Recs if you like My Ántonia...

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!

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.

classic literature only written by women, because why would a man be there??

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.

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!

classic & modern classic literature by women. limiting myself to one book per author. please let me know who i've missed!

classics written by women

To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, HarperCollins curated a list of their books they say "define the nation". This is that list of books!

A list published by The Guardian on 5/16/2026, as voted on by authors, critics, and academics worldwide.

The Guardian Top 100 Best Novels

It's the semiquincentennial! (1776-2026) One book for each of the 50 states, Presidents & First Ladies, other American authors & works of note... (List first published by Summer M. Smith)

The female writers the canon has “forgotten” about (or wilfully ignored / pushed out / side tracked)

From @stevenjreese on TikTok

In May 2026 the Guardian published a list of the 100 greatest novels published in English of all time. The list was created based on votes from authors, critics, and academics.

Due to an error, the list originally included The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley instead of The Stranger by Albert Camus. Both are included here, as an unofficial 101 best novels

by the beach or on the lake, seasonally summer reads

Other items used: "Sonlight's College and Career Planning Kit" (includes "Finding the Career that Fits You", "Sheet of Book Labels 600", "Career Planning Guide" and "College Admission and Scholarships"), "Electives 400" (includes "Thinkwell Public Speaking" and "The Non-Designer's Design Book"), "Sheet of Book Labels 400", "Safety Glasses", "Berean Physics Science Supply Kit", "Sonlight Personal Journal", "Thinkwell Economics Internet Course", "Sonlight's Economics Program Instructor's Guide", "Literature 430 Student Guide", "Literature 430 Parent Guide", "History/Bible 420 Student Guide", "History/Bible 420 Parent Guide", "Math-U-See Calculus DVD" and "Binders + Tabs for High School Packages".

Literature & Human-Environment Relationships

books that are like a breath of fresh air or based in nature, or are full of exuberance, sweetness, mischief, long ramblings, and childlike fun

I love a good classic, and paired with a cup of tea or hot chocolate makes the experience all the more better, the books on this list just have a certain aesthetic in them that makes me want to settle down with a mug of my favorite English Breakfast and view life as a little more dreamlike.