Cultural diversity is something that is becoming more and more prevalent in our everyday lives. Whether it is through our interactions with people from different countries or encountering different cultures through media, it is important to expand our perspectives and knowledge of different cultures. One great way to do this is through reading books about cultural diversity. In this article, we will discuss 10 books that are a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about cultural diversity and expand their perspectives.
1. ‘The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down’ by Anne Fadiman
This book tells the true story of a girl from a Hmong family in California who had epilepsy. The cultural divide between the family’s beliefs about illness and the Western medical system led to a tragic outcome. The book provides insight into Hmong culture and the challenges of cross-cultural communication in healthcare.
2. ‘Americanah’ by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This novel follows the story of a Nigerian woman who immigrates to the United States for university. Through her experiences, the book tackles themes of race, identity and cultural differences.
3. ‘The Namesake’ by Jhumpa Lahiri
‘The Namesake’ tells the story of a couple who immigrate to the United States from India. The book explores themes of identity, cultural differences and family dynamics.
4. ‘The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother’ by James McBride
This memoir tells the story of James McBride’s mother, who was born in Poland and raised in the United States. The book explores race, identity and cultural differences through the lens of McBride’s relationship with his mother.
5. ‘How to Be an Antiracist’ by Ibram X. Kendi
In ‘How to Be an Antiracist’, Kendi challenges readers to confront their own biases and work towards creating a society that is truly antiracist. The book is both a memoir and a guide for personal and societal change.
6. ‘The Joy Luck Club’ by Amy Tan
This bestselling novel tells the story of four Chinese immigrant mothers and their American-born daughters. The book explores themes of communication, identity and cultural differences.
7. ‘The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine’ by Michael Lewis
‘The Big Short’ is a non-fiction book that tells the story of the 2008 financial crisis. Through the perspectives of several different characters, the book explores themes of greed, power and cultural differences.
8. ‘Between the World and Me’ by Ta-Nehisi Coates
This memoir is written as a letter from Coates to his son and explores the experience of being a black man in America. The book tackles themes of race, identity and cultural differences in a deeply personal way.
9. ‘The Devil’s Highway: A True Story’ by Luis Alberto Urrea
‘The Devil’s Highway’ tells the true story of a group of immigrants who attempted to cross the US-Mexico border in 2001 and tragically died in the desert. The book explores themes of immigration, cultural differences and the human cost of border policies.
10. ‘The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao’ by Junot Diaz
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the story of a Dominican-American boy growing up in New Jersey. The book explores themes of identity, culture and family dynamics through a mix of Spanish and English language.
In conclusion, reading books about cultural diversity is a great way to expand our perspectives and knowledge of different cultures. The 10 books listed here each provide unique insights into different cultures and tackle themes such as identity, communication, and power dynamics. By reading these books, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world around us and work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting society.
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