The New York Times sparks criticism after releasing an all-white reading list
Critics claim list has always suffered from a lack of diversity
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The New York Times' summer reading list has come under fire after failing to include at least one writer of colour.
Janet Maslin, the New York Times literary critic, recently released her annual list "Cool Books for Hot Summer Days" which includes 17 books by 17 white writers.
Readers, authors and literary publications have all condemned the list for its lack of diversity. Nobody from the newspaper immediately responded to inquiries.
According to Gawker, past volumes of the esteemed publication’s summer reading list have also had a diversity problem.
“2012: 90.4% 20/21 (Exception: Mindy Kaling)
2013: 93.7% 15/16 (Exception: Kevin Kwan with “Crazy Rich Asians”)
2014: 88% 15/17 (Alarmingly diverse! Exceptions: Mariano Rivera & Laline Paul)
2015: 100% 17/17 (Summer Color Forecast: Whiteout Conditions!)”
Ms Maslin has been planning to step down from her role as the publication’s book critic come July, Capital New York reported, and this may very well be her last summer reading compilaiton.
In response, the website Book Riot has compiled “Recommended Summer Reading: An Alternative List” which claims to “fairly represent the authors out there.”
“Today the New York Times and NPR released their summer reading recommendations. While there is nothing wrong with the books they have chosen, it seems they would have you believe that only white people are writing books worthy of summer reading,” Book Critic writer Liberty Hardy said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments