Hi friends and happy Sunday!
In this Best reads of 2020 we are talking about diversity.
It’s such a hyped word these days but we do need diversity in books as life is made of very different people. I just don’t like books that include diversity for the sake of it. I mean, just because it’s hype. It has to make sense and feel genuine.
If I compare stories that I read now with the ones I had when I was a kid (I know, I know, it’s been a loooong time 🤣) we have much more diversity! Instead of the white christian straight hero or heroine I got as a kid or even, as a teenager, we have stories with POC, heroes from all sexual preferences, religion, race etc. And that’s so great because I think being different from each other is so much more interesting!
Some of my best reads this year had:
POC and gay representation like With The Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo.
Cherry on top, the writing was extremely beautiful!
Others featured people with either a handicap, either I’d say some prychological disorder like The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune as the hero suffers from ADHD.
What’s a bonus too, you have gay and bi representation in the book and “laugh out loud” banter!
Another book featuring people of color and non straight sexual preference was Take a Hint Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert!
That book was a hoot to read and the male character was such a cinnamon roll but so HOT too!
My winner today is…
Red, White and Royal Blue!
You have heroes of mixed heritage, straight, bi and gay people in the story too. I absolutely adored how casy McQuiston made all these character mingle organically to create a big colorful found family!
And honestly, Casey’s dedication is the best!
“To every person in search of somewhere to belong who happened to pick up this book, I hope you found a place in here, even if just for a few pages. You are loved. I wrote this for you. Keep fighting, keep making history, keep looking after one another.”
― Red, White & Royal Blue
What is your favorite book with diverse character cast read this year?
Thanks for reading!
Sophie
Have this on my TBR, maybe I can get to it in 2021, LOL!
I need to read with the fire on high!
Cassie and Arielle both loved Red, White and Royal Blue too! I have it on my tbr and I’m keeping my fingers crossed I love it as much as you guys did!
I can’t wait for you to read it Jen!
Lovely Post Sophie and you handled it very well! I still need to read Red, White and Royal Blue. It really does seem like a great read!
Elza Reads
Thank you Elza!!
Red, White & Royal Blue was such a joy. I loved how every character felt so unique and the diversity felt seamless and natural.
Exactly! It wasn’t forced or anything Tanya!
So many amazing books here! Definitely loved Red, White and Royal Blue! 🙂
Yay!!!
I want to read ALL of these! Great list
I really need to check out Red, White and Royal Blue!!
Yes! LOL
If nothing else, 2020 can go down as the year of change. We’re still evolving but it’s great to see more acceptance, not just in books, but movies, songs, careers- everywhere <3
I love your intake on 2020: the year of change!
That’s a nice selection! I like the diversity in the diversity!
Diversity in the diversity! I love it Em!
Great post! I love reading books with diversity in them and I agree with you – I hate when it feels included for the sake of it. I’m reading get a life chloe brown atm and can’t wait to read take a hint Dani Brown. Red White and Royal Blue is excellent ❤
And I can’t wait to read Get A Life!
oh yes I completely agree. I think diversity should feel natural in books but sometimes it feels so forced and then I lose interest. I want it to feel real and relatable and genuine in all the ways that matter. I adore Talia Hibbert, her books are some of the best because they feel natural.
And I will read more of her books Renee!
Red, White and Royal Blue is something I really want to read, sounds so good!
Caro you are going to fall in love with it!
Sounds like I need to put this one on my wish list for next year, Sophie! Thanks for highlighting this and so many more great reads.
Oh you’ll make me very happy Alex!
Red, White and Royal Blue needs to be a priority in 2021 for me!
Yes! LOL