Yes, I was That Guy sobbing in the corner of the coffee shop. No, I’m not sorry.

Look, I didn’t plan on turning into a human puddle on a park bench while reading a paperback with a cracked spine. It just… happened. You know that moment when you’re so deep into a book that the world kind of melts away—and then the author wrecks you with a single sentence? Yeah. That.

Books have a dangerous power, and apparently, I like to flirt with emotional destruction in public spaces. Here’s a short, shame-free list of the books that made me cry in full view of strangers—and why I’d 100% do it again.

1. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

Oh boy. I started this one thinking I was emotionally stable enough for a 700+ page literary drama about four friends in New York. I was so wrong. This book broke me in quiet, sneaky ways—little things at first. And then, somewhere around page 400, I was full-on sobbing into a napkin at a local café while trying to discreetly blow my nose like I wasn’t unraveling on a Thursday afternoon.

The writing is haunting. The trauma is relentless. And Jude? Don’t talk to me about Jude unless you want me to spiral again.

2. They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

Yes, the title kind of spoils it, but no amount of mental prep saved me from the gut punch this book delivers. I read it in one sitting on a long train ride. Picture me: headphones in, hoodie up, trying to look cool while weeping silently as Rufus and Mateo live out their last day. Strangers absolutely noticed. One lady offered me a tissue. It was a moment.

It’s sad, yes—but also weirdly life-affirming. Which is such a Silvera move.

3. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

This one hits different if you know your Greek mythology—and by “hits,” I mean it launches a spear through your heart and twists it. I read most of it on my porch, but I made the very bad decision to finish it at the park. Let’s just say I looked like I was going through a breakup with someone named Patroclus, and I absolutely whispered “no” out loud like five times.

The prose is lyrical. The love is tender. The ending? Cruel. Beautiful. Unforgettable.

4. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Okay, this one is less “devastation” and more “crying because something is so pure it makes your heart ache.” I was on a plane, minding my own business, when Lucy (the Antichrist, by the way) said something heartbreakingly sweet and I just… lost it. Quiet tears. Very sniffly. I think the guy next to me thought I was terrified of flying. I wasn’t. I was just overwhelmed by wholesome queer found-family joy.

This book is basically a gentle hug that sneaks up and karate-chops your tear ducts.

5. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Existential crisis, party of one! I picked this up at the library and ended up reading half of it at a quiet diner during breakfast. Nora’s journey through all the lives she could have lived had me wiping my eyes between bites of French toast. The woman pouring coffee didn’t say anything, but she did keep refilling my mug like she understood the assignment.

It’s a hopeful book about regret, choices, and finding meaning in your current mess of a life—which is exactly what I needed that week.

6. If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

I brought this to the beach, thinking I was getting dark academia vibes and maybe some light murder. I was not emotionally prepared for the ending. Sand stuck to my tears. I looked like a character from a tragic coastal romance. But the writing? Absolutely stunning. Shakespearean without being pretentious. Dramatic in all the best ways.

Would I cry in public again for it? Yes. Even knowing what’s coming.

Crying in Public Is My New Superpower

There’s something weirdly cathartic about losing your composure over fictional people while surrounded by real ones. It’s like your soul just can’t contain itself, so it leaks out your eyeballs, and all the people in the coffee shop get front-row seats to your literary breakdown. But honestly? I kind of love it.

These books cracked me open in ways I didn’t expect, and if that means occasionally embarrassing myself at Panera Bread, so be it. I’d rather feel too much than not at all.

So yeah, I’ve been that guy crying on the train, at the airport, in the corner of a bookstore. And if you spot someone doing the same? Don’t judge—maybe just slide them a tissue and ask what they’re reading.

Because odds are… it’s worth it.

P.S. Got a book that emotionally destroyed you in public? Tell me. I probably want it.

Okay, so there is nothing quite like stretching out on a beach towel that’s slowly being colonized by sand, your sunglasses slipping down your sweaty nose, and losing yourself in a queer book that makes you laugh-snort into your iced latte or quietly sob into your watermelon chunks. If you’re anything like me, beach reads should be a little salty, a little sweet, maybe slightly chaotic, and full of feelings. Preferably gay ones.

So, I’ve gathered a delightful stack of queer reads that are perfect for poolside lounging, ocean breeze daydreaming, or even hiding in the shade pretending you don’t hate the sun. (You’re not alone, I see you.) Let’s go:

1. One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
Okay, if you’ve been anywhere near queer BookTok, you’ve heard of this one. But it deserves the hype. Imagine meeting a mysterious, gorgeous girl on the subway only to find out… she’s displaced in time from the 1970s and can’t leave the train. August, our sarcastic, somewhat cynical protagonist, sets out to solve the mystery and gets a big ol’ dose of queer community and found family along the way. Bonus: pancakes, drag queens, and a lot of longing looks in fluorescent subway lighting.

2. Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
Historical lesbian drama? Say no more. This is set in 1950s San Francisco (cue smoky jazz and neon lights) and follows Lily Hu, a Chinese-American teen who stumbles upon a lesbian bar and, well, kind of stumbles into herself. It’s gorgeously written, layered with identity, politics, and culture—and yes, it might break your heart a little. In a good, cathartic way. Like that one time you cried into your snorkel.

3. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Yeah, I know McQuiston is on this list twice, but this book is basically a queer romcom smoothie and I’m not gonna apologize. The First Son of the United States falls in love with Prince Henry of England. It’s charming, ridiculous, full of political banter, spicy texts, and fake friendships-turned-real-love (and the movie is just as good!). Take this one to the beach and prepare to grin like a fool. Just watch out for seagulls. They judge.

4. She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
If you like your beach reads with a dash of dynasty takeovers and gender rebellion, this one’s for you. It’s a reimagining of the rise of the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty—except in this version, the “he” is actually a girl who assumes her dead brother’s identity to escape famine and become something… greater. It’s sweeping, brutal, tender, and very queer. A perfect blend of historical fantasy and existential thirst.

5. Nevada by Imogen Binnie
This one hits differently. A trans woman named Maria, living in New York, goes on a very not-so-typical road trip after breaking up with her girlfriend and, basically, spirals a bit. It’s messy. It’s raw. It’s super smart and darkly funny and kind of like having a conversation with that one brutally honest friend who doesn’t sugarcoat anything but still hugs you after. If you like your beach reads with bite, this one’s a winner.

6. The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles
Regency romance, but gay. And with smugglers! This one has a sunshine/grump pairing, a moody marshland setting (very aesthetic), secret identities, and illicit midnight meetings. There’s real emotional depth here, alongside the dashing escapades and slow-burning desire. Warning: you will end up swooning, and possibly googling “how to run away with a smuggler.”

7. You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi
Is it queer? Yes. Is it messy? Extremely. Is it sexy, heartbreaking, lush, and chaotic in all the best summer read ways? Also yes. Feyi is an artist who’s grieving and trying to figure out who she is, and the story explores love, healing, bisexuality, and complicated relationships in a totally addictive way. Like emotional sunscreen: necessary and a little stinging.

8. Pet by Akwaeke Emezi
Another Emezi gem, but this one’s different—dreamier, stranger. It’s technically YA, but don’t let that fool you. It’s about a trans girl named Jam who lives in a supposedly utopian world where monsters no longer exist… until one shows up. It’s short but haunting, and there’s something beautiful about reading this one under a bright blue sky, feet buried in the sand, while contemplating justice and truth.

9. Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

If you’re in the mood for a hilarious and heartwarming rom-com, look no further than Boyfriend Material. The book follows Luc, a very awkward, very single man who’s forced to pretend to be in a relationship with the grumpy, enigmatic Oliver to improve his reputation. It’s filled with witty dialogue, funny moments, and, of course, some adorable romance. It’s a perfect read for when you need a light, yet satisfying story with a bit of emotional depth. Trust me, you’ll root for these two from start to finish.

10. Annie on My Mind by Nancy Garden

This one is a bit of a classic in the queer literature world. Though it’s a bit older, it still holds up as a sweet and heartfelt coming-of-age story. The book follows Liza and Annie, two teenage girls who fall in love while navigating the complexities of friendship, family, and self-identity. It’s one of the first mainstream YA novels to feature a positive portrayal of a lesbian relationship, and its tenderness and innocence still resonate today. While it focuses on a female-male romance, it’s still a great pick for anyone looking for representation of love in all its forms.

11. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Okay, Simon might be a little bit YA, but it’s too good to leave off this list. Simon Spier is a high school junior who’s secretly gay—until his secret is almost exposed when his flirtatious emails to another closeted boy, Blue, are discovered. The book is funny, witty, and relatable, with a romance that’ll make you feel all the butterflies. If you haven’t seen the movie adaptation, definitely add that to your list too, but trust me, the book is where all the magic happens.

12. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

If you want something that’ll make you cry for days, A Little Life is your book. This is an incredibly intense and heartbreaking novel that follows four friends, focusing particularly on Jude, a man with a traumatic past who struggles with self-worth and identity. It’s a powerful exploration of friendship, trauma, love, and healing, but be prepared for an emotional journey. While it’s deeply heavy, it’s also beautifully written, with intricate relationships and characters you won’t easily forget. Just keep the tissues nearby.

13. The Lover’s Dictionary by David Levithan

Levithan is no stranger to queer love stories, and this novel is one of his most charming. Told through the format of a dictionary, it explores a relationship between two men through a series of definitions—each word shedding light on their evolving love story. It’s quirky, sweet, and introspective, and each page feels like it has a little nugget of wisdom or emotion packed into it. It’s short enough to read in one sitting (you know, if you’re on a beach and don’t want to get distracted by the waves).

14. Surrender Your Sons by Adam Sass

For a little bit of suspense, a bit of danger, and some serious character growth, Surrender Your Sons is a high-stakes, thrilling read. The story follows Connor, a gay teenager who’s sent to a “conversion therapy” camp in a remote, tropical setting. What follows is a suspense-filled journey of escape, rebellion, and uncovering dark secrets. It’s not your typical romance story, but it’s compelling, fast-paced, and incredibly relevant in today’s world. If you’re looking for something a little more action-packed, this one’s for you.

15. The City of Devi by Manil Suri

This one’s got a bit of everything: romance, intrigue, and a backdrop of the chaotic city of Mumbai. The book centers on Sarita, a woman who is on a mission to find her husband amid the ruins of a war-torn city. But what makes it even more interesting is the relationship that forms between Sarita and a fellow traveler, a man named Karim, who is trying to understand his own feelings and identity amidst the chaos. It’s a unique exploration of love, identity, and survival—and it’ll definitely keep you thinking long after you’ve finished reading.

16. Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin

If you love classic queer fiction with a good dose of humor and heartfelt moments, Tales of the City is a must-read. Set in 1970s San Francisco, this novel follows a group of quirky characters living in a boarding house, exploring their personal dramas, romantic entanglements, and identity struggles. It’s a great introduction to Maupin’s work, filled with humor, sharp wit, and a whole lot of charm. Think of it like the queer Friends, with a lot more heart (and, you know, a little less coffee shop). This one is my all time favorite gay book series.

17. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

Schwab’s exploration of love, time, and identity is incredibly relevant in this book. Addie is a woman who makes a deal with the devil to live forever, only to be cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. She has a brief but powerful encounter with Henry, a man who remembers her, and their connection is electric. While Addie herself is the star of the show, Henry’s story is deeply emotional and explores queer identity, love, and the idea of being seen in a world where you might feel invisible. It’s a stunning and poignant novel, with romance, magic, and heartbreak galore.

So, there you go! A round of queer books that should definitely make their way into your beach bag. Whether you’re into light-hearted rom-coms, emotional rollercoasters, or something a little more action-packed, there’s something here for everyone. Let me know which ones you’re planning to dive into next.

Got a fave queer beach read I didn’t mention? Please tell me. I’m one sand-dusted tote bag away from adding five more books to my ever-growing TBR pile.

🌈📚 Happy reading and don’t forget sunscreen—skin is important, friends.