his book, titled after what started as a racialized moniker given to him on the hookup app, Grindr, Brammer shares his story of growing up while biracial and in the closet in America’s heartland. He’s coming at us with some hard-hitting answers to difficult questions such as: How do I let go of the past? How do I become the person I want to be? Is there such a thing as being too gay? Should I hook up with my grade school bully now that he’s out of the closet? Surely this is not one to be missed.
11. “The Queer Bible” edited by Jack Guinness
- #OwnVoices, BIPOC
- Published by: Dey Street Books (HarperCollins imprint)
- Release date: 15th June, 2021
- Genre: Non-fiction (essays)
- Why I’m excited to read it: Our queer heroes write about theirs. What more do I need to know?! Singer and songwriter Elton John (writing on Divine), comedian Mae Martin (writing on Tim Curry), and many others, honoring timeless queer icons such as Susan Sontag, David Bowie, Sylvester, RuPaul, and George Michael through illuminating essays paired with stunning illustrations. (Yes, I stole a lot of that from the blurb.) I honestly can’t wait to read every single one of these essays. Tan France even wrote one!
12. “The Essential June Jordan” by June Jordan [Christoph Keller (Editor), Jan Heller Levi (Editor), Jericho Brown (Introduction)]
- #OwnVoices, BIPOC
- Published by: Penguin Classics
- Release date: 24th June, 2021
- Genre: Non-fiction (poetry)
- Why I’m excited to read it: June Jordan was a Caribbean-American poet and activist and I didn’t know her name before sitting down to source this article. She wrote poetry about activism, but her activism was poetry. She chronicled the living, breathing history of the struggles that defined the U.S. in the latter half of the twentieth century. That sounds extremely relevant to toady’s climate. It’s been said that Jordan, “believed that ‘genuine, up-from-the-bottom revolution must include art, laughter, sensual pleasure, and the widest possible human referentiality.” I love that so much.
13. “Six Crimson Cranes” by Elizabeth Lim
- BIPOC
- Published by: Knopf (Penguin Random House imprint)
- Anticipated release date: 6th July, 2021
- Genre: Fiction, YA, fantasy / mythology
- Why I’m excited to read it: A series. I really do not need to begin a series. However… this one sounds so good, y’all. The story centers on Shiori, the only princess of Kiata. She has forbidden magic in her. When she loses control on the day of her betrothal ceremony her stepmother, also harboring magic (but dark, naturally) banishes her and turns her brothers into cranes– warning her that if she speaks of the curse to anyone, with every word, one of her brothers will die. Conspiracy, betrayal, trust, and embracing her powers… sounds awesome.
14. “The Forest of Vanishing Stars” by Kristin Harmel
- Published by: Gallery Books (Simon & Schuster imprint)
- Anticipated release date: 6th July, 2021
- Genre: Fiction, adult, historical
- Why I’m excited to read it: Who would I be if I didn’t include a WWII historical fiction on my list? Not me, that’s who. This book is inspired by incredible true stories of survival against staggering odds. It’s a coming-of-age World War II story about a young woman who uses her knowledge of the wilderness to help Jewish refugees escape the Nazis—until a secret from her past threatens everything.
15. “Under the Whispering Door” by T.J. Klune
- #OwnVoices
- Published by: Tor Books (Macmillan imprint)
- Anticipated release date: 21st September, 2021
- Genre: Fiction, YA or adult?, fantasy / paranormal
- Why I’m excited to read it: It’s described with words like “quirky and charming” – obviously I’m interested! This is a book about a ghost who refuses to cross over and the ferryman he falls in love with. Where does that even come from?! Sounds like it’ll be a perfect, autumn read.
16. “Iron Widow” by Kiran Jay Zhao
- #OwnVoices, BIPOC, Poly representation
- Published by: Penguin Teen
- Anticipated release date: 21st September, 2021
- Genre: Fiction, YA
- Why I’m excited to read it: It sounds like this book has it all. First of all, it’s basically set in a sci-fi universe with characters super-vaguely inspired by historical figures across Chinese history. One reviewer on Good Reads said, “this is the feminist agenda, actually” and I wish I could have loved that comment. Upon further investigation it sounds like this book may have polyamorous themes?! WE LOVE. It is sci-fi, but feminist sci-fi is a genre I can make an exception for. The basis of this society is that the boys pair up with girls to pilot Chrysalises, transforming robots that can battle the mecha aliens that live beyond the Great Wall. Most of the girls die due to the mental strain… but not our MC. Okay just writing this got me psyched.
17. “Payback’s a Witch” by Lana Harper
- Published by: Berkley (Penguin imprint)
- Anticipated release date: 5th October, 2021
- Genre: Fiction, adult
- Why I’m excited to read it: October is the perfect time to read a witchy book. In fact, I think it might be required reading to read at least one witchy book in the autumn time. This book follows a girl named Emmy who is a not-very-good witch. She has been on a self-imposed exile for years, but when a spellcasting tournament (and intense familial guilt) arises she decides to return to her “real life” and do her duty. I know I keep mentioning the blurbs, but this one is too good not to share: “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina meets The L Word in this fresh, sizzling rom-com.”
18. “A Spindle Splintered” by Alix E. Harrow
- Published by: Tordotcom (did Tor rebrand?! Macmillan imprint)
- Anticipated release date: 5th October, 2021
- Genre: Fiction, YA / Adult – fairytale retelling
- Why I’m excited to read it: I’m a sucker for fairytale retellings and this one is a queer, Sleeping Beauty retelling. A girl who has a rare condition that means she won’t live past twenty-one and a best friend who wants to give her the most incredible last birthday ever, when she pricks her finger she finds herself falling though worlds with another sleeping beauty. It’s been described as, “A vivid, subversive and feminist reimagining of Sleeping Beauty, where implacable destiny is no match for courage, sisterhood, stubbornness and a good working knowledge of fairy tales.” ―Katherine Arden
19. “Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World” by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
- #OwnVoices, BIPOC
- Published by: Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Anticipated release date: 12th October, 2021
- Genre: Fiction, YA – contemporary
- Why I’m excited to read it: How many years have we been waiting for this book?! So many, that’s the truth. Following beloved Ari and Dante as they navigate staying in love, building a relationship, and forging a path forward in a world where that doesn’t understand them, this is the next installment of their relationship and I am so ready to be enveloped once again.
20. “Grave Reservations” by Cherie Priest
- Published by: Atria Books (Simon & Schuster imprint)
- Anticipated release date: 26th October, 2021
- Genre: Fiction, fantasy, thriller, mystery, adult
- Why I’m excited to read it: A psychic travel agent and a Seattle PD detective team up to solve a murder. Hello, Seattle– I love seeing how people write about here. Both with cases that haunt them from their pasts, this unlikely duo forms a partnership intent to solve them once and for all. Out of my normal wheelhouse? Yes. Excited? Also yes.
21. “Noor” by Nnedi Okorafor
- BIPOC
- Published by: Daw Books (Penguin imprint)
- Anticipated release date: 9th November, 2021
- Genre: Fiction, adult, sci-fi
- Why I’m excited to read it: There are actually two sci-fi sort of books on my most anticipated this year? I’m as shocked as the next person. The thing is though, this one looks too good to miss. “Noor” is based in a near-future Nigeria and focuses on the main character Anwuli Okwudili (or AO as she prefers to be called). After a car accident leaves her crippled and in need of the necessary body augmentations that came next, she is working hard to embrace what she is. Then one day she goes to her local market and everything goes wrong. The blurb mentions that she goes on the run and meets a herdsman named DNA. They race together across the deserts of Northern Nigeria, the world watching as everything is streamed.
22. “Smile and Look Pretty” by Amanda Pellegrino
- Published by: Park Row (Harlequin imprint)
- Anticipated release date: 28th December, 2021
- Genre: Fiction, adult, contemporary
- Why I’m excited to read it: This one sounds like it has The Bold Type, female friendship vibes going on. The biggest difference is that The Bold Type girls have a non-toxic, wonderful work environment and the four girls in “Smile and Look Pretty” have terrible, toxic ones. So much so that they actually start an anonymous blog to detail some of the terrible things the powerful men they work for, do. Their blog starts a movement and hundreds of women start to come forward with their own stories. It is celebrated as, “fast-paced millennial rallying cry about the consequences of whistleblowing for an entire generation” and I am so excited to read a book that focuses on women changing the world as they come together through friendship. Sign me up.
23. “A Clash of Steele” by CB Lee (honorable mention, how did I forget this one?!)
- #OwnVoices, BIPOC
- Published by: Feiwel and Friends
- Anticipated release date: 7th September, 2021
- Genre: YA, fantasy, retelling
- Why I’m excited to read it: I cannot BELIVE I forgot to put this book on my list– UGH! Carrie please forgive me! This is going to be an incredible female-centric, queer retelling of the classic story “Treasure Island” and I literally cannot wait to read it. It’s part of a collection of four books coming out as part of a series the publisher is calling “Reclaimed Classics” – honestly, they all look incredible.
*Anticipated release dates are subject to change because that’s how the cookie sometimes crumbles in the publishing world. Don’t take these dates as set in stone!
Here’s a link to my bookshelf on GoodReads if it makes it easier to add them to your “to read” shelves! ♡
