Reviews

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

sromain's review against another edition

4.0

Good writing, knowledgeable, well explained, would recommend.

marieintheraw's review

5.0

This isn't my first anti-racist book and it won't be my last. That being said, it is a good jumping off point while showing you the points that you are weakest on all while getting to experience Oluo's excellent writing style.

hannahbisbis's review

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

A really accessible way to talk about and to better understand systems of oppression (not just white supremacy, but patriarchy and class too) for both the uninitiated and more seasoned social justice advocates. A legitimate attempt at Empathy and Self Reflection 101 and a how-to guide on handling uncomfortable situations and advocating for justice and equality for all. 

shareen17's review

I found much of the author's perspective eye-opening and important to know to better understand what life is like for Black Americans and also how I can do better in talking about race. I didn't agree with every little thing in the book, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth reading. The writing style is really easy to read, personal and casual.

nancynishihira's review

emotional hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

Every American should read this

katieopperman's review

hopeful informative reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

ginnylt's review

5.0

A must read.

lulo49's review

5.0

Excellent. It helped me better understand the depths of the systemic racism in our society as well as ways to work to change this.

ell_jay_em7's review

5.0

This book is a great place to start in a journey toward understanding racism. I am speaking as white person who has been learning about racism for a few years now. I had some familiarity with the issues the book addresses but also found this book to be very educational. It illuminates many core issues such as microaggressions, the school-to-prison pipeline, addressing racism as a system and not just individual acts of hate, police brutality, the use of the “N” word, and more in a way that is accessible, moving, and clear. Oluo expertly balances personal stories with facts and statistics, and in doing so she paints a clear and detailed picture of the harm and scope of racism, all while giving advice throughout on how to address it.

This book was written for a wide range of people; for example, it has sections addressing white people in particular as well as sections written for Black people. The book is both sensitive and truthful; how the author takes the time to explain these important and difficult issues, how she includes painful personal stories, painstakingly shares statistics that prove systemic racism, and provides critique for the common missteps that white people make is truly an act of care. I hope many people will support Oluo’s labor by purchasing this book and sharing it widely.

barnesbookshelf's review against another edition

5.0

What i really like about this book is that it not only explains common racist problems, but offers solutions as well. Oluo is very frank about the situations people will find themselves in, and she offers examples of how to respond in a way that will hopefully minimize any potential harm. When I read White Fragility by Robin D'Angelo, I felt hopeless for a large part of the book because it talked about all the problems, and offered solutions only in the last couple of chapters. I loved that Oluo aligned the problems and solutions.

I also love the call to action. As Oluo says, it is incredibly important to not just talk, but do. I'm looking forward to becoming more active in my community to try and help dismantle systems of oppression, and I'm glad for all the tips this book gave me.