How to read more diversely
Reading is a window into the vast and varied experiences of humanity. However, many of us fall into the habit of reading books from a narrow range of genres, authors, or cultural perspectives. By reading more diversely, we can enrich our understanding of the world and foster greater empathy and awareness. Here’s how you can expand your reading horizons and embrace a more inclusive literary journey.
Why Read More Diversely?
Before diving into the how, it’s important to understand the why. Reading diversely offers numerous benefits:
Broadens Perspective: Exposure to different cultures, traditions, and viewpoints helps break down stereotypes and broadens our understanding of the world.
Fosters Empathy: Diverse narratives allow readers to step into the shoes of others, fostering empathy and compassion.
Enhances Knowledge: Learning about different historical contexts, societal issues, and global experiences enhances our overall knowledge and awareness.
Enriches Reading Experience: Diverse literature introduces new genres, writing styles, and storytelling techniques, making reading more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Tips for Reading More Diversely
Explore Different Genres: Don’t limit yourself to one genre. Try branching out to science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, memoirs, and poetry. Each genre offers unique perspectives and storytelling methods.
Seek Out Diverse Authors: Make a conscious effort to read books by authors from different backgrounds. Look for books by authors of color, LGBTQ+ authors, and writers from various cultural and religious backgrounds.
Join Diverse Book Clubs: Join book clubs that focus on diverse literature. These clubs often curate reading lists that include a wide range of voices and perspectives.
Follow Diverse Book Bloggers and Influencers: Many book bloggers and influencers specialize in promoting diverse books. Follow them for recommendations and reviews that can guide your reading choices.
Utilize Online Resources: Websites like Goodreads have lists of diverse books. Use these lists to find recommendations and reviews from other readers.
Visit Independent Bookstores: Independent bookstores often highlight diverse authors and books. Ask the staff for recommendations on diverse literature.
Attend Literary Festivals and Events: Literary festivals and events often feature a wide range of authors and books. Attend these events to discover new voices and genres.
Set Reading Goals: Set specific goals to read a certain number of books by diverse authors each year. Track your progress and reflect on how these books have enriched your reading experience.
Recommended Diverse Books
Here are some recommendations to get you started on your journey to reading more diversely:
Fiction
"Homegoing" by Yaa Gyasi:
This novel traces the parallel paths of two half-sisters and their descendants, spanning three hundred years in Ghana and the United States.
"The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern:
A fantasy novel that features a magical competition between two young illusionists, set in an enchanting and mysterious circus.
"The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini:
This story explores the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father's servant in Afghanistan, set against a backdrop of political turmoil.
Non-Fiction
"Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates:
A powerful letter from the author to his son about the realities of being Black in America, reflecting on history, identity, and personal experiences.
"Educated" by Tara Westover:
A memoir about a young girl who grows up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho but eventually escapes to learn about the wider world through education.
"Becoming" by Michelle Obama:
The former First Lady of the United States shares her journey from her childhood in Chicago to her years in the White House.
Young Adult
"The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas:
This novel follows Starr Carter, a young girl who witnesses the police shooting of her best friend and grapples with activism and injustice.
"Children of Blood and Bone" by Tomi Adeyemi:
A fantasy novel inspired by West African mythology, where a young girl fights to bring magic back to her people.
"Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz:
A touching story about the friendship and self-discovery of two Mexican-American boys.
Poetry
"The Sun and Her Flowers" by Rupi Kaur:
A collection of poems about growth, healing, and self-discovery from a popular contemporary poet.
"Citizen: An American Lyric" by Claudia Rankine:
A powerful work that blends poetry, essay, and visual art to explore race, identity, and the everyday experience of racism in America.
"If They Come in the Morning: Voices of Resistance" by Angela Y. Davis:
A collection of essays, interviews, and letters reflecting on race, class, gender, and the justice system.
Building an Inclusive Reading Habit
Developing a habit of reading diversely takes intention and effort. Here are some strategies to help you build this habit:
Create a Diverse Reading List: Start by creating a list of diverse books you want to read. Keep adding to it as you discover new titles and authors.
Mix It Up: Alternate between books by diverse authors and those within your usual reading preferences. This keeps your reading experience varied and interesting.
Share Your Journey: Discuss the books you read with friends, join online forums, or start a blog. Sharing your thoughts and experiences can deepen your understanding and appreciation of diverse literature.
Reflect on What You Learn: After finishing a book, take some time to reflect on what you learned and how it expanded your perspective. Consider keeping a journal to document your thoughts and insights.
Support Diverse Voices: Support diverse authors by purchasing their books, writing reviews, and recommending their works to others. This not only helps amplify their voices but also encourages the publishing industry to promote more diverse literature.
Conclusion
Reading more diversely is a rewarding journey that enriches your understanding of the world and enhances your reading experience. By exploring different genres, seeking out diverse authors, and utilizing various resources, you can broaden your literary horizons and embrace a more inclusive reading habit. Start today, and discover the transformative power of diverse literature.
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Happy Reading!