Can Race and Culture play a huge part when it comes to reading books?

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I'm just curious to find out what everyone's opinion is about reading books from other authors from different races. For example, I went with my friend to go buy some books at barnes and noble and she got pissed at me because I wanted to buy a book from Dean Koontz. She was like "why would you buy a book from him he's not black"?. I became appalled by her comment and realized that she was ignorant. I told her that race and culture shouldn't have anything to do with me wanting to try out reading from a different genre. She Argued, "Yeah but he doesn't know what black people go through on a regular basis, His writing doesn't reflect on our lives or have anything to do with our culture". She says "why don't you get a book from Walter Mosley. I'm Pretty sure he has something you'll like."I usually just read fiction, non-fiction, and poetry but I wanted to try out Horror/Thriller for a change.
 
Oh my goodness that is horrible. Your friend is wrong. Blacks and whites are no different on the inside. The only difference is the color of their skin, and the color of your skin had no effect on how you write a book.
 
First off this is a very good question you've asked so thumbs up.Your friend is very ignorant. I'm glad to read that you're interested in reading from a different genres. Koontz is a very good Thriller writer. But anyway i'm glad that you chose to venture out from your usual. Reading a variety helps to enrich the brain. Venturing out also shows a different side of where other writers are coming from no matter what their Race or Culture is.
 
I love Tyler Perry movies and I'm white so I don't really care as long as it has a good story line.
 
If I did choose books only due to the race of the author, I would be as ignorant, stupid and misguided as your friend. I choose authors due to the books I am interested in. Often when I choose the book, I know NOTHING about the author. I learn about the author during or after my experience of the book. I read authors form different races, nationalities and cultures. I enjoy to hear what others from around the world have to say.
 
So what, we're only supposed to read books written by people of our race? That's not right. You'd be missing out on a lot of great books by doing that. Am I not allowed to read any more Maya Angelou, then?

Her logic isn't right. Dean Koontz is a great author. And as for the "doesn't reflect on our lives" thing, she is completely mistaken. As long as you are a human being every book has something that you can relate to in it.

Culture and skin color are two totally different things. For instance, she may have the same skin color as villagers of Benin or Togo, but her culture is completely different (unless she practices Vodun, that is). And she probably relates a lot better to American author like Dean Koontz than she does most people from African countries.

I'm sorry if I offend you, but your friend seems racist and narrow-minded to me.
 
If I did choose books only due to the race of the author, I would be as ignorant, stupid and misguided as your friend. I choose authors due to the books I am interested in. Often when I choose the book, I know NOTHING about the author. I learn about the author during or after my experience of the book. I read authors form different races, nationalities and cultures. I enjoy to hear what others from around the world have to say.
 
I like books from all types of cultures. It gives you a variety, and I think that it's kinda racist for your friend to say, "Don't buy a book written by a white guy." White or black, a good writer is just that. A good writer.
 
You're friend is ignorant, and racist!

To assume that ALL black authors relate to ALL black people, and ALL white authors relate to ALL white people, is just plain prejudice!

Race and Culture can play a difference, if you're looking for something about African American stories, or art, etc. If you're looking for a book in general you should judge on the book, NOT the author of the book!

You should never judge a book, by it's cover!
 
it depends like i'm not racist at all but sometimes i rather not read books about black or hispanic people because it's all about gangs and teenage pregnancy. now, that's not personal i just don't like reading about gangs and stuff like that.
it's all the same to me no matter how may books there are.
 
Reading books is a way to experience different cultures or even a part of your own culture that you may be unfamiliar with. Reading book by authors of different races or ethnicities can help expand your world view. Also, if you stick with books you've always been interested, you might be missing out on a genre or subject that you would love had you been more open minded. Read Dean Koontz if you want to try thrillers. If you like it, great. If you don't, try something else.
 
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