September Book Recommendations from the Queer Expats Worldwide community
This month, in our Queer Expats Worldwide Facebook community, we asked our members to share what they were currently reading if they recommended it. What we got in return is a fantastic mix of books, ranging from memoirs to classic fiction. Here are the top picks from our group members, arranged alphabetically by book title. What’s funny, is that we didn’t ask for global recommendations, but it turns out that our group of current and future expats recommended both LGBTQ+ and international settings, almost exclusively.
September book recs from our QEW community:
In the Form of a Question by Amy Schneider
Location: California
Amy Schneider’s autobiography tells the story of her rise to fame as the most successful woman to compete on Jeopardy!. With humor and insight, Schneider reflects on her life as a transgender woman, her record-breaking game show run, and what it means to succeed while staying true to yourself.
I Wonder as I Wander by Langston Hughes
Locations: Soviet Union, Spain, Haiti, China, Japan, Southern USA
This travel memoir is the second part of Langston Hughes’ autobiography, recounting his travels through the Soviet Union, Spain, Haiti, China, Japan, and parts of the southern USA during the 1930s. It offers deep reflections on culture, politics, and the human condition, showcasing Hughes’ remarkable talent as a storyteller and poet.
Knocking Myself Up: A Memoir of My (In)Fertility by Michelle Tea
Location: California
Michelle Tea's memoir recounts her journey through the complexities of queer parenthood, IVF, and fertility treatments, all while navigating her personal relationships and life as a writer within the LGBTQ+ community. From finding a sperm donor to dealing with pregnancy mishaps, Tea’s humor and honesty make this a delightful and inspiring read.
Riders by Jilly Cooper
Location: The English countryside and international locations
Set in the world of competitive show-jumping, Riders takes you along with a group of British show-jumping stars as they tackle Nations Cups, World Games, and the Olympics. The story is packed with all the ups and downs of training, buying, selling, and showing horses, with plenty of heartbreaks and triumphs along the way. If you love horses, this one’s for you!
The Hearing Trumpet by Leonora Carrington
Location: A surrealist’s Mexico
This novel is set in a surreal, fictional version of Mexico. The story revolves around an elderly woman named Marian Leatherby, who is sent to a bizarre retirement home in this dreamlike, fantastical landscape. The setting plays a key role in the novel's eccentric and magical atmosphere, blending reality with elements of the surreal. Carrington’s own experiences living in Mexico influence the book’s unique, whimsical backdrop.
Last but not least…
How to Move Abroad and Why It's the Best Thing You'll Do by Jess Drucker
Location: Global
This one may have been written by Rainbow Relocation Strategies founder Jess Drucker… but it’s still on the list! The book is a practical and inspiring guide for anyone considering an international move. Written with both humor and insight, How To Move Abroad provides a step-by-step approach to navigating the challenges of relocating abroad, from handling visas and housing to managing cultural adjustments and building a new social network. It also delves into the emotional and personal benefits of living abroad, highlighting how the experience can lead to personal growth, broaden perspectives, and create opportunities for adventure. Packed with tips, real-life stories, and encouragement, this guide makes the case for why moving abroad can be one of the most rewarding decisions you'll ever make.
Stay Tuned for October's Recommendations
We hope this month’s list brings some inspiration and joy to your reading! Whether you’re looking for memoirs, classics, or just pure entertainment, there’s something here for everyone. Be sure to check back for October’s recommendations, and if you have a suggestion, feel free to DM us on Instagram at @rainbowrelo.
Happy reading!
