Rainbow Readers Book Club: Exploring Queer Stories, Building Queer Community

Welcome to the Rainbow Readers Book Club—a monthly gathering of LGBTQ+ book lovers and allies who come together to explore literature that reflects, challenges, and celebrates queer life. Whether you’re diving into a classic or a newly released novel, this group is all about community, curiosity, and conversation.

Aptly named, Rainbow Readers meets once a month at the Jim Toy Community Center to discuss books written by, for, and about queer people. At the heart of every meeting is the guiding question: “How is this book queer?” From there, conversations flow freely—sometimes deeply personal, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, but always full of meaning.

Now that we’ve completed the groundwork and gathered some momentum, we’re thrilled to share our upcoming books and meeting dates. Whether you've been reading along from the start or you're just hearing about us now, there's always a seat at the table for you.

Whether you’re a voracious reader or just rediscovering the joy of books, the Rainbow Readers Book Club is a welcoming space to learn, laugh, and connect. Come for the stories—stay for the community.

We’re growing and we’d love for you and your friends to join us! Whether they want to attend a meeting or just stay in the loop, they can sign up through our interest form. No pressure to read every book—just come as you are.

June Pick: In Universes by Emet North

Meeting Date: Wednesday, June 11th, 2025

Time: 6:30–8:00 PM

Location: Jim Toy Community Center – 560 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, MI

Emet North’s In Universes is a mind-bending novel that explores parallel worlds—each one imagining a different version of Raffi’s life. Across strange and surreal realities, including apocalyptic landscapes and alien-infested animals, Raffi searches for a version of themselves that feels truly authentic. Join us for what’s sure to be a fascinating discussion on identity, transformation, and queerness across dimensions.

July Pick: Paul Takes the Form of a Mortal Girl by Andrea Lawlor

Meeting Date: Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

Time: 6:30–8:00 PM

Location: Jim Toy Community Center – 560 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, MI

Get ready to time-travel to 1993 with Paul Polydoris—a shapeshifter who navigates the queer nightlife, politics, and countercultures of the ‘90s. From Riot Grrrl punk scenes to Provincetown’s beaches, Paul transforms at will, exploring the complexities of gender, desire, and liberation in Andrea Lawlor’s cult-favorite novel. It’s bold, playful, and absolutely unforgettable.