“Book Expo sparked quite the controversy a couple years ago regarding diversity in books and authors. Where are we now?”
In May of this year I threw myself totally into an Asian author reading month called #AsianLitBingo. I had a huge amount of books that I could read. I ended up reading 10 books by 9 Asian authors. I also ended up sort of accidentally reading 9 books by white authors.
Let’s make that clear. In a month where I was actively and preferentially reading Asian authors, I read almost as many books by white authors and I didn’t realize I was doing it until I counted it up for this post. I knew I had read a few books by white authors. I didn’t realize how many.
This is why I report how many white authors I’ve read versus authors of other races in my month end posts every month. Accountability. If you don’t think about it, you don’t realize that you are cutting yourself off from a whole world of great books.
“But, I don’t want to have to think about author’s race. I just want good stories.”
I want good stories too. That’s why branching out from one point of view is so important.
“But I don’t know where to find those books.”
Here’s how. It takes a bit of research to get started and then it snowballs into an out of control TBR list.
Check out reviews of diverse books.
A great place to start right now is at Read Diverse Books. There is a linkup going on there for reviews. There are hundreds from the last few months.
Follow people who read diversely
Did you like any of the reviews you read? Follow those people. See who they follow. Check out their Goodreads/Twitter/Bookstagram. You’ll soon find people who have the same tastes as you.
Find an event
There are always events going on that highlight diverse books. #AsianLitBingo was in May. Check out that hashtag and others like #weneeddiversebooks, #diversebookbloggers, and #readdiverse2017. Follow some people and they will lead you to more. #RamadanReadathon is going on right now to highlight Muslim authors. There are lots of Pride-related reading events and lists published in June.
Branch out when finding books
I love BookBub but it is overwhelmingly white. Same with NetGalley. You can find some books but the majority are from white authors. BookRiot has some good lists. If you are an Amazon Prime member and you get Kindle First, sometimes they have translated fiction on the list of books you can choose for free. Try it.
Use Goodreads
When you find a book you like, check out the suggestions for similar books on Goodreads. I fell into a major Indian chick-lit reading hole doing this once. It was lovely.
Look at lists if you want a book set in a particular place or featuring a certain character. My favorite resource is this one for books around the world. You need to do some research on this list because they aren’t all by authors who are from the place where the book is set but it is a start.
Ask for help
Know that you want to read historical fiction set in Asia but aren’t sure where to start? Put a request out on Twitter for suggestions.  Tag it #diversebookbloggers and you will probably get a bunch of recommendations.ÂÂ
If you are participating in Armchair Book Expo, put your request in your ISO Books post on Saturday. That’s what it is designed for. Let the group help you find the book you want. I’m leading the Twitter chat on Saturday night and we’ll be brainstorming lists of books to meet people’s requests.
These are such amazing tips for reading diversely! This post comes at such a great time, especially during Pride. Thanks for this post! 🙂
That’s so interesting that even when you were making a concerted effort to read Asian authors, you still ended up reading as many white authors—just goes to show how hard it is to read diversely!
Thanks for the tips. I know I need to do better at reading diversely. That Linkup on Read Diverse Books is a great place to find recommendations. I check that site at least once a week to see what looks interesting.
Great suggestions. I think your blog is what inspired me to start tracking things like author’s background and diversity of characters and settings. It’s amazing how easily I slip into reading straight white American women if I am not paying attention.
It is great to hear that you started tracking this aspect of your reading too!
Great tips. I love that you’re tackling common excuses people give for not seeking out diverse books. This year is the first where I’m actively tracking author and character diversity in the stories I read. As you mention, if you’re not holding yourself accountable, your reading habits likely won’t change.
Thank you so much for sharing. I’m going to check out that review list. See you at the twitter chat tomorrow!
Gabriella
Gabriella M Reads
My Armchair BEA post.
Wonderful post! One of my favorite things about being involved in the online book world is following and engaging with bloggers from all different backgrounds. I love all of the diverse reviews and recommendations!
You make a fine point. Unless we make an effort to pick up diverse books, we can end up being unconsciously bias. So much of the market is inundated with white authors, it’s easy to only pick up books from them and then we end up missing out on the few diverse books out are. I started keeping track of my diverse reads this year and am really happy with my progress so far. Great post!
My Armchair Book Expo post
I love these tips. And it’s so true–even though I have been focusing on reading more diversely, it is so easy to read mostly white authors/characters.
Every month I sum up how I did with reading books that are beyond my own personal scope. Armchair Book Expo: May Inclusive Reading Report.
These sound like wonderful resources. I use #weneeddiversebooks and plan to try the Reading Without Walls Challenge with my kiddo. Day #3 Diversity & Dining