We have a double header for you today! First, you’ll hear some of our team’s favorite LGBTQIA+ books from the last few years with diverse recommendations from all different genres. Then, get inspired through an interview with Amber Oliver, author of When the Music Hits, as she shares personal insights on ambition and how she wrote ambition into her novel.
Queerly Beloved (0:22)
Join FBC contributors Jordy, Shoshana, and Nox as they celebrate Pride Month with a lively conversation about their favorite queer books. From joyful romances to powerful memoirs and boundary-pushing fiction, it’s a heartfelt and fun chat filled with recommendations and love for queer storytelling.
The Notes and Roots of Ambition (9:55)
Ashley sits down with Amber Oliver, author of When the Music Hits, to talk about the challenges of being an ambitious woman. Amber shares her personal experience being an ambitious Black woman in the publishing industry and how she wrote ambition into her debut novel.
Books/Resources Mentioned and Recommended:
The Glass Scientist by S. H. Cotugno
Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell
The Fiancee Farce by Alexandria Bellefleur
River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey
Out on the Ice by Kelly Farmer
Prince & Knight by Daniel Haack Illustrated by Stevie Lewis (picture book)
A Costume for Charly by C.K. Malone Illustrated by Alejandra Barajas (picture book)
A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns by Tristan Jimerson and Archie Bongiovanni
Edge of Glory by Rachel Spangler
A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow
A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
Venom and Vow by Anna-Marie McLemore and Elliot McLemore
XOXY: A Memoir by Kimberly M. Zieselman
The Deep & Dark Blue by Niki Smith
Most Ardently: A Pride and Prejudice Remix by Gabe Cole Novoa
This Poison Heart duology by Kalynn Bayron
Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
Falling Back in Love with Being Human by Kai Cheng Thom
The Witches of Thistle Grove series by Lana Harper
When the Music Hits by Amber Oliver
Support and follow our hosts and guest!
Follow Amber Oliver: Instagram
Follow Ashley: Instagram
Follow Jordy: Instagram // TikTok
Follow Shoshana: Storygraph // Instagram // Bluesky
Follow Nox: Instagram // TikTok // Threads
Check out our online community here!
This episode was edited and produced by Renee Powers on the ancestral land of the Dakota people.
Original music by Amarissa
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