Get ready to add these to your reading list…
BY ANFAL SHEYX
We know you’ll love these sapphic love stories that include a wide representation of characters and storylines for everyone.
Under The Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta
Under The Udala Trees follows Ijeoma as she grows up in a world of love and a world of loss, grappling with her sexuality alongside her struggles of marriage and motherhood. Under the Udala Trees is a coming of age story set in a war-torn Nigeria in the 1960s, exploring themes of love and loss and what it means to grow up in an ever-evolving world, as Ijeoma shows us it’s never too late to embrace yourself.
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
The author of the bestselling book Red, White And Royal Blue brings you One Last Stop, a time-travel romance story that stops our protagonist, August, in her tracks and encourages her to pursue the cute girl she’s been seeing on the subway. A book that encourages you to get out of your comfort zone and take chances on love, even if it means romanticising your daily commute that much more. One Last Stop is about facing your own past in order to get to a very exciting future.
The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar
Set in Dublin, The Henna Wars follows Nishat, a young Bangladeshi girl who comes out as a lesbian in high school. The Henna Wars balances a lighthearted comedy with a serious drama, as Nishat eagerly wants to come out to her family and to get closer to her new schoolmate, Flávia. The rom-com aspect of The Henna Wars is fresh and engaging as Nishat and Flávia start a rival henna business at school, but Jaigirdar doesn’t shy away from real prejudices and issues Nishat faces in her journey to celebrate herself.
The No-Girlfriend Rule by Christen Randall
A coming-of-age story with a slow-burning sapphic romance. Our protagonist Hollis, is comfortable in her relationship with her boyfriend, Chris, going out of her way to learn tabletop gaming for him, but when he declares a “no girlfriends” rule at his table, she has to find a group of her own. As Hollis becomes more comfortable gaming in an all-girls tabletop gaming group, she is inspired to take a chance on herself, becoming more confident, including embracing her feelings for her teammate Aini across the table.
Dream On, Ramona Riley by Ashley Herring Blake
A second chance romance ignites flames when Ramona Riley, a waitress in her small town, bumps into movie star, Dylan Monroe, notorious wild child and her first kiss! As the two cosy up to each other in Ramona’s small town, where Dylan is filming her movie, sparks fly and tensions become undeniable. This is a story about dreaming big and believing in your own dreams. Ramona Riley proves it’s never too late to start living your life!
Love media made by and for LGBTQIA+ women and gender diverse people? Then you’ll love DIVA. We’ve been spotlighting the community for over 30 years. Here’s how you can get behind queer media and keep us going for another generation: linkin.bio/ig-divamagazine
Did you know that DIVA has now become a charity? Our magazine is published by the DIVA Charitable Trust. You can find out more about the organisation and how you can offer your support here: divacharitabletrust.com
