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Imagining an Infinite Book Budget: What Queer Reads Would Top the List?

This week, during the Crime Writers for Trans Rights 2025 Auction, I was outbid on a prize, which ultimately was positive as it contributed to the fundraising efforts for the Transgender Law Center. While there was a tinge of disappointment knowing I couldn’t place another bid, it sparked an interesting reflection on the queerness of literature and the books I would purchase if financial limitations vanished.

Books are the cornerstone of my existence; however, I rarely indulge in buying them myself. My local library has been a significant resource, allowing me to explore countless works without breaking the bank. My most substantial book investment to date was a nine-volume hardcover edition of The Ladder, a groundbreaking lesbian magazine that published from 1956 until 1972. It sat on the shelf of the used bookstore where I worked for nearly a year before I finally succumbed to temptation and treated myself to the collection as a graduation gift—a decision that cost me more than I care to reveal.

Generally, I adhere to a strict budget when it comes to purchasing books. However, if I were granted an endless budget, my list of must-have queer literature would be expansive.

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bookriot.com