Bill Konigsberg Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Bill Konigsberg

For readers diving into Bill Konigsberg’s bibliography, your best starting point depends on whether you prefer a character-driven series or a powerful standalone novel. The most popular entry point is Openly Straight (2013). It is the first book in his only multi-book series and perfectly showcases his signature blend of humor, warmth, and coming-of-age identity struggles. If you prefer to start with a standalone, The Bridge (2020) offers a highly unique, emotionally gripping look at mental health, while Destination Unknown (2022) is excellent for fans of historical fiction set in the late 1980s.

The Openly Straight Series in Reading Order

The Openly Straight series consists of two main novels and a transitional bridge novella. Rather than following a traditional sequel structure, the second book shifts perspective to a different protagonist, offering a deeper look at the core relationship from both sides. To get the complete story, read them in this order:

1. Openly Straight (2013) – The series begins with Rafe Goldberg, a openly gay teenager from Colorado who transfers to an all-boys boarding school in New England. Wanting to escape the label of 'the gay kid,' Rafe decides to go back into the closet and live simply as 'Rafe.' The plan becomes complicated when he falls in for Ben Carver.
2. Openly, Honestly (2017) – Published as a companion ebook novella (often referred to as book 1.5), this short story bridges the timeline between the first and second novels. It takes place over winter break, showing Rafe returning to Colorado to deal with the fallout of his choices, while Ben navigates his own struggles in New Hampshire, including a run-in with his ex-girlfriend.
3. Honestly Ben (2017) – The official sequel shifts the narrative voice to Ben Carver. Back at school for the second semester, Ben must navigate his complex feelings for Rafe, intense academic pressure from his traditional father, and his own evolving understanding of his sexuality.

Bill Konigsberg’s Standalone Novels

Konigsberg has written several acclaimed standalone novels. They do not share characters or settings, meaning they can be read in any order. They are listed below in publication order:

• Out of the Pocket (2008) – Konigsberg's debut novel. Drawing on his background as an ESPN sportswriter, the book follows high school quarterback Connor Hurley, who is forced to navigate the spotlight and public reaction after his sexuality is leaked. It won the Lambda Literary Award.
• The Porcupine of Truth (2015) – A heartfelt, quirky road-trip novel. It follows Carson Smith as he travels to Billings, Montana, to care for his dying, estranged father. Alongside a friend named Aisha, Carson embarks on a journey across the state to uncover family secrets. This book won the Stonewall Book Award.
• The Music of What Happens (2019) – Set during a sweltering summer in Mesa, Arizona, this novel features two boys, Max and Jordan, who team up to run a vintage food truck. While the premise sounds lighthearted, the book deeply explores themes of consent, male vulnerability, trauma, and family financial crises.
• The Bridge (2020) – A non-linear and ambitious novel focusing on two strangers, Aaron and Tillie, who arrive at the George Washington Bridge with the intent to jump. The narrative explores four divergent paths: one where Aaron jumps, one where Tillie jumps, one where both jump, and one where neither jumps, showing the ripples of their choices on the people around them.
• Destination Unknown (2022) – A historical novel set in New York City in 1987 at the height of the AIDS epidemic. It follows the relationship between Micah, an introverted and closeted teen, and C.J., a bold, out-and-proud activist.

Chronological Order vs. Publication Order

Because the standalone novels take place in different eras and settings, reading them in publication order is the most common path. However, for a chronological timeline of the worlds Konigsberg depicts, you can read them according to their historical settings:

1. Destination Unknown (Set in 1987 New York City)
2. Out of the Pocket (Set in the late 2000s)
3. Openly Straight Series (Set in the mid-2010s)
4. The Porcupine of Truth (Set in the mid-2010s)
5. The Music of What Happens (Set in the late 2010s)
6. The Bridge (Set in the late 2010s)

Anthologies & Collaborative Work

In addition to his novels, Bill Konigsberg is a contributor to the young adult anthology Banned Together: Our Fight for Readers' Rights (2025). Edited by Ashley Hope Pérez, this collection compiles stories, essays, and resources from fifteen targeted YA authors to help teenagers combat book censorship in schools and libraries.

What to Know Before You Start

While Konigsberg’s books are known for their humor and friendly, accessible voices, they also handle heavy emotional realities. Readers should be prepared for themes of depression, suicide ideation (particularly in The Bridge), the historical impact of the AIDS epidemic (in Destination Unknown), and discussions of sexual assault and consent (in The Music of What Happens). The author often draws on his own lived experiences, including his journey as a gay sports journalist and his personal history with mental health, giving the books an authentic, empathetic depth.