Like so many of our reading choices, having access to more diverse short stories (instead of just the stuffy old white men we were forced to read as kids) can really opened your eyes to all the magic that the short story medium can offer. If you already love short story collections, or if you …
Book Lists
Some of the best-loved works of literature in the 20th century came from a post-independence India. Works by Salman Rushdie and Arundhati Roy are synonymous with great modern literature, but there are many more Indian novels in English for you to discover. And here are just a few of the best. Indian Literature in English: …
There is so much beauty, mystery, and excitement to Japanese history and culture. The best books on Japan explore the art, theology, architecture, theatre, and food of Japan. To really understand Japan, it’s vital to get a rounded view of the Land of the Rising Sun by reading the best books on Japanese culture and …
In times and places of hate, the two most powerful acts that can dispel that hate quickly are talking with people of different backgrounds and, failing that, reading their stories. These books about refugees and migrants, and the experiences they’ve lived, are vital reading for anyone wishing to better understand their fellow humans. Moving to …
Many of the best novels of the 20th Century were written by creative and empathetic Black women. And, now, the literary landscape of the 21st Century is all but defined by the words and voices of, and novels by Black women writers. The female Black writers community represents some of the biggest award-winners, some of …
Whilst reading Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race, the elephant in the room was the British education system. In school, Brits are taught about the following areas of British history: 1066, the Tudors, the Black Death, the industrial revolution, World War II. No Black British history books to be seen. British …
Japan has provided the world with a generous spectrum of books in translation. Almost every genre and style of book has a solid handful of Japanese books in translation. But how about Japanese children’s books? For young readers in the West, what innovative and magical Japanese books are available in translation? Well, quite a few …
These books about mental health are a great start if you’re looking to learn more about yourself or hear from someone who has experienced similar feelings. Mental health is very much a catch-all term in the same way that physical health is. Just as physical health issues range from cramps to cancer, mental health issues …
In his book China in Ten Words, author Yu Hua discusses in detail the multiple plights of the writers and artists of China. Censorship, legal battles, ownership; so many of a writer’s rights and freedoms can be put at risk, and they are on a daily basis. It doesn’t matter if these are the best …
With the Normal People TV series out now and Sally Rooney’s phenomenally grounded, honest, and cutting novel almost two years old, it’s time to look at the best books like Normal People for readers who have recently rediscovered the novel or viewers who have been entranced by the Normal People TV series. Normal People is …