search-icon

7 Books to Tide You Over Between Euphoria Episodes

by  | July 13

I know, like most people do, that HBO has been a powerhouse recently with the releases of Chernobyl, Big Little Lies, andGame of Thrones, all of which I have thoroughly enjoyed. Euphoria, starring Zendaya as Rue, is one of two shows (including Grown-ish) currently running that features a young black female protagonist navigating the realities of high school for Gen Z youth, with an intense HBO flair. In Euphoria, Rue is in the midst of exploring her sexuality, navigating addiction, and following the dramatic lives of her fellow high schoolers. If you can’t wait for the next episode to drop, these titles should tide you over!

The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl

The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl

by Issa Rae

Who doesn’t appreciate Issa Rae and her content? Or her growth as a content creator and actress/writer/director/producer? The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl is Issa Rae’s autobiography, covering her journey as a woman of color in the era of the internet and social media. All of it is written with a kind of wit I wish I had as well!

Amazon logoBarnes & Noble logoBooks a Million logoBookshop logo
The Weight of the Stars

The Weight of the Stars

by K. Ancrum

The Weight of the Stars is a young adult romance novel featuring Ryann Bird as a child of circumstance, while also having to support her family, and Alexandria, a loner who waits for messages, traveling across the stars, from her mother. The novel follows their relationship over time, as they evolve as characters and learn lessons.

Amazon logoBarnes & Noble logoBooks a Million logo
Tash Hearts Tolstoy

Tash Hearts Tolstoy

by Kathryn Ormsbee

Natasha “Tash” Zelenka is an ardent lover of Anna Karenina, which she has adapted as a web series, “Unhappy Families.” When Tash goes viral after a shout-out, she must deal with the sudden pressures of fame and an impending award nomination, as well as with how she has a crush, though she is a romantic asexual. Tash Hearts Tolstoy holds a special place in my heart for its portrayal of a compelling and interesting asexual character.

Amazon logoBarnes & Noble logoBooks a Million logoBookshop logo
Not Otherwise Specified

Not Otherwise Specified

by Hannah Moskowitz

Not Otherwise Specified follows Etta, a black high schooler recently out as a bisexual, who is dealing with the loss of her friend group and her battles with anorexia, as well as with vying for a place in the prestigious Brentwood Arts School against Bianca, a girl she feels a magnetic attraction to.

What's refreshing is that Etta is not your typical take-charge, plans-everything-out character, but one who does have a strong will and the ability to question her own desires.

Amazon logoBarnes & Noble logoBooks a Million logoBookshop logo
How We Fight for Our Lives

How We Fight for Our Lives

by Saeed Jones

How We Fight for Our Lives is a memoir by Saeed Jones that documents through a hypnotic blending of prose and poetry the vulnerability, strength, and intersectionality of gender, race, and class in the American South from the perspective of a young black man.

Amazon logoBarnes & Noble logoBooks a Million logoBookshop logo
Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens

Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens

by Tanya Boteju

If you’ve ever watched Dumplin’ on Netflix, you’ll understand the appeal of Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens. Nima Kumara-Clark, an always awkward protagonist, finds herself drawn into the world of drag kings, drag queens, and new allies as her formerly stale world gets a shake-up!

Amazon logoBarnes & Noble logoBooks a Million logoBookshop logo
Let's Talk About Love

Let's Talk About Love

by Claire Kann

Let’s Talk About Love features an asexual character, Alice, navigating the trials of adulting and dating. She has sworn off relationships after a bad breakup—until she falls head over heels for her fellow coworker Takumi.

Amazon logoBarnes & Noble logoBooks a Million logo
Love to get lit... erary? Sign up to get the latest delivered to your inbox!