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My January reading challenge is to read a book by a trans author. Luckily, there are many out there to choose from! Here are some who write in the horror genre, because that's my area of expertise. If you know of others, whether in horror or other genres, reply with your recommendations!

In no particular order...

Caitlin R. Kiernan

A genderfluid Irish-American paleontologist who also writes spectacular cosmic horror, what's not to love? They've been repping queerness since the 80s and have a robust library to choose from, so you're bound to find something you'll like!

Poppy Z. Brite

Billy Martin, whose work is published under the name Poppy Z. Brite, was a big name in the Gothic horror scene of the 1990s and continues to be a frequently-recommended author, although he doesn't publish as much horror these days.

Julya Oui

A Malaysian trans woman and prolific short story author. She has several collections out that you can browse, if short stories are your speed! Maybe start with Taiping Tales of Terror, which draws heavily on her native folklore and influences.

Rivers Solomon

A nonbinary, intersex Black author now living in the U.K., Solomon has three books out and they all look spectacular. Their books lean more toward sci-fi/fantasy, but their newest title Sorrowland looks to be pretty solidly Gothic as well.

Gretchen Felker-Martin

Trans woman, film critic, and unapologetically outspoken. Her best-known book is Manhunt, a post-apocalyptic horror tale that doesn't pull any punches. She's got another new release slated for 2024 to keep an eye on.

Hailey Piper

One of the most prolific authors I can name off the top of my head, Hailey also has several novellas out in the world + a few novels. If the intersection of queer fiction, body horror, and cosmic horror sounds like your thing, you can find something in her backlist. Also she's here on tumblr, go learn more at @haileypiperfights

Eve Harms

A bit of a new player on the field, but well worth checking out. Eve is a Jewish trans woman. Her debut novel, Transmuted, is a breathless body horror romp. She also makes a bunch of handmade zines, which I just think are neat :)

Natalie Ironside

One of Tumblr's very own better-known names, Natalie is queer, disabled, trans, hilarious, and author to at least three novels I can think of plus some other stuff too - go scope her out on @natalieironside for the details.

.....I know I'm missing a ton of people but these were the first ones that came to mind. I have to get back to writing, but I hope this inspires y'all to pick up a book you haven't read yet, and to add to my list down in the notes.

It is 2023 and we are saying GOODBYE to pristine-book-culture.

It's a book! You're meant to read it and love and cherish it and it's gonna get a little ruffed up on the edges!

Can't find a bookmark? Dog ear it! Who cares? It'll be a fun memory next time you pick it up.

It's been three days and you still can't forget about that quote? Highlight that baby! Even if nothing else is annotated, if it sticks with you, give it attention! That way when you go back again you can remember the "oh my god" feeling that much better because it was SO GOOD you WROTE IT DOWN!

Crack the spine. Break it. Bend the book in half! Because the book was just so good you didn't have time to worry about keeping the crease clean, you had a first kiss to read! A murderer to find! A death to mourn! Who cares if the spine is cracked? It's a book!

Drink tea while you read and don't worry about drips. Bring it in your bag everywhere you go and accept the pencil marks and bends it'll have when you pull it out. They're books, not decorations. Love them. Love them well. Make each one a time capsule of the days and weeks you spent in that world.

A Textbook in General Zoology. Written by Henry R. Linville, Henry A. Kelly, Harley J. Van Cleave. 1929.

Les Animaux Champions. Written by Michel Cuisin. Illustrated by Mirella Monesi. 1993.

First book chosen for the Read Harder 2023 Challenge!

This is "Falling Cloudberries: A World of Family Recipes" by Tessa Kiros. It fits into two challenge categories:

10. Read a book you know nothing about based solely on the cover. 11. Read a cookbook cover to cover.

I picked it up at a yard sale a few years ago for 5$ based solely on the cover and title. As the title suggests, it's a cookbook colelction of family recipes and experiences from living and cooking around the world. So excited to start it! I really love that this book is second hand and includes some notes from the previous owners about which recipes they liked and when they tried them, as pictured above.

Avocado Bathroom,  Glenburn   -   Robbie Bushe , n/d.

Scottish,   b. 1964  -