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ktaylorhurley's review
5.0
This book is academic in its approach and language, much more so than some of its contemporaries on the best-seller lists (So You Want to Talk About Race, for example). That’s not a critique of either approach—both are vital and useful. But, it does serve as a warning (for lack of a better word) that in addition to the subject matter being of vital importance and worthy of serious examination; the content and language of this book sometimes require close, careful analysis in order to fully absorb.
I’m grateful to have read this book in a setting where I could take it in one or two chapters at a time, with each increment followed by a lengthy discussion with peers. Each chapter serves as a new unpacking of the same concept at a different intersection—racism and gender, racism and color, racism and sexuality, racism and behavior. And, each chapter approaches the topic with a compelling mix of Kendi’s own lived experience, intricate research, historical context, and examination of policy. Ultimately, policy is the big take-away here. But Kendi does a masterful job of calling individuals to the work of understanding how racist policy fuels and deepens racism, and gives clear guidance on how we each play a role in dismantling racist policy.
This is a book to come back to over and over again.
I’m grateful to have read this book in a setting where I could take it in one or two chapters at a time, with each increment followed by a lengthy discussion with peers. Each chapter serves as a new unpacking of the same concept at a different intersection—racism and gender, racism and color, racism and sexuality, racism and behavior. And, each chapter approaches the topic with a compelling mix of Kendi’s own lived experience, intricate research, historical context, and examination of policy. Ultimately, policy is the big take-away here. But Kendi does a masterful job of calling individuals to the work of understanding how racist policy fuels and deepens racism, and gives clear guidance on how we each play a role in dismantling racist policy.
This is a book to come back to over and over again.
ari_af's review
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
It will take months for the true meaning and depth of this book to sink into my brain. The way this book frames racism and anti racism provides great clarity on a topic we often set aside as too complex.
ell_jay_em7's review
4.0
I appreciate that Kendi blends personal narrative and analysis. I think it's powerful how he has constructed the book. His take on racism is unique and controversial, but I think it *can* be really useful in that he identifies how each of us are capable of perpetuating racism, and how our status of "racist" or "anti-racist" is not a stagnant thing but can change from moment to moment and day to day. "Anti-racist" isn't so much a label as an action and a choice. I hope to finish this book someday--I got about halfway through.
waynediane's review
5.0
This is a must read to understand racism. Kendi goes through a transformation explaining his personal story, as well as racism on such a greater level. We think of racism as black and white, but he goes much further- gender, ethnicity etc.
deetour8's review
I wish this was in brief short articles because I'd love to know the information. But I just can't sit listening/reading it without spacing out or falling asleep.
tophat8855's review
4.0
I wasn't expecting this to be memoir-like when I picked it up; I expected more concrete guidance and instruction. Kendi takes you through his life as he learns about race, racism and packs and unpacks his beliefs around them. I think it's fairly readable, but does get repetitive and big on the academic words. He tries to define terms at the beginning of each chapter. You probably can't go into this book without already knowing most of those terms, though. This isn't an anti-racism 101 book. I think it's a good memoir, though.
There is this twitter thread that talks about some of the problems with the book, which would be helpful to read when you're finished with it: https://twitter.com/b_tynes/status/1277412194867650569
There is this twitter thread that talks about some of the problems with the book, which would be helpful to read when you're finished with it: https://twitter.com/b_tynes/status/1277412194867650569
roseleaf24's review against another edition
5.0
The last three chapters are stunning. I found this book convicting, but so, so helpful in finding my way through the unhelpful beliefs I was hanging on to, to a new view of how to work for racial equity in our country. I hope and pray that all those keeping this book at the top of the bestsellers lists right now are in it for the long haul as well.
Kendi covers one or two definitions in each chapter, showing the racism we live with through stories from his own life and through data. He is humble, showing his own mistakes, not just preaching. The last three chapters continue this pattern, but also pulling everything together in a way that feels like a relief and direction.
Kendi covers one or two definitions in each chapter, showing the racism we live with through stories from his own life and through data. He is humble, showing his own mistakes, not just preaching. The last three chapters continue this pattern, but also pulling everything together in a way that feels like a relief and direction.
ilhja's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
nvillanuevadrv's review
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
laurakwwu's review
5.0
Powerful and so important. Will need to reread many times in order to fully absorb the lessons contained within.