Nimue
Auror
I'd like to disagree that zero diversity and pandering are the only options, as though you can't possibly have a good book with genuine diversity in it...Sure some people might criticize your book for its lack of diversity, but what's worse a book that lacks diversity or a book that panders?
There is nothing I find more offensive than books that say "see you should like this book look how diverse it is". Diversity is nice in a story, but it shouldn't be the selling point. The plot and personalities of a character should be a selling point.
I'm a human being. I don't relate to characters because their female and I'm female. I relate to characters regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or race because they posses qualities I admire.
Also, it'd be good to know in what context you're being told to read a book based solely on its diversity? If you're referring to those lists of diverse books that go around every so often, you may have to consider...that list isn't necessarily for you. There are kids and teens and people out there who have been waiting to see themselves reflected in books. Assuming that it has no value because you don't care about it is pretty narrow.