Book Recommendations – Gay Romance & Modern Myth

Reading is more than just passing time. Good stories create connection, awaken empathy, and invite reflection.

And sometimes, they make us laugh, let go, or simply carry on.

Books can open doors to new ways of thinking and living — whether they’re explicitly queer or simply tell stories where diversity flows naturally.

Here, I’m sharing a few personal recommendations that have touched, surprised, or accompanied me in different ways — for everyone who loves stepping into other worlds and is open to new perspectives.

No matter whether you identify as queer yourself or just love a good story.

Today, we’ll start with the first two book tips.

Book Recommendation:

Böse Jungs – Susann Julieva | German Gay Romance

“Böse Jungs” – When Lightness Touches Depth

In Böse Jungs by Susann Julieva, it’s not just about a love triangle, but about everything that lies between: uncertainty, closeness, the past, and the way relationships slowly unfold.At the center is James — and through him, we experience a quiet yet powerful journey through friendship, attraction, doubt, and the subtle spaces in between.

What I especially loved about this book is the lightness with which heavier themes are touched upon.It’s not about stacking dramatic plot points or highlighting toxic dynamics.Instead, we witness a story where the characters are allowed to grow — gently, empathetically, and at their own pace. No judgment, no preaching.That makes it a pleasant, almost intimate read.

Despite the title, it’s not about “bad boys” in the classic sense — it’s about emotional friction, open questions, and the human need for connection.

And the fact that queer identities such as asexuality find their place here, without being exaggerated or overdramatized, is a real strength. Böse Jungs is light, queer storytelling — full of heart, humor, and space for genuine emotional growth.

Book Recommendation: Kafka on the Shore – Haruki Murakami

“Kafka on the Shore” – A Tale of Coming of Age

Fifteen-year-old Kafka Tamura runs away from home, and mysteriously, his path crosses with other characters.Their stories intertwine into a fascinating novel connecting past and present, myth and reality.

What moved me most:

• The boundaries between inside and outside: Murakami leaves open what’s real and what’s imagined — inviting readers to dwell in the in-between.

• Layers and multiplicity: It’s not a straightforward coming-of-age story, but a weave of identity, fate, loss, and self-discovery.

• Language and atmosphere: His prose flows with lightness and imagery that lingers.The literary magazine Perlentaucher describes it as “breaking the meaningful with the mundane” — which captures its magic perfectly.

• A cultural perspective beyond our own: Japanese settings, mythology, and landscapes open the reader’s eyes to a wider world.

Good to know:Not all threads are resolved — Murakami leaves mystery on purpose.At times, the story feels surreal, and some readers may miss structure or explanation.But for me, that’s exactly where his strength lies.

It’s not a queer novel in the strict sense — LGBTQ+ themes are not central, but part of a broader mosaic.

Why it matters — especially for open-minded readers:

Because Kafka on the Shore shows this truth:

You don’t have to be queer to find yourself in a text.Often, it’s not the explicitly queer themes but those of boundaries, detours, identity, dreams, loss, belonging, and non-belonging that touch us when we’re searching.The book leaves space — for your own thoughts, questions, and interpretations.

And that’s where its beauty lies.

Two very different works — yet both offer worlds that linger, each in their own way.

Next week, we’ll turn to the Trans Awareness Week (starting November 11, 6:00 p.m.).

Because visibility isn’t a trend.It’s a necessity.

Stay curious — and if you like, share this post with someone who might be hearing about it for the first time.

Have more book recommendations?

Share them with the community in the comments below.