A tale of lesbian romance and growing into your place in life

So you looked at your calendar the other day and wow!

The holidays are coming up and I’m not ready yet. Are you running out of gift ideas? What about books?

Is there a justice activist on your gift list? They’ll be happy to open it. “Morningside: The 1979 Greensboro Massacre and the Struggle for the Soul of American Cities.” Written by Alan Shetterly (Amistad, $28.99), this is a story about the Klan, white supremacy, racial conflict, and how it fits into what’s happening in America today. Please combine with “Sidney Poitier: The Icon’s Great Speech That Moved Us Forward” Edited by Joanna Poitier and edited by John Malahy (Running Press, $29). Bonus: This inspiring book is packed with photos.

Fiction for LGBTQ readers

If there is someone on your gift list who would enjoy a growth story, “Shay” A great gift is by Mesha Maren (Algonquin Books, $28.00). This is a boy-meets-girl story, but when a pregnancy occurs, their lives change much more than just parenthood.

If fun little romantic comedies are what your recipient likes to read, then look no further than these. “Maybe we can be heroes.” By Philip Ellis (Putnam, $20). This is a light story of a chance meeting and a friendship that starts small and eventually becomes something very big. It may be a good idea to tighten it with “Love & Hot Chicken” A sweet and funny story of two Tennessee women, a chicken coop, and an affair, by Mary Lisa Harton (Wm. Morrow, $30).

If your recipient loves romantic comedies, there are plenty to choose from this season. consider “Trajectory of her life” A girl-meets-girl novel by Jennifer Dugan (Avon, $17.99) about a new horse girl who owns a ranch and a farrier who doesn’t agree with her idea of ​​running the ranch.

Nonfiction for LGBTQ readers

The memoir lover on your gift list will devour “Cactus Country” By Zoe Bossiere (Abrams Press, $27.00) is the story of an 11-year-old’s new start where everyone sees him as the boy he is. But life as a transgender boy is not easy in the beautiful area he has come to accept, and neither are the people around him. I conclude with “Long Corridor” Richard Scott Larson (University of Wisconsin Press, $21.95) is the memoir of a boy who identifies with movie monsters and how hiding parts of himself helps him come to terms with who he is. Helpful to understand.

For the transgender man or woman on your gift list, look for: “The last time I wore a dress was.” Written by Dylan Skolinski and Jane Meredith Adams (Penguin Publishing) is a story of abuse, bullying, emotional pain, and a happy ending. This book was first published over 25 years ago, but now has a new, satisfying and entertaining ending. I conclude with “Mama: A Queer Black Woman’s Story of a Missing Family” A story of love, responsibility, and more love by Nikkya Hargrove.

If your recipient is exploring their sexuality, “Intense Desire: A New History of Sex and Sexuality in America.” by Rebecca L. Davis (Norton, $35) may be a welcome gift. Have we come a long way in understanding people’s sexuality? Yes or no – your recipient may have an idea about it.

biography

Did your giftee spend their childhood engrossed in books about growing up? If so, they’ll likely cherish that memory when reading books “Judy’s Genius” By Rachelle Bergstein (One Signal Publishers, $28.99). This biography helps readers understand who Judy Blume was, why she wrote the novels she wrote, and how her story fits into today’s adolescence, feminism, current events, and literature. Let me do it. Let’s end with this great biography. “Rule Breaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters” Written by Susan Page (Simon & Schuster $30). This is the story of Walters, her time, and her impressive work.

If your recipient is outraged by this year’s politics and feminism, they’ll definitely enjoy reading this. “A well-trained wife” By Tia Levings (St. Martin’s Press, $30). This is a story of Levings’ submission, expectations, and ultimate resistance as a wife in a Christian patriarchal marriage. Anyone who receives the right kind of gift will absolutely love this book.

The British history buffs on your list will definitely want it “The Eagle and the Heart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV” By Helen Castor (Avid Reader Press, $35). This book delves into history, the lives of the two cousins, and the shocking succession to the throne. Combined with bookmarks, “Henry V: The Amazing Triumph of England’s Greatest Warrior King” A book about the life and times of this 15th-century English king, by Dan Jones (Viking, $35).

For that music lover on your gift list, “How Women Made Music: A History of the Revolution Through NPR Music.” Edited by Alison Fensterstock (HarperOne, $40) is just the perfect gift. Introducing female musicians from the 1920s to recent years, from country music to hip-hop to guitarists and more. I conclude with “I heard there was a secret code: Music as medicine.” A book about music and how it contributes to healing and well-being, by Daniel J. Levitin (Norton, $32.50).

“Friendly Fire: A Shattered Memoir” by Paul Rousseau (Harper Horizon, $29.99) may be just the perfect gift for someone who loves unique memoirs. Just before graduating from college, Rousseau was accidentally shot in the head. How he survived, both physically and in his friendship with the man who shot him, is the basis of this very well-written book.

The science-minded person on your gift list will definitely appreciate it. “The Marie Curie Element: How the Radiance of Radium Lighted the Path for Women in Science.” By Dava Sobel (Atlantic Monthly Press, $30). Perhaps your recipient knows exactly who Marie Curie is, but does she know about the women who came after her in the lab? This book tells that story in a fascinating and interesting way.

For fashionistas who love makeup, “Becoming Elizabeth Arden: The Woman Behind a Global Beauty Empire” by Stacy A. Cordery (Viking, $35) may be the best gift under the tree this year. This is a comprehensive story about a businesswoman, master of charm, revolutionary, and visionary woman, her work, her times, and the controversies she created.

And don’t forget queer icon Cher’s new book. “Cher Memoirs Part 1” It’s full of nonsense anecdotes about her checkered rise to fame. Fellow queer icon RuPaul also published his own biography earlier this year. “House of Hidden Meanings: A Memoir”

politics

Is your recipient disappointed in the political climate of the past few years? “Common sense, sensible people.” Written by Keith Payne (Viking, $29.00) is the book you should round out as a gift. Payne says there is a way back to integration and away from polarization, and given the psychology and explanations behind it, it’s doable.

Once you’ve got it together, be sure to know where your giftee’s political leanings lie “MAGA Diary” Written by Tina Nguyen (One Signal Publishers, $28.00). Nguyen was active in the conservative movement, but was never completely satisfied with it. Eventually she had to get out of there. Your giftee will love how she did it.

Those on your list who are mourning the end of political season will be happy to do so. “Useful Civics Answer Book: How to Be a Good Citizen” By David L. Hudson Jr. JD (Visible Ink Press, $29.99). This is a big, heavy book about American documents, constitutional amendments Americans should know about, what it means to be a “good citizen,” and more.

Remember the Reagan era? For your gift giver, “Dear Mom and Dad” by Patti Davis (Liveright, $27.99) would make the perfect unwrapping gift. Of course, Davis is a daughter of the Reagan family, and this love letter to family and country is perfect for this year.

Here are the political issues your activist would like to know more about: “Wealth Stolen Through Slavery: Litigation for Reparations” Written by David Montero (Legacy Lit, $29). Part history, part business, and part eye-opener, this book is a better look at this controversial subject.

Seasonal reading!