Why I Prioritize Diverse Voices in My Reading

I love reading books by authors from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. I try to keep an open mind and seek out stories that reflect a wide range of life experiences. For me, this means being intentional about not limiting my reading to authors of a single ethnicity or worldview. 

I want my bookshelf to reflect the richness and variety of the world around me. This includes reading stories that feature people of different races and ethnicities, body types, religions, disabilities, sexual orientations and gender identities. Not only does this expand our understanding of others, but research shows that reading fiction can build empathy and shape how we relate to people in real life.

Reading for Empathy – And Enjoyment

It's important to note that reading diversely isn’t just about educating ourselves on marginalization or injustice. These stories can be full of joy, humour, growth and adventure. Even the lighthearted or “silly” ones have value; they help broaden our perspectives and bring levity to our lives.

One of the most powerful things about diverse literature is how often we find pieces of ourselves in unexpected places. Seeing your own experiences reflected in a character can feel deeply validating. It reminds us that our stories matter and that there are endless possibilities for who we are and who we might become.

This commitment to diversity doesn’t mean I force myself to read every genre. I know what I love — mainly horror, spicy romance and suspense thrillers — and I stick to those. But within those genres, I make a conscious effort to seek out authors from a variety of backgrounds. It’s entirely possible to enjoy your favourite forms of escapism while still expanding your worldview.

Small Changes, Big Impact

So, I encourage you to take a closer look at the authors on your shelves. Ask yourself: Do these voices reflect a range of lived experiences, or are they all coming from similar perspectives? Small, intentional changes in your reading habits can make a big impact — not just in how you read, but in how you see the world.

Do you want to include more diverse authors, stories and worldviews in your reading? Reach out to our FVRL Reading Advisers. They’ll create a specially curated book list tailored to your reading interests.

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Sally is an FVRL Reading Adviser.