The End of the Year Book Tag: Queer Books Edition

Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?

Fun fact: Since 2016, I have one book on my “currently reading” shelf on Goodreads. It’s “Chloe Plus Olivia: An Anthology of Lesbian Literature from the 17th Century to the Present” by Lillian Faderman. I haven’t picked it up in years, but I always plan on picking it up. Technically, I didn’t start it this year, and it’s highly unlikely that I’ll finish it this year, but this is the only book I’ve been putting on pause.

Do you have any fall books for the end of the year?

In October, I’ve been reading a lot of queer horror/gothic books, including Salvage by Ambala Salaam, Lucky Day by Chuck Tingle, and Simplicity by Matti Lubchansky. In November, I want to reread the previous books in the series first, so I’m going to read some fantasy sequels that I’ve been putting off. (More details in two questions.)

Are there any new releases you are still waiting for?

I’ve heard great things about bi4bi M/F Romance. Isn’t it obvious? By Rachel Lanya Katz, on sale October 21st. I’m also excited about Tasha Suri’s new sapphic fantasy, The Isle in the Silver Sea, which will be released on the same day, but first I have to finish The Burning Kingdoms trilogy.

There are a few other releases in 2025 that I’m looking forward to: The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn’t a Guy at All, Vol. 3 by Sumiko Arai, translated by Ajani Oroe. Gender Trash from Hell: The first print collection of the zine that changed everything, edited by Mirja-Soleil Ross. and “Brigands & Breadknives” by Travis Baldry.

What three books do you want to read by the end of the year?

As I mentioned before, there are a few SFF series I want to catch up on and reread. Specifically, I would like to complete The Burning Kingdoms trilogy, The Magic of the Lost trilogy, and the Everfair bilogy.

What trends have you noticed in your reading this year?

It seems like it was everywhere. But I think the beginning of this year was the strongest. In February, I prioritized Sapphic books by Black authors on my TBR. Both were new 5 star favorites. Mikaiah Johnson’s “The Space Between Worlds” and Mia McKenzie’s “Skye Falling.” I got a few other 5 stars, but none topped that month. I hope Mia McKenzie’s new book arrives before the end of the year and gives it another 5 stars.

What do you think about your reading goals? Are there any that you would like to change, adjust, or abandon?

I think my only goals this year were to read 100 books (I was ahead of schedule) and to read at least one book a month by an Indigenous author. I’ve only read seven books by Indigenous authors this year, so I’m a little behind. Still, I treat these goals as guidelines, so I don’t worry too much about whether I can achieve them exactly.

Have you already started making your reading plans for next year?

I have had the same two goals for the past few years and will continue to do so. As for the others, I don’t know. For some secret reason, my reading will change in the new year, but I don’t know yet what that will look like. But I’m very excited. We’ll keep you updated once it’s no longer a secret. (I don’t think it’s very interesting for people other than me.)