2020 Summer Reading Guide: Multicultural Books
Explore the best multicultural books from the 2020 Summer Reading Guide! These powerful, diverse stories span cultures, continents, and identities.
The Best Multicultural Books from the 2020 Summer Reading Guide
Books have the power to transport us, not just to different times and places, but into the hearts and minds of people whose experiences may be vastly different from our own. This collection of multicultural books from the 2020 Summer Reading Guide explores themes of identity, belonging, family, and resilience across diverse cultural landscapes. From India to Brazil, from Trinidad to Venezuela, these stories bring rich perspectives that celebrate the beauty of different cultures while shedding light on the struggles of assimilation, migration, and generational ties.
Books for Your List
Latitudes of Longing by Shubhangi Swarup
Spanning decades and geographies, Latitudes of Longing is a sweeping novel composed of four interconnected novellas—Islands, Faultline, Valley, and Snow Desert—each exploring the deep ties between people and the land they inhabit. Through richly drawn characters and lyrical prose, the book takes readers across India, from a lush tropical island to the snow-covered mountains of the Himalayas, blending the mystical with the deeply personal. A thought-provoking meditation on love, nature, and human connection, this novel is a must-read for fans of immersive storytelling.
You can get a copy of Latitudes of Longing by Shubhangi Swarup on Amazon.
One Year of Ugly by Caroline Mackenzie
Set in Trinidad, One Year of Ugly follows the Palacio family, Venezuelan immigrants living illegally while trying to escape the political turmoil of their homeland. Just when they think they can settle into a new life, they learn that Aunt Celia left behind a massive debt to a local crime boss—one they are now responsible for repaying. Forced to live at the mercy of a dangerous man, the family’s struggle for survival takes a dramatic turn when a forbidden romance adds an unexpected layer of risk. Both darkly funny and deeply insightful, this novel captures the harsh realities of immigration, family bonds, and resilience.
You can get a copy of One Year of Ugly by Caroline Mackenzie on Amazon.
Well-Behaved Indian Women by Saumya Dave
Three generations of Indian women—Simran, her mother Nandini, and her grandmother Mimi—grapple with expectations, sacrifices, and personal aspirations in Well-Behaved Indian Women. Simran, an ambitious medical student, struggles under the weight of her mother’s high standards. Nandini, a woman who has spent her life trying to be the perfect wife and mother, harbors her own regrets. Meanwhile, Mimi, the family matriarch, carries secrets that could change everything. As tensions rise between Simran and Nandini, Mimi fights to be the bridge that keeps their family together. This heartfelt novel explores the complexities of mother-daughter relationships and the tension between tradition and independence.
You can get a copy of Well-Behaved Indian Women by Saumya Dave on Amazon.
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It Is Wood, It Is Stone by Gabriella Burnham
Set in São Paulo, It Is Wood, It Is Stone follows Linda, an American woman struggling to find her place in a foreign country. When her husband takes on a prestigious academic role, Linda is left to navigate her new home with the help of Marta, her Brazilian maid, whose roots run far deeper than Linda can comprehend. Then one night, a spontaneous decision leads Linda into the orbit of Celia, a confident and alluring artist. As Linda’s choices reverberate through her marriage and friendships, she is forced to confront questions of privilege, identity, and belonging. Told in lush, poetic prose, this novel beautifully explores the tensions between class, culture, and self-discovery.
You can get a copy of It Is Wood, It Is Stone by Gabriella Burnham on Amazon.
Love After Love by Ingrid Persaud
In Trinidad, three people form an unconventional family: Betty, a fiercely independent woman; her teenage son, Solo; and Mr. Chetan, a gentle and supportive friend who moves in with them. Over time, they build a home filled with love, humor, and warmth. But one night, Solo overhears a conversation that changes everything. Devastated, he flees to America, leaving Betty and Mr. Chetan to mend their broken hearts in his absence. Spanning continents and years, Love After Loveis a deeply moving novel about family, acceptance, and the search for love in all its forms. With stunning storytelling and vivid characters, this novel is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
You can get a copy of Love After Love by Ingrid Persaud on Amazon.
Which Multicultural Book Will You Read First?
These stories offer powerful perspectives on identity, migration, and cultural heritage, transporting readers to different corners of the world while exploring universal themes of love, family, and self-discovery. Whether you’re drawn to stories of generational conflict, cross-cultural struggles, or the search for belonging, there’s something in this guide for you.
Which book are you adding to your TBR? Let’s discuss in the comments!
