Reading is often described as a gateway to other worlds, and for good reason. Through books, we find ourselves walking down bustling streets in Lagos, sitting in a quiet Tokyo teahouse, or understanding the life of a migrant worker on a farm in California. But how often do we truly challenge ourselves to step outside our comfort zones and read books that present experiences different from our own? The answer for many of us might be, “not enough.” That’s where a challenge to diversify your bookshelf comes in—an opportunity to intentionally seek out and embrace the diverse voices that make up the world.
Why Diverse Voices Matter
A diverse bookshelf is more than a list of books; it’s a reflection of a commitment to understanding the world in a more complete way. Reading books by authors from different backgrounds, ethnicities, gender identities, and cultures opens a window into experiences that might be far removed from our own. These narratives provide insight into what it means to live with different sets of values, deal with unique struggles, and celebrate distinct moments of joy.
When we read works by authors from marginalized communities—whether it’s Black, Indigenous, Latinx, LGBTQ+, disabled, or other underrepresented groups—we confront realities that the mainstream has often overlooked or misrepresented. Literature gives these voices an important platform, allowing us to learn about systemic challenges, cultural histories, and the beautiful variety of human expression. This broader understanding of the world ultimately fosters empathy, understanding, and appreciation of our shared humanity.
Furthermore, diversifying your bookshelf isn’t only about gaining a moral or educational benefit. It also adds richness to your reading life. A world of literature created by authors from different cultures and traditions brings unique storytelling techniques, unfamiliar perspectives, and vibrant new ideas to the fore. It’s about enjoying a colorful array of narratives that push beyond conventional themes and narratives. By challenging yourself to actively read diverse books, you add depth and breadth to your reading experience.
Curating Your Diverse Reading List
Creating a diverse reading list involves being intentional about seeking out authors and stories from various perspectives. Begin by broadening your understanding of what diverse voices mean. This can include looking for books by authors from different countries and cultures, seeking out marginalized voices, and making a conscious effort to read stories centered on people whose experiences differ from your own.
Start by incorporating books from different cultural backgrounds. For example, try “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe to understand pre-colonial Nigeria and the impact of British colonialism through the eyes of Igbo villagers. Or pick up “Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee, a sweeping generational saga that provides insight into the experiences of Korean immigrants in Japan. You might also consider “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros, which beautifully captures the Hispanic experience in America through a series of poignant vignettes.
In addition to culture, expand your bookshelf by looking at gender diversity. Read from perspectives that challenge societal norms. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “We Should All Be Feminists” provides an insightful and powerful discussion on gender equality, while Audre Lorde’s “Sister Outsider” brings the perspective of a Black lesbian feminist to the forefront, providing a searing collection of essays that confront racism, sexism, and homophobia.
Queer voices are also crucial in creating a fully diverse reading list. “Giovanni’s Room” by James Baldwin is a beautifully tragic love story that explores themes of identity, love, and social expectations in a time when queerness was even more heavily stigmatized. Meanwhile, “Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston offers a lighter take—a romance between the son of the U.S. President and a British prince, providing a refreshing, hopeful view of queer love.
For a disability perspective, consider reading “The Pretty One” by Keah Brown, which is a joyful exploration of disability that challenges societal misconceptions. Alternatively, “Being Heumann” by Judith Heumann details the author’s experience as a disability rights activist, helping to illuminate the long fight for equal rights for people with disabilities in America.
Finally, delve into the experiences of Indigenous peoples. “There There” by Tommy Orange is a compelling novel that weaves together the stories of urban Native Americans, grappling with modern identity while staying connected to their heritage. Another excellent read is “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer, which combines Indigenous wisdom with scientific knowledge to explore the relationship between humans and the natural world.
Avoiding Pitfalls and Tokenism
While diversifying your bookshelf, it’s essential to avoid tokenism—the practice of reading books by marginalized voices purely to check a box. The goal here is to genuinely engage with these voices, not to use them as a way to appear well-read or woke. That means actively listening to what the author is trying to convey, reflecting on the themes and ideas presented, and being open to perspectives that may challenge your worldview.
Reading diversely should also come with the acknowledgment that there will be discomfort along the way. Stories of oppression, injustice, and suffering can be challenging, especially for readers who have not had to face these realities firsthand. However, it is in this discomfort that growth often occurs. Embracing diverse voices is about being willing to sit with that discomfort, to learn from it, and to move forward with a better understanding of those who live lives different from our own.
Incorporating Diverse Books into Your Routine
So, how do you build diversity into your reading routine? One of the most effective ways is to set specific goals. You might decide to dedicate every third book to an author of a different background, or you could join a reading challenge, such as “Diversify Your Shelf,” that sets concrete goals for including diverse perspectives in your reading.
Another idea is to follow online book clubs and communities that prioritize diverse literature. Many bookstagram accounts, blogs, and YouTube channels are dedicated to reviewing and discussing books by marginalized voices. These communities often provide insightful recommendations and foster discussions that help deepen your understanding of the books you read.
Librarians and booksellers can also be an invaluable resource in helping curate a diverse bookshelf. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations—most will be more than happy to introduce you to underrepresented authors and stories. Libraries, in particular, may have lists or displays highlighting diverse voices, making it easy to discover something new.
It can also be helpful to educate yourself about publishers who focus on diverse voices. Independent publishers like Graywolf Press, Feminist Press, and Arsenal Pulp Press frequently publish work by authors from marginalized communities that may not get the same attention from larger publishing houses. Keeping an eye on their new releases can help you discover fresh and unique voices that you might otherwise miss.
The Personal and Collective Impact of Diversifying Your Shelf
Reading diverse books isn’t just a solitary experience; it has far-reaching impacts on both an individual and collective level. On a personal level, reading books by diverse voices expands your worldview. You gain insights into lives vastly different from your own, helping you grow in empathy and understanding. This, in turn, can change the way you interact with others—whether it’s fostering more compassion for people from different backgrounds or challenging stereotypes and biases that you may have unconsciously held.
Collectively, supporting diverse voices helps to create demand for the stories that have too often been sidelined by mainstream publishing. By purchasing, borrowing, and recommending these books, you contribute to a broader cultural shift that prioritizes inclusivity and representation. You are helping to ensure that underrepresented voices are heard, valued, and given the platform they deserve.
Diverse books also encourage conversations. Whether in book clubs, classrooms, or online forums, the stories of others—particularly those from marginalized communities—open dialogues that can lead to greater awareness and societal change. Conversations born out of literature have the power to bridge divides, foster understanding, and ultimately create a more connected world.
The Joy of Discovering New Narratives
Diversifying your bookshelf is not just a challenge—it’s a rewarding adventure. There is an immense joy in discovering narratives that feel fresh and new, in finding characters who surprise you, or in reading prose that captures an unfamiliar but deeply beautiful rhythm. The poetry of Rumi, the evocative descriptions in Arundhati Roy’s work, the deeply personal stories in Roxane Gay’s essays—each book offers something unexpected, something that enriches your reading life in a way that cannot be replicated by more of the same.
For many, diversifying the bookshelf is also about seeing themselves reflected in stories. Representation matters, and there is power in reading stories that mirror one’s own experiences. But even if a book doesn’t reflect your life directly, you may still find threads of connection—themes of love, loss, hope, and resilience that bind us all together as human beings.
In the end, the challenge to diversify your bookshelf is an invitation: an invitation to see the world differently, to appreciate its vast diversity, and to celebrate the power of storytelling that connects us across time, place, and identity. By embracing diverse voices, we are choosing to honor the many facets of the human experience—a choice that ultimately makes us all the richer.
