In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards decolonizing various aspects of our lives, including our bookshelves. Decolonizing your bookshelf is about intentionally diversifying the authors and perspectives you read, in order to challenge and expand your own worldview. It is an important step towards creating a more equitable and just society. Here are some tips for diversifying your reading list and decolonizing your bookshelf:
Seek out books by authors from diverse backgrounds: One of the easiest ways to diversify your reading list is to actively seek out books from authors from different backgrounds. This can include authors from different ethnicities, nationalities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, and more. Start by looking up book lists and recommendations online, or by asking friends and family for suggestions. For example, if you're looking for books by Black authors, you could check out lists like Oprah's Book Club or the New York Times Best Sellers list.
Read books that challenge your own beliefs: Part of decolonizing your bookshelf is reading books that challenge your own beliefs and assumptions. Seek out books that explore topics and perspectives that are unfamiliar to you, or that challenge your own worldview. This can be uncomfortable at times, but it is an important part of expanding your understanding of the world around you. For example, if you're a cisgender person, consider reading books by transgender authors to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and perspectives.
Look beyond mainstream publishers: Mainstream publishing houses tend to favor certain types of books and authors, which can result in a narrow range of perspectives being represented. Look beyond the big publishers and seek out books from independent publishers, small presses, and self-published authors. You may discover some hidden gems that you wouldn't have found otherwise. For example, check out small, independent publishers like Graywolf Press or Akashic Books.
Read translated works: Another way to diversify your reading list is to read books that have been translated into English from other languages. This can introduce you to authors and perspectives that you may not have encountered otherwise. Look for translated works from a variety of countries and regions, as well as translations of classic literature from other cultures. For example, if you're interested in Japanese literature, check out books like "Convenience Store Woman" by Sayaka Murata or "The Traveling Cat Chronicles" by Hiro Arikawa.
Support diverse bookstores and libraries: Finally, one of the best ways to decolonize your bookshelf is to support diverse bookstores and libraries. Seek out bookstores that specialize in books by and about underrepresented groups, and consider purchasing books from these stores instead of larger chains. Similarly, support your local library by borrowing books from diverse authors and making suggestions for books to add to their collections. For example, check out stores like Women & Children First in Chicago or Mahogany Books in Washington D.C.
Decolonizing your bookshelf is an ongoing process, and it can be challenging at times. It requires a willingness to step outside of your comfort zone and actively seek out new perspectives and voices. However, the benefits of diversifying your reading list are numerous, including a deeper understanding of the world around us, empathy for others, and the ability to challenge our own beliefs and assumptions. By following these tips, you can begin the journey toward a more diverse and inclusive bookshelf.
But what does it really mean to decolonize your bookshelf? At its core, decolonizing your bookshelf is about recognizing and addressing the ways in which the publishing industry and literary canon have historically favored certain voices and perspectives over others. It is about challenging the idea that certain stories and experiences are more valuable or worthy of attention than others.
For example, the literary canon has been dominated by white, male authors for centuries, which has resulted in a lack of representation and diversity in the books that are taught in schools and universities. Decolonizing your bookshelf is a way of pushing back against this narrow view of what constitutes "great literature," and instead embracing a more inclusive and representative range of voices.
Ultimately, decolonizing your bookshelf is about recognizing the power of literature to shape our understanding of the world around us, and taking an active role in ensuring that a wider range of voices and perspectives are represented in the books we read. By seeking out books by diverse authors, challenging our own assumptions and beliefs, and supporting diverse bookstores and libraries, we can create a more equitable and just literary landscape.
So, as you consider your next book purchase or library borrow, take a moment to reflect on the authors and perspectives that are represented on your bookshelf. Challenge yourself to seek out new voices and perspectives, and be open to the discomfort that comes with exploring unfamiliar territory. By doing so, you can play a small but important part in the ongoing work of decolonizing our literary canon and creating a more just and inclusive society.