Are you stuck in a reading rut? Reading the same genres over and over again? Do you want to diversify your reading? Broaden your reading horizons? Discover diverse perspectives and not sure where to start.
Over the years, I have made a conscious effort to diversify my reading. It has been rewarding and has enriched my reading experience. Read on as I share how I made my reading list more inclusive, why it is important, some practical tips, and my favorite picks.
Why it is Important to Read More Diversely
Shouldn’t we pick up books we enjoy reading instead of putting an additional pressure of reading more diversely? Yes and no.
Much like traveling, reading diversely broadens our perspective, enhances empathy for various cultures, and helps break stereotypes. Helping us acquire a well-rounded understanding of the world. Most important of all, it supports marginalized authors and illustrators.
Evaluating my Reading Habits
I have a confession to make. Before I joined book Twitter, my reading list was quite one-dimensional. I would stick to authors and genres I was comfortable with. Often picking books from the same genre for months on end until I got tired of it.
The book community exposed me to more diverse reads. All thanks to Kal’s Book Bloggers Spreadsheet, I can now track my reading and make amends accordingly.
Exploring Diverse Authors within My Favorite Genres
If you thought diversifying reading meant getting out of your comfort zone and reading genres you don’t enjoy, you couldn’t be more wrong. In fact, it is a surefire recipe for a reading slump.
There are diverse authors in every genre. I always try to explore diverse writing within my favorite genres. It is a win-win situation.
Exploring Different Genres
Ever since I began book blogging, I have made a conscious effort to explore different genres. Over the years, my reading has become more balanced.
That said, I do get out of my comfort zone occasionally. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. But it is an opportunity to enrich my literary experience.
Participating in Reading Challenges
Reading challenges get a bad rap for being all about the competition. A race if you will. That could not be further from the truth.
Used effectively, the challenges are an excellent way to diversify my reading list and explore genres out of my comfort zone. There are challenges for each kind of reader. This year, I am participating in the Reading with Muffy, 2024 Book Bingo, and Nonfiction Reader challenges.
Seeking out Translated Works
Translated works always have my heart. One of the best ways to enrich my reading list is to seek out translated works. Across India and the world. India has a rich history of regional literature that has not yet been explored completely.
Exploring translated literature from different cultures and languages helps gain unique insights and perspectives that may not be present in mainstream English-language books.
Following Diverse Book Recommendations
I am sure you will agree that connecting with the global book community is a boon for us book lovers. An opportunity to explore a wide array of genres, authors, and perspectives from around the world.
I love checking about book recommendations and adding to my TBR. Goodreads, Evernote, saved posts on Instagram, bookmarks on Twitter, and the Amazon/Audible/StoryTel wish list. You have probably guessed by now that my TBR needs an intervention.
Participating in Monthly Themed Challenges and Readalongs
There is something going on within the book community each month. Just as we have every other day dedicated to an event, item, or relationship, each bookish month is dedicated to one or more genres.
Here is just a sample of the monthly themes to get you started. I do not participate in all the ones listed but do explore some of them from time to time
- February: Back History Month
- March: Women’s History Month, Femme March, Memoir March
- April: Poetry Month
- May: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
- June: Pride Month
- July: Disability Pride Month
- August: Women in Translation
- September: Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month
- November: Non-Fiction November, Indigenous/Native American Heritage Month
- December: Decolonize December
Embracing Diverse Perspectives
All said, it is important to keep an open mind and embrace diverse perspectives. Including those that challenge our existing beliefs or assumptions.
Growing up and most of my adulthood, Vietnam conjured up images of an epic disaster by the Americans. But there is a lot to the country that. Reading The Mountains Sing and The Dust Child by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai were indeed eye-openers.
Diverse Book Recommendations
I cannot end the discussion without sharing a few of my favorite diverse picks. Across genres, these books have been an enriching experience. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. You can also check out my Gender Identity series.
Hope the tips and recommendations I shared help you break out of your reading comfort zone and broaden your literary repertoire. Changing the way you read books. How do you diversify your reading? Do share in the comments below.
Exploring Diverse Voices: How I Make My Reading List More Inclusive #BookishLeague Share on X
This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Bohemian Bibliophile.
Photo credit: Canva.com
March 2, 2024 @ 7:27 pm
Splendid recommendations indeed Ritu!
Reading challenges helped me too diversify my reading palette and try out new ways of reading, and new genres and I am glad that I did.
March 2, 2024 @ 10:31 pm
Wonderful recommendations, Thanks Ritu for adding that section. I do realize now that I’m stuck to one or a few genres. I must explore beyond that and widen my horizon.
March 3, 2024 @ 9:48 pm
Loved reading this, and great recommendations. I make an effort to read works by authors from diverse backgrounds and cultures, as well as books that offer varied viewpoints on social and political issues. This helps me broaden my understanding of the world and exposes me to new ideas and experiences through literature.
March 3, 2024 @ 10:08 pm
Being part of blog challenges and book club has helped me a lot to figure out what I feel about it. Developing my reading skills accordingly
March 4, 2024 @ 1:13 pm
I used to be pretty narrow in my reading, now I am all over. I need to up the Latin and Hispanic authors list. Also, am epxloring more regional literature. Your recommendations are additions to a never-ending #TBRList.
March 4, 2024 @ 9:18 pm
Ritu, just like you I also want to explore different genres and this year I gave a try to spirituality segment and read 2 books so far. I want to try travelogue took as it will give my traveller spirit a good kick to break my travelling silence and set out to explore more. Thriller I can never leave as I love it from the core. Bio/autobio I love reading but some how romance took a backseat because I m failing to match the taste of current romance authors. But I do agree we should try something … even let it be a little.
March 4, 2024 @ 9:20 pm
Ritu, just like you I also want to explore different genres and this year I gave a try to spirituality segment and read 2 books so far. I want to try travelogue took as it will give my traveller spirit a good kick to break my travelling silence and set out to explore more. Thriller I can never leave as I love it from the core. Bio/autobio I love reading but some how romance took a backseat because I m failing to match the taste of current romance authors. But I do agree we should try something … even let it be a little. Bengali literature I love as its my language segment which gives me privilege’s to experience more.
March 5, 2024 @ 12:55 am
Inspiring tips Ritu. I always had the same problem I stick with the same author. But later on I tried to read different kind of books like historical, self help book and so never get bored and not stick to one. This year I am trying to read / listen so that I can have my broad list. You are always inspiration.💜💜 I like your monthly list.
March 5, 2024 @ 10:47 am
As always an excellent roundup on books and this time with diverse voices and themes. I especially loved the monthly theme and recs, somehing that I too would incorporate in my writing scehedule, thanks to you. A question, is there nothing for January?
March 6, 2024 @ 12:57 pm
Thanks for such wonderful suggestions. I think diverse read makes your reading more interesting and challenging at the same time. It is more fulfilling as a reader and it broadens the horizon of your understanding.
March 6, 2024 @ 1:51 pm
I agree that unless we diverse reading can get monotonous. Although I haven’t participated in any reading challenge other than Blogchatter’s, I’m curious to try it. Maybe fellot readers can share tips and reccos. Loved your suggestions as always!
March 6, 2024 @ 2:33 pm
I need to diversify my reading list. Since I’m not able to take out much time for reading, I try to stick with known authors or classics or highly recommended books only but I guess I should open up and move out of my comfort zone. Thanks for the tips.
March 6, 2024 @ 2:36 pm
Maybe this is the answer to the phase I am in right now… maybe I was reading the same kind of books n that’s y I totally stopped and m not able to get back. But what nice suggestions and what an amazing amalgamation of books Ritu… and you’ve read them all… wow!
You won’t believe, last year I read all of 3 and a half books(The book Thief is still incomplete). This year I haven’t read any.😫 Do you have a post on how to get back to reading?… I m seriously asking… if no… pls write one n help me get back.
March 31, 2024 @ 11:48 am
Reading diversely isn’t about adding pressure, it’s about broadening our perspectives, enhancing empathy, and supporting marginalized voices. It’s like traveling through literature, enriching our understanding of the world while enjoying diverse authors within our favorite genres. Keep exploring, keep growing!
March 6, 2024 @ 6:13 pm
Your reading repertoire is unmatchable, Ritu. I really dunno how you manage to read so many books and each of different genres.
March 6, 2024 @ 7:22 pm
I used to read a lot of translated books. We didn’t have a term for it back then. Reading different type of books from different regions surely increases you awareness and knowledge.
March 6, 2024 @ 8:05 pm
I’m amazed at how you come with such varied yet relatable and much-needed bookish topics every month. As you said, “Much like traveling, reading diversely broadens our perspective, enhances empathy for various cultures, and helps break stereotypes.” I believe that for every form of art and entertainment; books being top of that list for me. Even I used to stick to one or two genres, and I must admit that becoming a book blogger has opened up my mind and made me more flexible about my bookish choices. I’ve read and discovered some books/authors I’d never have imagined a few years ago. Thanks for these diverse recommendations btw, which I’m sure will help me down this path further
March 6, 2024 @ 10:05 pm
I always enjoy reading your posts cause I know at the end of it id have some lovely recommendations to add to my TBR. I’m really amazed at the number of ways you try to include variety in books
March 7, 2024 @ 12:04 am
Wow,, this post really resonates with me! I’ve definitely found myself stuck in a reading rut before, always reaching for the same types of books.
It’s cool how you’ve found ways to read different stuff without feeling overwhelmed. I’m gonna try some of these ideas to spice up my reading routine. Thanks for sharing.
March 7, 2024 @ 3:39 pm
Reading diverse voices provides an opportunity to see the world from a new and different perspective. The impact is more profound.
March 7, 2024 @ 5:51 pm
Great post. I relate to it a lot because I too diversified my reading somewhat after joining book Twitter and learning the importance of boosting marginalized voices. It’s been an awakening and I’m so happy that I discovered so many more amazing books, in my favorite fantasy genre itself.
March 7, 2024 @ 7:33 pm
Excellent points – IT is such a GOOD idea to diversity your reading – it can indeed open up a different understanding of a place and people, which popular media may have painted in a certain stereotype. Also i have found that the diversity allows for my own growth and expansion of views and perspectives.
March 7, 2024 @ 8:16 pm
What a list of books. Amazing and getting to read different genres of favorite authors is surely a great tip to finish TBR as planned.
March 8, 2024 @ 11:17 pm
Last year I read a number of different books – thanks to a few book clubs I am part of and I agree that it is always good to diversify your reading. The only issue with me is that I find non fiction pretty tough to read.
March 9, 2024 @ 3:28 pm
Wonderful book recommendation, Ritu. Your choice of books is really amazing; I would love to read all these books.
March 11, 2024 @ 11:48 am
Very helpful tips. I too read a diverse genre of books but this recommendation is totally new to me. I am intrigued by the titles. I can try few of them.
March 21, 2024 @ 3:03 pm
Loved reading this post, Ritu. Before joining Twitter, even my reading was quite one-dimensional. It is only in the past 3 or 4 years that I have tried to read out of my comfort zone (kabhi pass/kabhi fail). I agree with your comment about translated literature helping us explore more, though I am very sorry to notice that I have read only 2 out of books you have shared.
March 22, 2024 @ 2:52 pm
This post is essential! I not only try and find diverse books to read, I also look at diverse reviewers when looking at book recommendations. I have noticed your own experiences too impact your reading choices and I try to factor that in when looking for my next read.
March 27, 2024 @ 12:52 pm
This is such a relevant topic to cover. Diversity is so essential yet competing within the bestseller circles and more popular books, we tend to follow the trend. Taking down a few titles from here to add to my TBR.
March 30, 2024 @ 5:55 pm
That’s an interesting post. Growing up, I too was guilty of sticking to tried and tested genres but now I’m very particular about changing things up. It really enriches your reading experience,
March 31, 2024 @ 10:50 pm
Thank you, Ritu, for considering that topic- exploring diversity in reading. This is a great idea, though I haven’t had enough chances to pursue it fully. Books from different genres and authors from different cultural and historical backgrounds are included in my bucket list. Participating in reading challenges has helped me to get exposed to book suggestions in different genres.
April 1, 2024 @ 12:03 pm
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful post. I shall trying making my reading list diverse as well moving forward.
April 5, 2024 @ 9:11 pm
I love reading about books, and reader’s views and thoughts about them, almost as much as I love reading myself. I found reading reviews by other bloggers, and booktube introduced me to new genres and authors, and I have found some delightful new authors and reads. I agree with you that exploring is something we should continue to do, as we never know when we may meet our next loved genre/author 🙂