The Price of Salt by Patricia HighsmithFrom thrilling throuples to heartbreak in Paris, these 10 books delve into the "most sought-after and least examined emotion" – desire. This list features novels and memoirs that push the boundaries of love, lust, and everything in between.
Known as Carol, this 1950s tale follows Therese’s attraction to the alluring Carol in New York. Forbidden romance and intense sexual tension meet societal constraints, making for an unforgettable love story.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/522 ... ce_of_SaltOpen Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson
Set in London, this contemporary romance tells the story of a photographer and dancer in a slow-burn relationship. Nelson’s prose paints an intimate picture of modern love’s struggles and joys.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203 ... tudy-guideAll About Love by bell hooks
Renowned writer bell hooks delves into the complexity of love and sex, revealing love’s ability to satisfy or exist without sexual pleasure. An essential read for understanding love’s many nuances.
https://a.co/d/fCGsvQKBeautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
Rooney’s portrayal of emotional vulnerability in young relationships explores self-aware, intense romance between two couples, full of complex feelings and raw honesty.
https://a.co/d/8CuhVoFThe Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter
Angela Carter reimagines classic fairytales with dark, sensual stories of power and identity. A feminist collection that sheds light on desire and self-discovery.
https://a.co/d/5G3MchnFun Home by Alison Bechdel
Bechdel’s graphic memoir is a touching account of sexuality, family secrets, and self-acceptance, bringing a personal perspective to love and desire with depth and poignancy.
https://a.co/d/2aZns2JHow to Be Both by Ali Smith
Smith’s unique storytelling brings together historical and modern-day desires, exploring unexpected encounters and joyful intimacy between women. A refreshing look at hidden desires.
https://a.co/d/bVF7zSlGiovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
Set in Paris, Baldwin’s work deals with shame, longing, and the quest for true self-acceptance. His poetic prose captures the heartbreak of forbidden love in a world of prejudice.
https://a.co/d/fRZtR0mThe Camomile Lawn by Mary Wesley
A wartime novel that freely explores love triangles, casual relationships, and sexuality. Wesley’s work reflects on the complexity of human connections in a judgment-free portrayal.
https://a.co/d/bywvhOiA Curious History of Sex by Kate Lister
An insightful look at the evolution of sexuality, full of surprising, amusing, and shocking historical anecdotes. From myths to bizarre beliefs, it offers a captivating journey into sexuality’s past and present.
https://a.co/d/9S1wkNhDiscover these timeless reads that push the boundaries of love, lust, and everything in between!