Mar 06, 2025

Why Reading Diverse Authors Matters More

by Sydney Stevic

A diverse group of young people laughing and smiling outdoors, embracing each other in a close-knit and joyful moment.

We’ve all been there—getting hooked on a favorite genre or author because we know it never disappoints. But in the endless library of the world, countless books are waiting to transport us beyond our comfort zones.

They open doors to different cultures, offer fresh perspectives, and introduce us to exciting new experiences. Through their pages, we travel to unfamiliar places and meet people we might never have encountered otherwise.

Reading books from diverse authors isn’t just about expanding your bookshelf—it’s about expanding your mind. It’s about stepping into different shoes, experiencing new ways of thinking, and embracing the beauty of human diversity.

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1. How Diverse Authors Expand Your Worldview

Open Your Eyes to Fresh Perspectives

We all have a certain way of seeing the world, shaped by our backgrounds, our communities, and our experiences. But what if we could momentarily borrow someone else’s perspective—see the world through their eyes, walk through their history, understand their culture? That’s exactly what reading diverse authors allows us to do.

Stories written by authors from different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences introduce us to narratives that challenge conventional thinking and broaden our understanding of the world.

✨ A Window to Global Insight – Reading diverse books means gaining an insider’s look at different traditions, histories, and ways of life. Whether it’s a coming-of-age story set in Nigeria, a historical novel from India, or a magical realism tale rooted in Indigenous folklore, each book opens up a new doorway of understanding.

✨ Breaking the Bubble – It’s easy to surround ourselves with stories that reinforce what we already know. But stepping outside our literary comfort zones introduces us to ideas we may have never considered—ideas that can shift how we think about the world.

💡 Pro Tip: Pick a book from an author whose culture or background is completely unfamiliar to you. It might surprise you how much you relate to their story!

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2. Why Stories Foster Empathy Like Nothing Else

Feel the World Through Their Eyes

You might never live through a refugee’s journey, experience life as an immigrant, or navigate the challenges of racial injustice firsthand. But when you read stories told by those who have, you get a glimpse of their reality in the most powerful way possible—through emotion.

Books have this unique ability to immerse us in experiences beyond our own, not just making us aware of them, but making us feel them.

✨ Deep Emotional Connection – When we see the world through a character’s struggles and triumphs, we build genuine empathy. Suddenly, their fears, dreams, and emotions feel personal.

✨ Breaking Social Silos – Books help us connect with people we might never meet in real life, dismantling prejudices and deepening our capacity for compassion.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep a journal of moments in books that truly moved you. Reflect on why they had an impact and how they challenged your perspective.

3. Celebrate Humanity with Culturally Rich Stories

Build Cultural Awareness, One Page at a Time

Some of the most enchanting books are those that transport you to a different culture—where food, language, traditions, and folklore weave seamlessly into the story. These books serve as cultural ambassadors, offering an intimate look at how different communities live, love, and dream.

✨ Cultural Enrichment – Whether it’s learning about the significance of Lunar New Year in a contemporary Chinese-American novel or understanding the deep spiritual traditions in Indigenous literature, diverse books bring cultural richness straight to your bookshelf.

✨ Finding Universal Connections – What’s even more incredible? The realization that, despite our differences, we all share common threads of love, hope, loss, and resilience.

💡 Pro Tip: Join an online book club or forum where people discuss diverse books. Hearing different interpretations and experiences will add even more layers to your understanding.

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4. Representation in Literature Creates Power

Why Every Voice Deserves a Seat at the Table

Representation in literature is more than just important—it’s essential. Seeing diverse characters in books isn’t just validating for those who identify with them; it’s also a powerful learning opportunity for those who don’t.

✨ A Mirror and a Window – For many readers, representation in literature is a mirror—a reflection of their experiences, giving them a sense of belonging and validation. For others, it’s a window—a chance to look into lives different from their own.

✨ Empowerment Through Stories – Diverse books give a voice to communities that have historically been underrepresented, helping break stereotypes and create more inclusive storytelling.

💡 Pro Tip: Seek out books that explore intersectionality—stories that capture the complexities of identity through multiple lenses, such as race, gender, disability, and culture.

5. How Diverse Stories Challenge Stereotypes

Shift Perspectives, One Narrative at a Time

The best stories don’t just entertain us—they challenge us. They make us question, rethink, and evolve. And diverse authors are at the forefront of breaking down stereotypes and rewriting narratives.

✨ Moving Beyond One-Dimensional Characters – Many marginalized groups have historically been reduced to stereotypes in mainstream literature. But diverse authors are reclaiming their narratives, crafting rich, complex characters that defy tired tropes.

✨ Encouraging Critical Thinking – Thought-provoking books inspire us to question social constructs and rethink preconceived notions.

💡 Pro Tip: Create a reading list focused on books that dismantle stereotypes. Challenge yourself to think critically about how certain narratives are framed.

An assortment of open books laid out, with visible text in a foreign language, showcasing a love for literature and reading.

6. Practical Ways to Start Your Inclusive Reading Journey

Diversify Your Bookshelf with Purpose

Making a conscious effort to read more diverse authors doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small, intentional steps can lead to a more inclusive and fulfilling reading experience.

✨ Start with One Book a Month – Pick a book by an author from a culture or background unfamiliar to you.

✨ Lean on Trusted Recommendations – Literary awards, bestseller lists, and book clubs (like Once Upon a Book Club) often highlight diverse reads worth exploring. Make sure to read to the end, we can’t wait to share our list of recommendations!

✨ Track Your Journey – Keep a list of diverse books you’ve read, and jot down key takeaways from each. You’ll be amazed at how your perspective shifts over time.

💡 Pro Tip: Set a reading goal—whether it’s five, ten, or twenty diverse books in a year—and challenge yourself to stick to it!

Final Takeaway: Why This Matters

Reading diverse authors goes beyond entertainment. It’s an act of empathy, empowerment, and education. It helps us connect with each other, celebrate our differences, and recognize our shared humanity.

Here’s a quick recap of why inclusive reading makes a difference:

✔️ Expanded Worldviews – Gain new perspectives with every page.

✔️ Deeper Empathy – Connect with emotions you’ve never felt, from lives you’ve never lived.

✔️ Cultural Awareness – Discover and celebrate the beauty of diversity.

✔️ Representation That Resonates – Support voices that deserve a platform.

✔️ Stereotype Busting – Shatter myths, one compelling character at a time.

✔️ A New Reading Habit – Keep it simple, purposeful, and constant.

So, are you ready to transform the way you read and experience the world? As promised, here is a great TBR list to get you started on your journey!