Abolishing Gatekeeping: Amazing Books No One Talks About

I am the opposite of a gatekeeper. Whenever I love something, I want to talk about it. And if no one in my vicinity knows about it, I set out to remedy that. Since I was a kid, I’ve had at least one hyperfixation a year, ranging from artists like Julienne Baker to shows like Arcane. It’s the same with books–sometimes I read something so beautiful and world-changing that I am shocked that no one is talking about it. That the world simply goes on.

In that way, falling in love is a little grief.

So, here are 5  wonderful books/series that don’t get as much love as they deserve:

#1: Ink and Bone from The Great Library Series by Rachel Cane

I have exactly 2 favorite book series. This is one of them. Set in a world where the library of Alexandria was never destroyed, where knowledge is power, and thus, one for the most coveted (and controlled) resources. It is, among many things, a book about loving books.  If you like an eclectic cast of characters banding together for an epic adventure, à la Six of Crows, I think you’ll love this series. With a focus on academia and knowledge, Fahrenheit 451 vibes, multicultural characters, great queer representation, a “Snape-but-better” mentor, and heart-wrenching moments that examine the nature of being human while weaving actual world events, I am surprised this series hasn’t made waves in the bookish community. Sure, it came out in 2015, but so did ACOTAR, Six of Crows, and other booktube favorites. 

#2: Paper Girls by Brian K. Vaughan

This is the greatest, most underrated sci-fi story of all time. Period. Stranger Things before Stranger Things was even a thing–a love letter to the 80s (though Vaughan has been quoted calling it a threat instead), with a war between timelines, a central cast of strong, female, 12 year-olds and time travel.

I think Paper Girls is a masterclass on impactful and poignant coming stories-of-age stories that approach the realities of girlhood and humanity while remaining universal. Fair warning, this is one of the most beautiful stories, but it is also one of the most heartbreaking concepts I have EVER experienced in my life. (PS. No spoilers, but this series also has great queer representation.)

It saddens me that this story hasn’t gotten as much love as it should, possibly because the main cast is made up of girls, as opposed to other series. Amazon Prime did have a Paper Girls show, which I found phenomenal (though I do prefer the graphic novels a thousand times over), but it was canceled after a short first season. I am still waiting for a renewal… a girl can dream.

#3: The Dark Tide by Alicia Jasinska

Okay, this is a pretty easy-to-read fantasy book. Still, I can’t believe I haven’t heard anyone talking about it! If you like the enemies-to-lovers trope and slow burn, this is the book for you! It is a sapphic, witchy fairytale set in a Venice-inspired town, with great banter and character development.

#4: Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

Last Night at the Telegraph Club was a formative read for me. Beautifully written, gripping and relatable, showing how experiences transcend time and space. Not the most underground book here– it has been banned or restricted in 50 cases in 15 states, as of March 8th, 2024 (via Malindalo.com). But because of that, I am still including it. It might not come as a surprise if you’ve made it this far down the list, or if you know me in real life, but I don’t support book banning (and if you can relate, you will definitely want to check out the first book I mentioned, Ink and Bone.) But I digress. As someone who values representation and diversity in media,and an avid reader of queer books, I am not a stranger to “taboo” topics. In this historical fiction novel, Lo manages to emulate the feeling of discovering oneself through books, during a hard time in American history that set the stage for the Stonewall Riots. Additionally, it has a wonderful, heartbreaking romance, and great Chinese-American representation. 

If you are interested in delving into historical novels, queer history, or the 1950s, or are simply a hopeless romantic ready to weep your little heart out, this one’s for you. 

#5: We Set the Dark on Fire duology by Tehlor Kay Mejia 

I want to end this with a banger. We Set the Dark on Fire is an imaginative, atmospheric and inspiring read. Set in a Latinx-inspired fantasy world where women go to school to become one of two kinds of wives for men: Primeras, who handle the intellectual duties of the household, and Segundas, who handle the emotional needs.

With themes of oppression, rebellion and folklore, and strong female characters and the complicated relationship between them, I have not been able to stop thinking about it since I first read it 4 years ago now. 

To be completely honest, I find the first book to be better than the sequel. Regardless, they both create a wonderful, complete story, filled with legends and secrecy. To me, We Set the Dark On Fire is a modern classic reminiscent of “A Handmaid’s Tale,” but with a Hispanic twist. A must-read!!!

Have you heard of any of these books before? Have you read any of them? As always, thanks for reading, and I hope to have inspired your next read! 

-Val :)