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Contributing Editor Kendra here! Today we’re chatting about the 2022 Read Harder Challenge, task #5: read an an anthology featuring diverse voices.
When I heard that anthologies by diverse voices was going to be one of the 2022 Read Harder prompts, I couldn’t have been more excited. I LOVE anthologies! They are the buffets of the literary world. You get to try a little bit of everything, and if you discover something you really like, you can go back for more. It’s really the best of all worlds.
I remember when I first read LGBTQ Fiction and Poetry from Appalachia. My favorite story in the collection was by a writer named Silas House. When I looked him up, I realized he had an incredible backlist, all of which I read in quick succession. Let me tell you, that was an incredible reading year.
Anthologies typically center around a particular theme, idea, genre, or really anything that brings all of the authors together. Now maybe you are new to the wonderful world of anthologies—not to worry! I have plenty of titles from a wide range of nonfiction and fiction genres. Plus, there’s books for both kids and adults, so if you’re doing the Read Harder challenge with a kid in your life, there’s something for them too.
So settle in and get your TBR ready—onto the books!
A Measure of Belonging: Twenty-One Writers of Color on the New American South edited by Cinelle Barnes
Out from one of my favorite indie presses, Hub City Press, A Measure of Belonging features essays from authors of color from across the Southern United States. Each contributor gives their perspective on what it’s been like living in or being in the South.
Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century edited by Alice Wong
As a disabled person, I rarely see that part of myself in a book, so I couldn’t have been more excited for Alice Wong’s anthology, Disability Visibility. Each contributor adds their own perspective on what it’s like to live as a disabled person in an ableist society. There are stories of both struggle and joy, truly capturing an incredible range of experiences.
Growing Up Disabled in Australia edited by Carly Findlay
Australian disability rights advocate, Carly Findlay, gathered together disabled writers from across Australia, each with their own unique perspective on what it’s like growing up disabled. Writers with a range of disabilities write about everything from autistic representation in theater to competing in paralympic events.
It’s Not About the Burqa: Muslim Women on Faith, Feminism, Sexuality and Race edited by Mariam Khan
This incredible collection features Muslim women from around the world, each with their own unique relationship with their faith. The selections cover topics like marriage, modesty, careers, sexuality, and women’s rights. I love the different styles of writing throughout the book, each unique piece combining with the others to create a chorus of these women’s stories.
LGBTQ Fiction and Poetry from Appalachia edited by Jeff Mann and Julia Watts
Unfortunately, stories of queer Appalachian people are all too often few and far between. But Jeff Mann and Julia Watts have put together this anthology to do their part to help fix that. LGBTQ Fiction and Poetry from Appalachia features queer writers from across the region, highlitghing the incredible talent in these mountains.
Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith
This anthology features stories from different Native Nations, each based in their own unique history and culture. The stories center around an intertribal Powwow in Ann Arbor Michigan, working together to weave a larger picture as you read through each selection. Perfect for kids of any age, these selections often center around themes of heritage, family and community.
Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices edited by S.K. Ali and Aisha Saeed
This delightful collection of short stories for kids features 15 different Eid celebrations. Muslim children from around the world come together to celebrate the holiday with their own traditions—and learn to create new ones!
Black Futures edited by Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham
First off, this book is STUNNING. With it’s beautiful design and full-color photos throughout, Black Futures draws the eye. And once you open the cover, you find a celebration of Black lives, featuring contributors from a range of artistic backgrounds and experiences.
Anthologies invite readers in to experience new kinds of stories and to find new-to-them authors. That’s what makes them so great! Whether you choose a book from this list or discover one on your own, you are in for a treat.
That’s it for now, but we will be back with even MORE Read Harder recommendations. Until then, happy reading!
~ Kendra
Click here for the full Read Harder 2022 task list, and for previous recommendations, click here.