If You Only Read The Books, by Murakami

If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.

One of the simplest ways to become a better reader is by reading outside your comfort zone. And while there are quite a few steps you can take in this direction, seeking out a wider variety of authors is a simple and easy way to diversify your books. If most of your shelf is comprised of books written by men, try reading more novels written by women. Also check out books penned by people of colour, immigrants, authors of different sexual orientations, etc. Paying closer attention to the people behind the books will naturally end up leading you to a broader range of stories—and potentially a new favourite author.

Really, anything that feels a few towns over from where your reading life lives will gift you a new perspective. By tuning out books from other genres, we cut ourselves off from important parts of the literary conversation. So next time you want to pick up a new book, pick a different genre. Still unsure? We will help you pick something different – reach out to us.

Celebrate the magic of reading and books with this cool graphic t-shirt, only at Musings of a Reader.