The 28th Annual Lambda Literary Awards–or the “Lammys,” as they are affectionately known–kick off another record-breaking year with this week’s announcement of the finalists. They were chosen from a record 933 submissions (up from 818 last year) from 321 publishers. Submissions came from major mainstream publishers and from independent presses, from both long-established and new LGBTQ publishers, as well as from emerging publish-on-demand technologies.
Nearly 100 literary professionals, including booksellers, book reviewers, librarians, authors, academics and previous Lammy winners and finalists volunteered countless hours of reading, critical thinking, and invigorating discussion to select the finalists in 25 categories, including the inaugural year for Transgender Poetry.
“Being nominated for a Lammy is an outstanding achievement among such a crowded field of submissions and within an LGBTQ writing community rich with talent,” said Lambda Literary Executive Director, Tony Valenzuela.
Here are all the nominations in the 25 categories: Lambda Nominations
A few of the romances that have been nominated –
Romance
Blueberry Boys, Vanessa North, Riptide Publishing
A lovely novel of quiet beauty, smouldering tenderness, in a book strewn with illustrations of blueberries.
For Real, Alexis Hall, Riptide Publishing
The writing, as always with this author, is superb. A funny, emotional and intelligent novel; author Alexis Hall includes pithy and perceptive observations on life, which almost had me gasping from the truth behind them. I have already read this twice, and I am dying to read it again. A romance that genuinely made me sob at the end.
General Misconduct, L.A. Witt, Samhain Publishing
A Conduct Unbecoming sequel
At the end of the trail, a surprise comes with the scenery. A gorgeous young guy in swim trunks.
This one is not a favourite with me I’m afraid. I found it a bit formulaic, but what do I know? It has been nominated for this prestigious award.
Misfits, Garrett Leigh, Riptide Publishing
Beautifully written, this is an emotionally believable ménage romance with lots of passion and tenderness, in a good plot.
Mystery
Murder and Mayhem, Rhys Ford, Dreamspinner Press
A riot of imaginative serial killings, and cop / cat burglar banter with a few twists. The addition of references to The Princess Bride, and Rook’s treasures from various stalwarts of popular culture made the nerdy side of me very happy.
Sci-Fi
Sacrati, Kate Sherwood, Riptide Publishing
This is everything I want in a sci-fi and a romance. Great world building, political intrigue, passion and sacrifice with a very satisfying happy ending. Excellent read.
Have you read any of the Lambda nominees? If so, was there one you adored?
BJ Jansen
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Alexis Hall (as you noted above) is a fabulous writer and I loved For Real; and the best YA novel of the previous year is Simon and the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Albertalli (in the list of nominations). Everyone who knows or will know a teenager should read this very sweet romance. The scenes between MC and parents are wonderful!
Thank you ‘nblibgirl’ I agree with all of your comments ;)
“”For Real”” was my favourite book for last year, but some of the others look good too, particularly the Kate Sherwood one!
For Real was one of my favourites of 2015, and I know Alexis Hall has some great releases planned for this year. I can wholeheartedly recommend Kate Sherwood’s Sacrati it is such an enjoyable read.
Wow, the sheer number of entries is astounding and impressive! Hooray for even more great stories from fresh and exciting voices alongside favorites. I’m looking forward to expanding my library with more LGBTQ+ titles and this is a great place to start.
This really is Heather – there are some wonderful books up for awards this year :)
I haven’t read any of the romances, but they are definitely on my list. One of the graphic novels, though, I loved – The Less Than Epic Adventures of TJ and Amal.
I am intrigued by the rise of graphic novels maybe this would be a good one to start with :)
You can actually find all of it online here – http://tjandamal.com/
The author also sells print and pdf versions through her site.
No. Not a one. Not against them. Just not interested.