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!






Rory Gilmore: Reading list๐ฉท
A list of every book Rory Gilmore is seen reading in the series โGilmore Girlsโ
Books not included on the list






Literature of the Global South
Writing and voices from outside of the white Western canon. Fiction and Non-fiction with an emphasis in diaspora, decolonization, global history, and resistance narratives from around the world. Features African, Asian, Central American, South American, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern voices.
Began with many recommendations from Jamin Anderson (@jaminanderson__ on Instagram) and has expanded with the help of the Pagebound community.






postcolonial magical realism
myth and folklore woven into reality to explore the legacies of colonialism: displacement, cultural erasure, trauma, the question of identity, and resistance. these books revolt against the idea of a single, rational, western worldview, reclaiming indigenous beliefs and knowledge systems as valid forms of truth.
after all, what looks like "magic" may simply be reality seen through other eyes.
recs always welcome :)






The Curio Cabinet: The Symbolic, Strange & Surreal
Not all collections hold things you can touch. This one holds worlds that breathe, selves that dissolve, and realities that refuse to hold their shape. These are the fictions that live on the edge of what language can contain - and sometimes just beyond. Admission is free, through entry requires a signed waiver: the curator cannot be held responsible for any transformations that occur upon your exit. We welcome specimen recommendations!






1001 Books to Read Before You Die
Based on the list/book published in 2006, general editor Peter Boxall.






Lucy Dacus Recommendations ๐
Books recommended by musician Lucy Dacus, a solo artist and member of the band boygenius. Pulled from her goodreads list.






Books That are Love Letters to Books
Books don't just sit on shelves and these novels show it. Each one is its own love letter to the importance of stories in every corner of human life, built on the belief that the right book, in the right hands, at the right moment, can change the entire shape of a life. (Always taking recommendations!)






Incredible Debuts
Debut novels that feel like they were written by seasoned writers. Whether it be because of the author's clear voice, the depth of the themes or the quality of the prose, you'll be surprised that this is the author's first published novel
Note: The authors featured may have published other works, like short story collections or plays, but the book featured here is their first novel






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! โบ๏ธ 3/17/2026