This list is sort of problematic

[KeeksReads]

Hey y'all! I've been in this group for a little while as a bystander, just watched and reading comments and threads and I had something to say. I truly love this list, especially because of my childhood. Both my parents are English majors, and my father is an English professor. So I grew up with the mantra "Read the Classics!!" drilled into my head everyday.

My suggestion is that if I would criticize the list, it would be the lack of diversity in it. This list is not diverse. I love many of the books here, and I've read many of them, but perhaps make a disclaimer that this is a very American/British list?

Growing up in Canada, I am quite aware that the academic and secular world consider these books to be classics. But perhaps the creators of the list should have recognized the amazing range of classics around the world. The list includes "Heart of Darkness" which many scholars consider to be a horrendously racist book, but it doesn't include "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe. This is the epitome of African-lit classic, and a literally classic in general. It is crucial to read both books, in my opinion.

It includes the Bible, but not the ancient Vedic hymns, nor Tao Te Ching, nor the Bhagavad Gita, etc. In my opinion these are important religious texts that everyone should read.

Perhaps I'm just a bit tired of the "Great American Novel" being used as a metric for books everyone should read. It's important to read them, yes, but it is also extremely important to delve into cultures, histories, and beliefs that aren't your own. It fosters better understanding and growth.

I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers!! I love he list, but it's just a thought.

[KeeksReads]

Also sorry for my AWFUL grammar! I was typing fast and I'm on mobile so I can't really edit but I think you get my point hahaha

[Buck]

Hi Kika

You're not the first to bring this up. Of course, we didn't make the list and no list of 50 books is likely to satisfy everybody. Here's some information about it's origin: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/....

We did make a list a couple of years ago called The 100 Books They Didn't Tell Us About, because folks shared your sentiments. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

And if you think there are other books worth reading and discussing, please nominate them in our monthly open nominations.

[KeeksReads]

Thanks Buck!

That was quickly addressed and I'm happy you did. I'll definitely check those out.

:)