One of the most beautiful aspects of reading is its ability to transport us into lives, cultures, and experiences vastly different from our own. Books allow us to walk in someone else’s shoes, see the world through their eyes, and gain insights we might not encounter otherwise. Exploring diverse books has been a powerful way for me to broaden my worldview, deepen my empathy, and challenge my assumptions about life, people, and history. Here are a few books from various cultures and backgrounds that have had a profound impact on me.
1. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
Set in pre-colonial Nigeria, this novel tells the story of Okonkwo, a respected leader in his village whose life begins to unravel with the arrival of European missionaries and colonizers.
- What It Taught Me: Things Fall Apart gave me a perspective on the devastating impact of colonization on African communities and traditions. Achebe’s storytelling helped me see the clash between cultures not as a simple "good vs. bad" narrative, but as a nuanced story of loss, change, and resilience. It also deepened my understanding of how cultural identity and heritage shape people’s lives.
2. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
This gripping novel is set in Afghanistan and follows the story of Amir, a boy from a privileged family, and his servant’s son, Hassan. Their friendship, torn apart by betrayal, mirrors the broader changes happening in their country.
- What It Taught Me: Before reading The Kite Runner, I had limited knowledge about Afghanistan’s culture, history, and the human stories behind its conflicts. Hosseini’s vivid descriptions brought the beauty of Afghan traditions to life while also revealing the devastating effects of war. It reminded me of the power of redemption and how deeply friendship and family bonds can shape us.
3. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
Spanning generations, Pachinko tells the story of a Korean family living in Japan, grappling with discrimination, identity, and survival.
- What It Taught Me: I learned about the struggles faced by Koreans living as outsiders in Japan—something I had never encountered before. The book opened my eyes to the ways systemic prejudice can shape an entire family’s future. It also highlighted themes of perseverance and sacrifice, making me reflect on the privileges I often take for granted.
4. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
This coming-of-age novel, told in a series of vignettes, follows Esperanza, a young Latina girl growing up in a Chicago neighborhood.
- What It Taught Me: The House on Mango Street offered a window into the lives of immigrant families and the struggles of young women trying to define themselves. Esperanza’s longing for a better life while staying connected to her roots resonated deeply. It reminded me that the desire for belonging and self-empowerment is universal, no matter our background.
5. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
This epic novel follows the descendants of two half-sisters—one sold into slavery and the other married to a British colonizer—across generations, spanning Ghana and America.
- What It Taught Me: Homegoing shed light on the long-reaching effects of slavery and colonialism. Gyasi masterfully connects the personal to the historical, showing how generational trauma, identity, and resilience are woven into families over time. Reading this story deepened my understanding of the African diaspora and reminded me of the enduring strength of people whose stories are often marginalized.
Why These Stories Matter
Reading books from diverse perspectives is more than just exploring new cultures—it’s about challenging our own beliefs, biases, and comfort zones. Each of these stories broadened my understanding of human experiences across borders, time periods, and struggles. They taught me empathy for lives I haven’t lived and inspired me to appreciate the resilience and beauty of cultures I might not otherwise encounter.
When we take the time to immerse ourselves in stories from diverse backgrounds, we begin to see the world as a richer, more connected place. Books remind us that while our experiences may differ, our humanity is shared.
What books have helped broaden your perspective? Share your recommendations—I’d love to explore even more worlds through their pages.
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