I too am a fellow fictional book lover, and find myself often running into the problem of not knowing what to read next. While there are book subscriptions, such as Book of the Month, that can solve this oh-so-terrible dilemma, I thought I would try my hand at compiling a list of options to help, should you have the same problem. 

I compiled a list of books  relevant to our times, and since it is October, I researched into the different national holidays that October possesses. Turns out, there’s a long list ranging from Self-promoting month, something we all need, to Squirrel awareness month (Not to be confused with Squirrel appreciation day in January). 

Perhaps more commonly known: October is LGBTQ+ History month, which caught my interest. Furthermore, October 7th was National Depression awareness day, something which I consider very important as according to the  World Health Organisation, approximately 280 million people in the world suffer from depression. In light of these 2 topics, the recommended books contain similar themes and ideas. 

It is important to note that these are sensitive topics that can possibly be triggering. 

Books about LGBTQ+

1. Loveless by Alice Oserman.

Goodreads describes this novel as “looking into themes of asexuality, identity and self-awareness where the characters learn that true-love is not limited by romance.” In 2021, “Loveless” won the 2021 (Young Adult Book prize. Personally, I find asexuality a topic not really explored in the YA entertainment industry yet, so it made me happy to see some asexual representation in media. 

      2. Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender.

This is another YA novel follows the life of  a transgender teen dealing with topics of identity and self discovery. 

Goodreads describes it as “an honest and layered story about identity, falling in love, and recognizing the love you deserve.” I thought this one also fit nicely into themes of self-promotion. 

      3. Eight Pieces of Silva by Patrice Lawrence.

This is a novel containing a complex mystery. It caught my attention as unlike a lot of novels surrounding themes of LGBTQ. as the fact that the main character identifes as lesbian is not the main focus of the story. Although it contains themes of LGBTQ+, they remain in the ‘background’, which to me is a more realistic representation of life. “Eight pieces of Silva ” was shortlisted for the UKYA (UK Young Adult) book prize in 2021. For further information onGoodreads click here. 

      4. Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff.

Goodreads describes this as “A haunting ghost story about navigating grief, growing up, and growing into a new gender identity”. This one is described as a read for middle-schoolers and is shortlisted for the 2021 Young People’s Literature Award which will be announced on November 17th.

      5. Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo.

This novel is not so heavy on the LGBTQ+ themes, but does include representation of the LGBTQ community and it is one of my all time favourite series. Additionally, it covers topics of PTSD and addiction in a fantasy setting, while also being a highly entertaining robbery heist carried out by a group of teenagers. What’s not to love? More can be found on Goodreads.

Mental Health

1. And The Stars Were Burning Brightly by Danielle Jawando.

A word of advice, this novel deals with very sensitive issues of suicide, bullying, grief and growing up. It was another shortlisted novel for the 2021 UKYA awards. More about the novel can be found on Goodreads.

      2. Me (Moth) by Amber McBride.

This one is written in verse, which sets it apart from the rest of the novels on this list and is described by Goodreads as “both a coming-of-age and a ghost story”. I often find that novels written in verse use very emotive and beautiful language. The novel follows a girl who lost her parents in a car accident, and a boy who struggles with depression. 

      3.Midnight Library by Matt Haig. 

This one is another of my personal favourites, but is not a YA novel However, I found it highly enlightening with its message that life is full of opportunities and options. I also found that the main character’s struggle with regret was something everyone deals with in their life, so the lesson this story teaches is a valuable one to all.  It is a novel about deciding what makes a life a fulfilling one and finding what makes life worth living in the first place Despite this,, it does cover topics of suicide and depression.More about the novel can be found on Goodreads.

That’s all the books I have to recommend. I hope this helps!