Reviews

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

a_bos's review against another edition

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5.0

Loved, loved, loved it!

What an interesting collection of essays!!! It goes over race, policy brutality, Cultural appropriation and so many other things over the reality of life for people of colour.
Also the part about the privilege you are unaware of was so eye-opening.

A must read!

I listened to it on audiobook also, which was wonderful. Totally recommended!

threeundertwopnw's review against another edition

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informative inspiring fast-paced

4.0

paperbutsingular's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

Informative and inspiring. I’m not great at reading a nonfiction book but Oluo kept my attention and I’m so grateful that there are authors like her in the world. She will change the world. 

auntkat86's review against another edition

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5.0

Such a great read. Very informative

jenmangler's review against another edition

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4.0

This was such a thoughtful and thought-provoking read. It really made me think and reflect. I highly recommend this book.

allisonattarian's review against another edition

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5.0

Great read for both White people and People of Color (as intended by Oluo herself). Listening to the audiobook while reading along was great, as well.

blicksam's review against another edition

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5.0

“You have to get over the fear of facing the worst in yourself.”

asadaniels's review against another edition

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challenging informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

Oluo's book is the first of its kind that I have read, so I do not have much experience when it comes to reading these books that explore systemic oppression and racism in American society. That being said, I think it is a great introductory text for whites who have an open mind and want to learn more about these issues - even those that may have reservations or disagree with such sentiments.
It is largely written in a conversational, approachable tone and this serves to make what Oluo talks about clear and understandable, while still delivering the impact of learning about how one plays a role in the larger oppressive systems at play in society and the government. I also appreciate Oluo's acknowledgement that she is not writing for the neo-Nazi's or the staunch racists who cannot be convinced by her alone, and that she is instead writing (mainly) for the average, white American who views themselves as a good person.
This book, I believe, is a good way to open the door into these conversations (which is precisely its goal) without trying to force down a specific resolution or idea about how things should be. At most, Oluo calls for whites to take an active role as citizens of the country and to express curiosity and care in the experience of their fellow citizen, be it in conversation or through political actions. 

mayhemreading's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

An extremely formative book that introduces ways to have constructive conversations about race without removing emotions and consequences. Oluo provides real life stories to illustrate examples while also portraying challenging and heartfelt stories.

ambergamgee's review against another edition

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5.0

Great book! Breaks down lots of misunderstood aspects about race and racism. It’s meant to empower people to snot only have the discussions in respectful ways but also taking action without being a dumbass about it. I really appreciated the humor too, I laughed out loud several times.
Audiobook narrated by Bahni Turpin! My favorite narrator ❤️