Look, we’ve all been there. You’re browsing the bookstore or scrolling through your Kindle, and suddenly you realize – oh crap, you’ve read nothing but dead white guys for the past six months. Again. Don’t beat yourself up about it (too much), but maybe it’s time to shake things up a little. Enter the diverse reading challenge, your ticket to a whole new world of books you probably should’ve been reading all along.
What’s the Big Deal with Diverse Books, Anyway?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to actually do this diverse reading challenge thing, let’s talk about why you should even bother. I mean, you like what you like, right? Why fix what ain’t broke?
Well, here’s the thing. Reading diverse books isn’t just about being politically correct or checking off some imaginary woke points scorecard. It’s about expanding your mind, challenging your assumptions, and maybe—just maybe—becoming a slightly less ignorant version of yourself. Plus, you might actually enjoy it. Crazy concept, I know.
The Benefits of Branching Out
So what do you actually gain from this diverse reading challenge business? Well, for starters:
- You might learn something. Shocking, I know.
- You’ll probably develop more empathy for people who aren’t exactly like you.
- You’ll discover amazing authors you never knew existed.
- You’ll impress your friends at dinner parties with your newfound cultural knowledge. (Or annoy them. Results may vary.)
How to Actually Do This Diverse Reading Challenge Thing
Alright, so you’re convinced. You’re ready to expand your literary horizons and tackle this diverse reading challenge head-on. But where do you even start? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Step 1: Take a Hard Look at Your Current Reading Habits
Before you dive into your diverse reading challenge, take a moment to reflect on what you’ve been reading lately. And be honest with yourself—no judgment here. Well, maybe a little judgment. But it’s for your own good.
Are all your favorite authors from the same country? The same gender? The same century? If you’re nodding sheepishly, it’s time to branch out.
Step 2: Set Some Goals (But Don’t Get Too Crazy)
Now that you’ve faced the music about your reading habits, it’s time to set some goals for your diverse reading challenge. But let’s be realistic here – you’re not going to read a book from every country on Earth in the next month. Unless you’re some kind of superhuman speed-reader, in which case, good for you. Show-off.
Start small. Maybe aim to read one book by an author from a different country each month. Or challenge yourself to read five books by LGBTQ+ authors this year. Whatever feels doable for you.
Step 3: Find Your Books (This Is the Fun Part)
Now comes the exciting part of your diverse reading challenge—actually finding the books! There are tons of great resources out there for discovering diverse books. Some of my favorites:
- Goodreads lists (just search for “diverse books” and prepare to lose several hours of your life)
- Book blogs focused on multicultural literature (they exist, I promise)
- Your local library (remember those?)
- That one friend who’s always talking about obscure authors you’ve never heard of (we all have one)
Own Voices: What It Means and Why It Matters
As you’re diving into your diverse reading challenge, you might come across the term “own voices.” No, it’s not some weird karaoke thing. It refers to books about marginalized or underrepresented groups written by authors who are part of those groups.
Why does this matter? Well, it’s the difference between reading about a culture from an outsider’s perspective and getting an authentic insider’s view. It’s like the difference between eating at Taco Bell and your abuela’s homemade tamales. Both might be tasty, but one’s definitely more authentic.
Global Literature: Your Passport to the World (No Actual Travel Required)
One of the coolest things about a diverse reading challenge is that it lets you travel the world without ever leaving your couch. (Which, let’s be honest, is pretty appealing these days.) Through global literature, you can experience cultures, traditions, and perspectives from every corner of the globe.
Want to explore the bustling streets of Lagos? Pick up a book by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Curious about life in rural China? Try Mo Yan. Fascinated by the complexities of the Middle East? Amos Oz has got you covered.
Representation Matters (And Not Just in Hollywood)
We hear a lot about representation in movies and TV shows, but it’s just as important in literature. When you read books with diverse characters and perspectives, you’re not just entertaining yourself – you’re helping to amplify voices that have been historically underrepresented in the literary world.
Plus, you might just see yourself reflected in a book in a way you never have before. And let me tell you, that feeling is pretty darn cool.
Cultural Competence: Fancy Words for “Not Being a Jerk”
Here’s a term you might encounter on your diverse reading challenge journey: cultural competence. It sounds fancy, but it basically just means understanding and appreciating cultures different from your own. And guess what? Reading diverse books is a great way to develop it.
The more you read about different cultures and experiences, the better equipped you’ll be to interact with people from all walks of life. You’ll be less likely to make embarrassing faux pas or offensive assumptions. In other words, you’ll be less of a jerk. And who doesn’t want that?
Inclusive Reading: It’s Not Just for Kids
When we talk about inclusive reading, a lot of people think it’s just about children’s books. And sure, it’s super important for kids to see diverse characters in their stories. But adults need inclusive reading too.
By intentionally seeking out diverse books in your reading challenge, you’re creating a more inclusive literary landscape for everyone. You’re telling publishers and booksellers that these stories matter, that they’re worth telling and worth reading.
The Challenges of the Diverse Reading Challenge
Look, I’m not going to lie to you. This diverse reading challenge thing isn’t always easy. You might encounter some bumps along the way:
- You might feel out of your depth sometimes. That’s okay. Push through it.
- You might realize some of your preconceptions were way off base. Embrace the discomfort.
- You might struggle to find certain books. Don’t give up – the hunt is part of the fun.
- You might not love every book you read. That’s fine. Not every book is for everyone.
Keeping the Momentum Going
So you’ve started your diverse reading challenge. You’re feeling good, you’re learning things, you’re impressing (or annoying) your friends with your newfound knowledge. But how do you keep it up?
Here are a few tips:
- Join a book club focused on diverse books. Accountability is key, people.
- Follow diverse authors on social media. They often recommend other great books.
- Make it a habit to always have at least one diverse book in your to-read pile.
- Challenge your friends to join you. Everything’s more fun with a little friendly competition, right?
The Never-Ending Diverse Reading Challenge
Here’s the thing about this diverse reading challenge: it doesn’t really end. There’s always another perspective to explore, another voice to hear, another world to discover. And isn’t that kind of amazing?
So go forth, my literary adventurers. Dive into those diverse books. Expand those horizons. Challenge those assumptions. And who knows? You might just come out the other side a little bit wiser, a little more empathetic, and with a much more interesting bookshelf.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a stack of diverse books calling my name. Happy reading, folks!