Synopsis:

It’s time to diversify your reading list.

This richly illustrated and vastly inclusive collection uplifts the works of authors who are often underrepresented in the literary world. Using their keen knowledge and deep love for all things literary, coauthors Jamise Harper (founder of the Diverse Spines book community) and Jane Mount (author of Bibliophile) collaborated to create an essential volume filled with treasures for every reader:

• Dozens of themed illustrated book stacks—like Classics, Contemporary Fiction, Mysteries, Cookbooks, and more—all with an emphasis on authors of color and authors from diverse cultural backgrounds
• A look inside beloved bookstores owned by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
• Reading recommendations from leading BIPOC literary influencers

Diversify your reading list to expand your world and shift your perspective. Kickstart your next literary adventure now!

EASY TO GIFT: This portable guide is packed with more than 150 colorful illustrations is a perfect gift for any booklover. The textured paper cover, gold foil, and ribbon marker make this book a special gift or self-purchase.

DISCOVER UNSUNG LITERARY HEROES: The authors dive deep into a wide variety of genres, such as Contemporary Fiction, Classics, Young Adult, Sci-Fi, and more to bring the works of authors of color to the fore.

ENDLESS READING INSPIRATION: Themed book stacks and reading suggestions from luminaries of the literary world provide curated book recommendations. Your to-read list will thank you.

Perfect for: bookish people; literary lovers; book club members; Mother’s Day shoppers; stocking stuffers; followers of #DiverseSpines; Jane Mount and Ideal Bookshelf fans; Reese’s Book Club and Oprah’s Book Club followers; people who use Goodreads.com; readers wanting to expand/decolonize their book collections; people interested in uplifting BIPOC voices; antiracist activists and educators; grads and students; librarians and library patrons wanting to expand/decolonize their book collections; people interested in uplifting BIPOC voices; antiracist activists and educators; grads and students; librarians and library patrons

My Review:

This book is going to get me into trouble.  I already know that my TBR pile is gigantic but how could I not, find some treasures inside this book.  It was definitely cover love that drew me to this book while I was volunteering at the library.  I realized while reading, that I needed to get my own copy of this book, as it’s a fantastic resource.

I’ve heard about these types of books before but this is the first one, that I have actually read.  I liked the concept but would I actually like the books that they featured and/or would I find their lists helpful? I wanted this to be a fun, entertaining book consisting of lists based on a variety of different ideas/concepts.  I was also hoping that the books that made the list were a mixed lot, some new titles for me and some familiar ones.

What makes this book unique? It’s diversity.   “The authors, illustrators, designers, store owners, and bookstagramumers highlighted in this book are all Black, Indigenous, and people of color.”  Furthermore, these individuals lived in “spaces where they were marginalized by a dominant white society.”   By reading the books mentioned inside, the author hopes that the reader walks away with a greater understanding and the desire for better communication.  We all desire a great life.

I liked the physical size of this book, for being a reference book, it fits perfectly in my hands.  I liked how bright and colorful the pages were.  I felt a renewed energy while reading it and I was excited to see what the other pages contained.  Printed on thick cardstock paper, I thought this was a huge bonus considering it’s a resource and how often I would flip through the book.  The number of categories surprised me, in a good way.  I enjoyed all the different concepts the author used to group individuals and the books.  From the one-line sentences attached to some of the books on the list, to the detailed descriptions of a few of the books on the list, I loved all the information that is packed inside this book. 

I had started off thinking that I would make a list of the books that I thought sounded great (ones I haven’t seen or read yet) but after reading a few more pages in this book, I realized that I wanted to retain some of the other information that this book revealed.  I knew then, I would have to purchase a copy of this book.  This book is a gem and I highly recommend you check out this title.   Warning: your TBR pile just might get longer.