You’ve read all the books by Booktok faves from Sarah J. Maas to Sally Thorne, Colleen Hoover, and Holly Black, now what?
Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s about time to diversify your reading list!
You’ll notice that the #Booktok table at many bookstores is often missing some amazing literature from BIPOC authors. BIPOC is a term originating in the USA which refers to Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. This is sad for me to see as a person of colour myself. It’s important for BIPOC to see themselves in the literature they’re reading and even more important for non-BIPOC to read about BIPOC characters written by and for BIPOC.
Diversifying your bookshelf is an integral part of continued allyship as well as combating stereotypes and tokenism, which are often common in many of #Booktok’s favourites. Not only does diversifying your bookshelf help amplify the often-forgotten voices of BIPOC, but it also opens you up to beautiful and unparalleled ways of storytelling.
To that end, here are a few book recommendations straight from my bookshelf, many of which I have read and loved as well as a few I haven’t but intend to read.
If you love a good enemies-to-lovers arc with all the Bridgerton Season 2 yearning and adorable romantic comedy vibes, then you need to pick up Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin; also known as the Desi Pride & Prejudice re-telling of my dreams.
The story features two Muslim love interests, Ayesha and Khalid; the resident brooding Mr. Darcy archetype. As a massive sucker for romance novels, this is a book I finished in one sitting. It’s absolutely gorgeous in its storytelling and I could not get enough of our main couple as well as all the side characters.
Another quirky and fun rom-com book; Take A Hint, Dani Brown is on the top of my TBR list (definition: to-be-read). This is the second book in the Brown Sisters series by author Talia Hibbert. Hibbert’s writing is absolutely divine, and you can never go wrong with a good fake-dating trope in my humble opinion. It’s the perfect mix of clichéd, yet believable drama.
The book features a no-nonsense academic and goal-driven Black and bisexual main character named Danika Brown, and Zafir Ansari – her brooding but sweet-at-heart love interest. I have yet to read this instalment but judging from how good the first book was I must recommend this author’s work.
On the note of amazingly done fake-dating tropes — I also must recommend Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating, a beautifully written contemporary romance novel written by Adiba Jaigirdar who also wrote The Henna Wars!
If contemporary romance isn’t your thing, then here are a few of my favourite fantasy novels that would put Sarah J. Maas and co. to shame with the beauty of their worldbuilding. Fantasy is also a genre that always needs more BIPOC voices.
Two of my favourite fantasy books of all time are:
These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong – a Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1970s Shanghai with an entire host of beautifully written well-fleshed-out characters from Juliette Cai to Roma Montagov. Book one in a duology with the second book, Our Violent Ends dropped at the beginning of this year. The book is also hugely popular on social media!
We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal – another enemies-to-lovers arc but this time filled with magic and intrigue set in a gorgeous Middle Eastern-inspired world with nods towards Middle Eastern mythology. Faizal has a way with words that is unparalleled and her worldbuilding is something of note; you’ll feel as if you stepped right into the world she has built.
Two more fantasy books which I’ve been meaning to read that have been sitting on my TBR list are:
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi and The Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao. Children of Blood and Bone takes notes from the author’s Nigerian roots and paints an enthralling picture using aspects of Yoruba culture while The Iron Widow reimagines the story of the only recorded female Chinese Emperor in a thrilling and ethereal tale which also takes liberties from the author’s own lived experiences and their own culture.
Be sure to also look at City of Brass by S.A Chakraborty, a book I’ve been dying to finish reading but haven’t had the time. It is another beautifully written piece of literature featuring diverse characters in a fantastical world set in 18th century Cairo and featuring a strong and independent Muslim female lead!
I must make mention of some Dark Academia books by BIPOC authors. Dark Academia is another genre that has struggled to create space for BIPOC characters, authors, and voices. Today, many BIPOC authors have made a point to pave a place for themselves, and I for one am super grateful to see characters that I can relate to in a genre that I’ve always loved.
First, it must be said that the books mentioned here contain sensitive material and are by no means light-hearted as they feature topics that can be difficult to read for some. However, they are also extremely important to the plot and even more so to understand the lived experiences of BIPOC.
Be sure to check the trigger warnings before you pick up any of these books. Do your research about every book, but especially the ones here as many of them do feature-heavy topics.
If you’re into the dark and nitty-gritty thrillers which make poignant points on the truly sinister acts of racism, then Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is a must-read. This book is powerful and impactful in its storytelling and can be almost difficult to stomach with its honesty; however, that is just the point. It is brutally honest and gripping in a way that delivers its compelling message with magnificent potency.
Along a similar vein, meet How We Fell Apart by Katie Zhao. This book has been called a Pretty Little Liars and Gossip Girl lovechild mystery by online audiences. It features an all-Asian main cast and a missing student mystery that is begging to be solved, as well as plenty of nods towards the Asian lived experience. Take it from me, I definitely understand this one and I thoroughly enjoyed the writing of the characters in this book. If you loved the popular One of Us is Lying series, then this is a book you’ll enjoy.
So now you’re armed with a whole new reading list that will add some much-needed diversity to your bookshelf - happy reading!