Read Harder: A Novel by a Trans or Nonbinary Author
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The 2019 Read Harder Challenge is sponsored by the Read Harder Journal. Get the full list of tasks here.
Created by Book Riot, this smartly designed reading log consists of entry pages to record stats, impressions, and reviews of each book you read. Evenly interspersed among these entry pages are 12 challenges inspired by Book Riot’s annual Read Harder initiative, which began in 2015 to encourage readers to pick up passed-over books, try out new genres, and choose titles from a wider range of voices and perspectives. Indulge your inner book nerd and read a book about books, get a new perspective on current events by reading a book written by an immigrant, find a hidden gem by reading a book published by an independent press, and so much more. Each challenge includes an inspiring quotation, an explanation of why the challenge will prove to be rewarding, and five book recommendations that fulfill the challenge.
I am frequently torn when writing lists of books by transgender authors. Part of me wants to introduce it with “it’s a rough time to be trans, with all the media vilification, legal discrimination, and hate crime, so the least cisgender folx can do is support trans authors.” But another part of me is tired of hashing out that trauma, tired of defending our existence and our work. It’s important to have these conversations about transphobia and how it impacts transgender authors and readers. But maybe it’s also necessary to step away from all the doom and gloom and just celebrate transness once in a while. Read books by trans authors not just because you feel bad for trans folx but because trans people are great and we write fantastic books. And for my fellow trans folx: let’s celebrate us, let’s read us, let’s tell our stories. Here are 12 novels by trans women, trans men, and nonbinary folx to get us started.
Having been born with “one foot on the other side,” a young Nigerian woman develops separate selves within herself. Now living in America for college, these other selves begin to take control, spiralling her life into dark and dangerous places.
Emezi’s YA debut Pet will be published in September this year.
The propulsive journey of a butch lesbian/trans-masculine person coming out in the pre-Stonewall gay drag bars of a blue-collar town. A rollercoaster of gender exploration and transformation.
With similar themes by the same author is Drag King Dreams.
An illustrated novel intertwining Hindu mythology with a love story between a man and his body. Together they explore the complexities of embodiment and the damage caused by the policing of gender and sexuality.
A trans woman, priestess, storyteller emerges from an African province untouched by colonialism. Beyond its borders she finds a world twisted in injustice and pain. The mother of Jesus births a new God from tragedy. And now determines to start a spiritual revolt that will send ripples down the ages. This is the tale of two women with the same goal: to change the world without losing themselves.
After the death of her daughter, a fallen prophet abandons the life that once bound her. She finds herself on a quest, accompanied by dinosaurs. This is the second stand alone in the Tensorate series that starts with The Black Tides of Heaven.
Created by Book Riot, this smartly designed reading log consists of entry pages to record stats, impressions, and reviews of each book you read. Evenly interspersed among these entry pages are 12 challenges inspired by Book Riot’s annual Read Harder initiative, which began in 2015 to encourage readers to pick up passed-over books, try out new genres, and choose titles from a wider range of voices and perspectives. Indulge your inner book nerd and read a book about books, get a new perspective on current events by reading a book written by an immigrant, find a hidden gem by reading a book published by an independent press, and so much more. Each challenge includes an inspiring quotation, an explanation of why the challenge will prove to be rewarding, and five book recommendations that fulfill the challenge.
I am frequently torn when writing lists of books by transgender authors. Part of me wants to introduce it with “it’s a rough time to be trans, with all the media vilification, legal discrimination, and hate crime, so the least cisgender folx can do is support trans authors.” But another part of me is tired of hashing out that trauma, tired of defending our existence and our work. It’s important to have these conversations about transphobia and how it impacts transgender authors and readers. But maybe it’s also necessary to step away from all the doom and gloom and just celebrate transness once in a while. Read books by trans authors not just because you feel bad for trans folx but because trans people are great and we write fantastic books. And for my fellow trans folx: let’s celebrate us, let’s read us, let’s tell our stories. Here are 12 novels by trans women, trans men, and nonbinary folx to get us started.
Freshwater
She of the Mountains
Yemaya’s Daughters
The Red Threads of Fortune
