By Willow Symonds
Staff Writer
Diversify Your Bookshelf introduces readers to books written from marginalized perspectives, including racial minorities, LGBTQ+ people, disabled individuals, and more. For Valentine’s Day, we present the romance genre, but don’t be fooled: romance novels aren’t all the same and target many different audiences.
“Frankly in Love” by David Yoon (2019)
Genre: Young Adult Romance
High school senior Frank Li has never been to Korea, but his parents’ past overseas greatly affects his life in Southern California. Because his parents expect him to end up with a nice Korean girl, he keeps his relationship with Brit Means a secret. A family friend’s daughter, Joy Song, has a similar problem – her parents would never approve of her current boyfriend, who’s Chinese and a wrestler, unlike Joy’s scholarly self. Frank and Joy hatch a fake-dating plan to hide their actual relationships… But what if their pretending ends up feeling too real? “Frankly in Love” explores not just romantic love but also celebrates familial and platonic love.
“Read Between the Lines” by Rachel Lacey (2021)
Genre: LGBTQ+ Romance
Rosie Taft takes after her late mother: her love of books, her life in Manhattan, and now her job running the independent bookstore. After her mom’s passing, a property development business terminates Rosie’s lease on Between the Pages, leaving her finding comfort in her dog’s companionship, the world of romance novels, and a flirty online relationship with lesbian romance author Brie. ‘Brie’ is a pseudonym for Jane Breslin, a #girlboss who doesn’t have much of a love life outside of her family’s property development business. Not knowing that Rosie Taft is the online fan she’s been messaging, the two agree to meet up… and realize this won’t go as planned. “Read Between the Lines” is the modern book version of 1998’s “You’ve Got Mail,” with the love interests complimenting each other’s differences while the dramatic irony keeps the momentum rolling.
“The Kiss Quotient” by Helen Hoang (2018)
Genre: Romance
As a 30-year-old econometrician with Asperger’s Syndrome, Stella Lane doesn’t have much experience in the romance department. This didn’t bother her until recently, as now she feels her single status disappoints her parents, especially since she’s their only child. After a couple of dates with coworkers turn sour, she opts for a less traditional route: hiring a professional, Michael Phan, who reminds Stella of her favorite K-drama star. She arranges for Michael to teach her how relationships work, aiming to keep the plan formal and educational only. Each time they meet, however, the two of them find comfort in a bond they’d never thought was possible for themselves. Every character of “The Kiss Quotient” is memorable in their own way, but the protagonists are especially likable and have a romance worth rooting for.
“The Music of What Happens” by Bill Konigsberg (2019)
Genre: Young Adult LGBTQ+ Romance
High school athlete Max doesn’t expect his job at a rickety old food van to impact his life much, but he does meet the owner’s son, Jordan, a quiet kid around his age. Unbeknownst to both of them, the other is hiding a secret from each other – and from everyone else. Jordan’s mom bought the food truck on a whim and is spiraling out of control, while Max is trying to keep memories of a terrible night away from his thoughts. The two of them have grown up in Meza, Arizona without noticing the other, but now they’re spending their summer handing out sketchy food in 114 degree heat. Maybe the other’s company makes it slightly more tolerable. Readers can spend Valentine’s Day enjoying both the humor and heart in “The Music of What Happens,” a YA novel adults will appreciate, too.
