Wednesday, April 04, 2018

Why a Diversity Reading Challenge?



For the next twelve months we not only challenge the Governor’s Academy community to read outside of their regular work, but to read more diversely. Why is it important to find the time for books when our schedules feel full, and much of our days are spent “reading” texts, emails, memes, articles, etc.? Besides the unique enjoyment of losing yourself in a good book, studies have shown that deep reading actually improves brain function (don’t believe me: see this ), and can even increase our ability to empathize (see this…). This Washington Post article also points to a number of studies done recently that link reading fiction to empathy and social awareness. So read for the pleasure of it, but hopefully reap the benefits of improving your brain and your understanding of others.
A quick reminder of the Pesky Diversity Reading Challenge: we have broken the year down into four categories--one for each season. The spring challenge is to read books with a character from the LGBTQIA community. If you’re not sure where to start, there is a display of amazing books in the lobby of the library, a list on our website, and lots of resources online. Here are a few books that I have enjoyed recently that fit this category:

Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera
A slightly fictionalized version of the author’s life, Juliet Takes a Breath tells the story of a Puerto Rican 19 year old lesbian trying to find herself.  She spends the summer in Portland, Oregon interning for a crunchy-feely feminist author, and the experience challenges her and gives her new strength in interesting ways. Along the way she also deals with many typical teenage issues: love, fashion, family and her hair. Rivera writes with no fear, and as a result Juliet’s voice is real and fun.


Noteworthy by Riley Redgate
Jordan Sun attends a private boarding school for the performing arts. With an unusually deep voice for a girl (Alto 2) she struggles to find a place to perform and shine until the all-boys a Capella group needs a new tenor. Noteworthy does an excellent job of examining gender and stereotypes within a compelling narrative. Jordan is also exploring her own sexuality which sets up an interesting dichotomy.


The Maze at Windemere by Gregory Blake Smith
The Maze at Windemere takes a house in Newport, RI and examines 5 separate time periods that revolve around it. Some sections and literary devices employed are more successful than others, but overall an enjoyable read. One section of the book (1896) follows the intrigues of a closeted gay gentleman hoping to marry into high society and be set for life. Smith does an excellent job setting up each time period, and this story and its characters feel very authentic--a window into LGBT treatment in a historical context.