My 2020 Diverse Reading List
DIVERSE: BIPOC AND/OR LGBTQ AUTHORS
I’m making a conscious effort to read more diverse books indefinitely, and decided to chronicle my diverse reading throughout the year.
Although I’ve been reading more diverse books over the last couple years, it’s not enough. I read a good amount of books about diverse characters, but not as many books by BIPOC or LGBTQ authors.
I would like to change that.
And I want it to become a habit, not just something that’s short-lived. Somehow I need to keep myself accountable.
So, I’ll be making a list each year, and tracking the books by month.
Since it’s already June, I’m compiling all the books I’ve read so far this year, which are embarrassingly few. But I will start with June as the first month I’m consciously reading more books by BIPOC and LGBTQ authors.
This list is a work in progress.
My 2020 Diverse Reading List
ALL THE BOOKS I READ IN 2020
THAT HAVE BEEN WRITTEN BY BIPOC & LGBTQ AUTHORS
Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner
Loved this book. A wonderful debut novel, a slow burn romance that was touching and romantic.
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
Loved the audiobook! It was incredibly well done, emotional. It wasn’t an easy book to listen to because it was so raw at times, but I also couldn’t stop reading.
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
One of my most favorite memoirs to date! Brilliant narration, fascinating story, can’t recommend it enough.
JUNE
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
Absolutely stunning, thought provoking, and a relatively short book/read/audiobook. It’s a must read, and I can only recommend it to everyone, since it’s perfect book for in between other books.
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
This one was SO GOOD. Adorable, cute, but also educational. A must read! The story was captivating, the narration was superb. It made me laugh and smile, but I also felt like I learned so much. Two thumbs up!!!
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson
This book, as so many others, is an important read. The numbers the author talks about, the cases, the for me perplexing thought that people have been sentenced to death for actions that really don’t deserve it at all, only because of the color of their skin, intellect, and poverty is unimaginable. And it’s also hard to swallow that in 50 years, it doesn’t seem like much has changed.
4 stars
Take a Hint, Dani Brown (The Brown Sisters #2) by Talia Hibbert
I had a blast listening to this book! It was sexy, had fantastic banter, and one amazing couple. Loved Dani, but actually fell in love with Zaf, he was a DREAM guy!!
Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
I had a really great time with this book. It was all things BRITISH, a bit over the top, but sweet, actually way sweeter than expected, and I loved the couple, and all the friends. Fake relationship trope, with two adorable guys – what is there to say more?
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Beautiful. Thoughtful. Riveting.
It took me years to read this book, but honestly it’s never too late, and the book delivered more than what was promised. Another book that deserves all the hype.
AND the audiobook is narrated by none other than Lin-Manuel Miranda!!
JULY
Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson
This book was something!! There were some real hard moments in this book, scenes that were hard to read and very emotional. The ending was literally OMG – biggest twist ever! And the focuses on the juvenile justice system and there were times I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Also, this is the author’s debut novel and all I can say is – WELL DONE!!!
4 stars
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
Loved this memoir directed at the younger audience, written by an own voice author that struggled with his sexual identity, all while being a Black boy in a blue color family.
Most thought provoking: only because we are born with certain genitals, doesn’t mean that we should be categorized as PINK or BLUE. Nobody knows how a person identifies later in life. But our society pretty much puts a stamp on us from the day we are born.
Dear Martin (Dear Martin #1) by Nic Stone
Powerful. Similar to THUG, but also different. Another look at police brutality and the many young Black men that lose their life because of it.
The Extraordinaries (The Extraordinaries #1) by T.J. Klune
Adorable, unique and funny!!!
I had so much fun with this book. It gave me the ultimate Metropolis vibes, and made me laugh out loud!!
4 stars
AUGUST
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
This was adorable!!! Just wonderful, and uplifting, and such a fantastic surprise for me. Loved it from beginning to end!
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
4 stars
Luster by Raven Leilani
4 stars
Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby
4.5 stars
SEPTEMBER
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
4.5 stars
more to come….
My 2020 Diverse Reading List
Long way down has been on my tbr since forever. The concept is what caught my interest. 🙂
I saw it being recommended this week, and jumped into the audiobook without knowing about the verse format, unfortunately because of the audio I didn’t SEE the verse, but the topic, and the story was incredible. Now I want to borrow the book too, so I can SEE as well as HEAR it. Definitely a recommendation!!!
I have a physical copy and Im gonna read it when I come home. I’m still at my aunt’s. 🙂 But I’m glad you liked it.
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts 😊
I love this idea! It’s something I can add to my excel book tracking sheet as well 🙂
I like making lists – lol. And I feel like if I’m tracking myself, I’ll be more conscious about what I’m reading.