Book recs based on Chappell Roan songs
Is everyone else as excited as we are for Chappell Roan's UK tour!? After her second show date in Edinburgh was released, you best believe the Rare Birds girls were in that ticketmaster waiting room. Thankfully, our mission was a great success - Chappell is officially in my Google cal and life is so worth it.
Of course, in both preparation and celebration, we've had The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess on repeat over the store stereo. Every single bop on that album is poetry to my ears, and it's got me thinking how my favourite songs and their kaleidoscopic themes of queer love, comphet, sex, and self-acceptance could inspire specific book recommendations...
Soon enough, the below list was born and I had so much fun putting this one together! Fellow Chappell fans and book lovers, I hope this helps you find your next great read. Chappell if you're somehow reading this, AHHHHHH!! AHHHHHH!!!! AHHH!!!
Pink Pony Club
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
In 1950s San Francisco, a young Chinese-American finds a safe haven at a lesbian bar, The Telegraph Club.
Electric and jaw-dropping, this novel follows a vivid cast of (seemingly) unconnected characters through the bustling streets of Lagos.
The Queens of Sarmiento Park by Camila Sosa Villada
Rooted in trans community, this vibrant and genre-bending tale is as devastating as it is funny and heartwarming.
Good Luck, Babe!
Sunburn by Chloe Michelle Howarth
During a long hot summer in Ireland, Lucy feels an unexpected spark with her friend, Susannah, that develops into an all-consuming romance. But were they doomed from the beginning?
In this cult-classic, a budding set designer works in a department store where she meets and becomes infatuated with an older suburban housewife.
Femininomenon
Her Majesty's Royal Coven by Juno Dawson What we really need is...a powerful group of witchy besties who work to protect the world from evil magic.
Even the word ‘Femininomenon’ sounds like it could be a spell!
Come As You Are by Dr Emily Nagoski:
Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism by Kristen Ghodsee
I feel like the above two non-fic recs are pretty self-explanatory if you're paying attention to the song's lyrics...heheh.
Red Wine Supernova
A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson
We’re taking the song line ‘put her canine teeth in the side of my neck!’ literally with this seductive and thrilling gothic about Dracula’s first bride, Constanta.
No & Other Love Stories by Kirsty Logan
This short story collection is wonderfully weird & mildly terrifying - featuring sapphic lovers who use ghost possession to steal from men. Iconic.
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
A cut-throat, unique, and incredibly immersive read that follows lesbian necromancers in space.
Casual
Gender Theory by Madeline Docherty
Set in Scotland and written in the second-person, this heartfelt coming of age story expertly captures the intensity of an unbalanced friendship, as well as the hard realities of living with chronic illness.
A book with a messy and obsessive protagonist who delves into the complex power struggles at the core of relationships and how these influence the world at large.
Naked in Manhattan
At 28, poet Elsie is independent but exhausted. When she’s suddenly evicted from her social housing, Elsie reconnects with her childhood bestfriend, Juliet.
Perfect for fans of Queenie and Such a Fun Age.
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
Set in New York, this dazzling and steamy romance features a love interest who’s stuck in time.
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
‘New crush, high school love again’...
This wholesome YA read with an authentic teenage voice doesn’t shy away from tough topics including race, sexuality, and religion.