Recs if you like Their Eyes Were Watching God...
Classics Not Written by Straight Cis White Men
I've seen so many people say they don't read classics as they aren't diverse, and I wanted to give some suggestions that are.
This is a list of classics written by authors who are not Straight, Cis, White, and Men as the title suggests. I am also aiming to include a variety of cultures and regions in this list. If your looking for something more focused (e.g. diverse US classics) check out the lists I posted in the comments.
Suggestions are more than welcome!
these titles are complete sentences!
1001 Books to Read Before You Die
Based on the list/book published in 2006, general editor Peter Boxall.
understanding the american south
a multigenre syllabus on the history, identity, and culture(s) of the american southeast - a region often known otherwise as simply “the south” or “the deep south,” consisting in part of “the bible belt” (most of it) and parts of appalachia.
Lucy Dacus Recommendations 💛
Books recommended by musician Lucy Dacus, a solo artist and member of the band boygenius. Pulled from her goodreads list.
Reclaiming the Classics (U.S. edition)
Classic books by U.S. BIPOC/fem/LGBTQIA Authors. Inspired by my post in US classic lit quest, I wanted a place to share all the wonderful recommendations by the PB community from the forum! 'Classic' refers to enduring, high-quality works that have stood the test of time, featuring universal themes, memorable characters, and artistic merit that remain relevant and insightful about the human condition across generations, often studied for their cultural significance and literary excellence.
Ologies Podcast Suggestions
Ologies is a weekly science podcast hosted by Alie Ward. Each episode, Ward interviews an expert from a distinct scientific field.
This unofficial list contains book suggestions made by the host or by her guests. I avoided extremely technical books or papers. Currently from episode 1 to 525 More details on these books and their associated episodes in my ever evolving spreadsheet.
In the spreadsheet there are also books not found on Goodreads and general book recommendations (like the entire bibliography of a specific author or group of people)
Read Like an English Major
Books for those who want to be well-read without the debt (created by someone with said debt)
Note: I will be deleting my PB account within the next two weeks, and I believe this list will be erased. Feel free to screenshot it if you see anything that interests you! ☺️ 3/17/2026
Niche Classics
Overlooked, lesser known classics from all over the world and of many genres.
This list also exists as a book club on Fable under the same name.
Read Until You Understand
novels, poetry, literary criticism, and history books by Black authors referenced in Farah Jasmine Griffin’s Read Until You Understand; The Profound Wisdom of Black Life and Literature — forming a type of Black literary canon
The Art of Engaged Reading: Fiction Companion
You've built up your skills as an engaged reader - now it's time to start reaping the benefits! Every book on this list was chosen because it's genuinely enjoyable AND hiding something underneath the surface worth finding. The goal isn't to find the "right" answer, but to trust your own instincts as a reader and see where that takes you. Start in your favorite genre - it makes close reading feel like a game, not homework. Happy Reading Boundlings!!
Essentials from the Harlem Renaissance
Books and poetry collections from the Harlem Renaissance, the most significant Black Arts movement in modern history.
classic shorties
For when reading a classic feels too daunting. Classics under 200 pages!
💥Dope Black Fiction 4 All💥
Combo of new and older fiction written by talented Black and African writers ranging from adult to YA to middle grade. Thriller, fantasy, literary fiction and everything in between!
Feel free to make suggestions!
Classic Novels By Black Women
Florida Anti-Censorship Reads
Florida books D*santis would hate for you to read
Includes books with BIPOC and/or queer authors or main characters from Florida and books related to topics being censored including history, race, migration, LGBTQIA+, climate change, the environment, etc.
List is a work in progress, please feel free to suggest additions! Non-fiction and fiction welcome.
The Big List of Banned or Censored Books
A list of Banned or Censored books (from around the world) that I want to read and form my own opinions about...
Southern Gothic
read the states + territories
books from all US states and territories. asking for recommendations! these books must a) be written by an author with a strong connection to the state or territory and b) take place largely in the state or territory. i want to try to prioritize, whenever possible, underrepresented voices / voices that america’s regime tries to silence.
please lmk if any of these authors or texts aren’t good representation.
i will comment a list with each state/territory + its associated book!
Black Historical Fiction Must Reads
A collection of historical fiction by Black authors that brings Black history to life through unforgettable characters, family stories, friendship, love, resilience, and everything in between.
These are the kinds of books that teach you something, break your heart a little, and stay with you long after the last page.
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