Happy Pride Month!

In today's episode, Jay is sitting down with fellow Bookstagrammer Ann Marie to talk about LGBTQ+ books, representation, and reading diverse stories. Tune in to hear them chat about Ann Marie's favorite books, authors, and her passion for highlighting these stories on her platform.

What we talked about:

• Episode intro 00:00
• Guest intro and current reads 1:47
• Books that Ann Marie is excited about 20:12
• Being a champion for queer stories 25:02
• Reading different types of LGBTQ+ stories 29:47
• "Reading diversity is a joy, it's not a chore" 34:21
• Finding exciting stories to read 36:11
• Utilizing our libraries and requesting diverse stories 41:24
• Thoughts on diversifying your shelf 43:46
• Discussion on tropes and contemporary romance 53:59
• Book recommendations 01:00:42
• Lightning Round - There's a book for that 01:09:21

Books mentioned in this episode:

• A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers
• Sleeping Beauties by Stephen King
• Devourer of Men by Nikki St. Crowe
• The Vicious Lost Boys Series by Nikki St. Crowe
• Darling Girl by Liz Michalski
• Napkins & Other Distractions by M. A. Wardell
• Teacher in Love Series by M.A. Wardell
• Mistletoe & Mishigas by M.A. Wardell
• Author TJ Alexander
• The Shadow Cabinet by Juno Dawson
• The Emperor and the Endless Palace by Justinian Huang
• A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
• The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
• So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole
• The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
• Legondborn by Tracy Deonn
• Author Emily Henry
• My Dear Henry by Kalynn Bayron
• This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron
• Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
• Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa
• Mistletoe & Mishigas by M.A. Wardell
• Author Olivia Dade
• The Spoiler Alert Series by Olivia Dade
• All the Feels by Olivia Dade
• Mantras & Minotaurs by Ashley Bennett
• Author M.A. Wardell
• Author TJ Alexander
• Author Ashley Bennett
• Author Gabe Cole Nova
• Samantha Allen
• Patricia Wants to Cuddle by Samantha Allen
• Outdrawn by Deanna Grey
• Sundial by Catriona Ward
• Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne
• Skater Boy by Anthony Nerada
• The Truthspoken Heir by Novae Caelum
• The Chemist Stephenie Meyer
• Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig
• Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig
• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
• Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa
• Cinder by Marissa Meyer
• Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle

All book links above are affiliate links. By purchasing the books through the links What Ya Reading? Podcast, will earn a small commission.

Other links mentioned in this episode:

• TikToker teaching himself to read
• Episode 17. Reading BIPOC Stories
• Bookstagrammer @shonnareads

Connect with today's guest:

• Follow Ann Marie on Instagram

Final Thoughts:

• Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs
• Join us on the Geneva App for our June - June buddy read of The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein.
• For inquiries please email [email protected] .
• Join my email list as to be the first to hear about the special project I've been working on for romance lovers.
• Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.