Why am I passionate about this?

Fantasy has long been a favorite genre of mine for the way you can explore so many different concepts and ideas, and the freedom it gives you as a storyteller. If you feel like you’ve been transported to that world as the story unfolds, I see that as a successful story. Creating vibrant, diverse, new worlds and real, flawed characters for readers is something I strive towards with every project. As a queer author, I find it especially important to give queer characters the hero roles they deserve. The best thing about fantasy is it can be anything, and anyone, from any background, can be the main character.


I wrote

Queer Windows: Volume 1 Spring

By Cay Fletcher,

Book cover of Queer Windows: Volume 1 Spring

What is my book about?

Love comes in all forms, from enduring friendships, the classic love at first sight, and misunderstandings that unfurl into blooming…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

The books I picked & why

Book cover of Peter Pan

Cay Fletcher Why did I love this book?

Peter Pan was one of the first books that made me want to write and create my own worlds. Neverland was an escape, not only for the Darling children but for my earliest stories. It was a place to be anyone, and go on endless adventures, without the limitations of adult expectations. The characters will always be special to me. We may have to grow up, but we can always keep special places like Neverland in our hearts and strive to create worlds that generations of readers will enjoy. 

One note is that while I will always love this book, it was published in 1911 and I cannot endorse the racist portrayals of Native Americans/Indigenous People. As the historical costume community says, ‘vintage style, not vintage values.’

By J. M. Barrie,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Peter Pan as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

Peter Pan is a character created by Scottish novelist and playwright J. M. Barrie. A mischievous boy who can fly and never grows up, Peter Pan spends his never-ending childhood adventuring on the small island of Neverland as the leader of his gang, the Lost Boys, interacting with mermaids, Native Americans, fairies, pirates, and occasionally ordinary children from the world outside of Neverland. In addition to two distinct works by Barrie, the character has been featured in a variety of media and merchandise, both adapting and expanding on Barrie's works.


Book cover of Howl's Moving Castle

Cay Fletcher Why did I love this book?

Howl’s Moving Castle is a magical gem of a book full of some of the best western fantasy tropes. Curses, an evil witch, character transformations, a visit to Wales, magical riddles, and lots more. Sophie is an endlessly relatable character, plain and ordinary with no allusions to greatness who ends up entangled in more magic than she could have ever dreamed. If you’ve seen and loved Studio Ghibli’s animated adaptation, take a few rainy afternoons to dive into the Kingdom of Ingary and meet the expanded, wacky, cast of characters.

By Diana Wynne Jones,

Why should I read it?

22 authors picked Howl's Moving Castle as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 10, 11, 12, and 13.

What is this book about?

Now an animated movie from Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki, the oscar-winning director of Spirited Away

In this beloved modern classic, young Sophie Hatter from the land of Ingary catches the unwelcome attention of the Witch of the Waste and is put under a spell...

Deciding she has nothing more to lose, Sophie makes her way to the moving castle that hovers on the hills above her town, Market Chipping. But the castle belongs to the dreaded Wizard Howl, whose appetite, they say, is satisfied only by the souls of young girls...

There Sophie meets Michael, Howl's apprentice, and Calcifer…


Book cover of Xxxholic Omnibus 1

Cay Fletcher Why did I love this book?

I was introduced to CLAMP’s work through one of their most popular works, Card Captor Sakura when I was seven or eight, but I really grew to love their darker, more surreal projects such as xxxHolic. Not only is the artwork throughout the manga series gorgeous, but the story also introduces you to all sorts of Japanese folklore, explores time loops, and the thin barrier between the human world and spirits. xxxHolic has been at the top of my recommendation list for manga lovers and newbies to the medium for years. Any fan of dramatic twists and turns, the supernatural, and snarky, snappy dialogue will certainly love this series as much as I do.

By Clamp,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Xxxholic Omnibus 1 as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Kimihiro Watanuki is haunted by visions of ghosts and spirits. He seeks help from a mysterious woman named Yuko, who claims she can help. However, Watanuki must work for Yuko in order to pay for her aid. Soon Watanuki finds himself employed in Yuko's shop where he sees things and meets customers that are stranger than anything he could have ever imagined! Watanuki is Yuko's unwilling assistant, but even he is compelled by the fascinating adventures he's having since he started working for the 'space-time witch.'


Book cover of A Darker Shade of Magic

Cay Fletcher Why did I love this book?

I picked up this book solely based on the striking white, red, and black cover. The concept of traveling between different versions of London, a magical coat, and the grayness of trying to do what’s right even if it may not be the correct, or legal, thing hooked me. Kell and Lila are great examples of main characters that exist in the dirty middle of the good versus evil scale. They both make mistakes, try to fix them, and are moderately successful at doing so. But what they sacrifice and struggle with to do so is what makes them so interesting.

By V. E. Schwab,

Why should I read it?

13 authors picked A Darker Shade of Magic as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A stunning collector's edition of the acclaimed novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author V.E. Schwab.

With an exclusive metallic ink cover, this edition will feature:

* End papers of London
* Fan art
* A glossary of Arnesian and Antari terms
* An interview between author and editor
* Original (never before seen!) tales from within the Shades of Magic world

Kell is one of the last Antari-magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel Londons. There is Red London, where life and magic are revered, Grey London, without magic and ruled by mad King…


Book cover of The Song of Achilles

Cay Fletcher Why did I love this book?

The idea of a retelling of Greek mythology might not be everyone’s idea of an exciting read, but Miller takes the tragedy of Patroclus and Achilles and weaves a beautiful ballad that stretches the course of their short lives and adventures before and during the Trojan War. I’ve always been a proponent of sharing queer stories, and The Song of Achilles was the first piece of literary fiction that focused on queer characters that I had read. This is the book that really pushed me to unapologetically write queer stories. It’s a heartbreaking read, that immerses you in Patroclus’ Greece, you need to pick it up if you haven’t yet.

By Madeline Miller,

Why should I read it?

35 authors picked The Song of Achilles as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

**OVER 1.5 MILLION COPIES SOLD**
**A 10th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION, FEATURING A NEW FOREWORD BY THE AUTHOR**

WINNER OF THE ORANGE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION
THE INTERNATIONAL SENSATION
A SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

'Captivating' DONNA TARTT
'I loved it' J K ROWLING
'Ravishingly vivid' EMMA DONOGHUE

Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. Despite their differences, Achilles befriends the shamed prince, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine, their bond blossoms…


Explore my book 😀

Queer Windows: Volume 1 Spring

By Cay Fletcher,

Book cover of Queer Windows: Volume 1 Spring

What is my book about?

Love comes in all forms, from enduring friendships, the classic love at first sight, and misunderstandings that unfurl into blooming romance. Queer Windows gives a glance at four fantastical, queer love stories.

Book cover of Peter Pan
Book cover of Howl's Moving Castle
Book cover of Xxxholic Omnibus 1

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,385

readers submitted
so far, will you?

You might also like...

Alba

By Verity Croker,

Book cover of Alba

Verity Croker Author Of Alba

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Passionate reader Keen swimmer Outdoor yoga lover Piano player

Verity's 3 favorite reads in 2024

What is my book about?

ALBA - Hidden Secrets is a tale of blood, broken dreams, and buried secrets.

When I was in high school, several young teenage boys died in car accidents, with tragic outcomes for all involved, and I wanted to honour their memory without specifically identifying them.  

This novel is about secrets and loss, and how lives could be very different if fate hadn’t intervened. Many people hold secrets close to their hearts, and agonise about whether to let others in to help share their load.

Alba

By Verity Croker,

What is this book about?

Sixteen-year-old Rebecca is consumed by grief after the sudden, tragic death of her boyfriend, Alastair. Her pain is exacerbated by the fact that their relationship was a secret, a love story hidden from the world. Now, as she mourns in silence, she feels trapped, torn between the anguish of losing him and the guilt of revealing their bond.

Calum, Alastair's brother, remains unaware of their relationship. As Rebecca grows closer to Calum, their friendship takes an unexpected turn when they stumble upon a mysterious suitcase in an abandoned ice house in the remote northern Scottish village of Cromarty. They also…


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in comics, Peter Pan, and magic-supernatural?

Comics 124 books
Peter Pan 21 books
Magic-Supernatural 665 books