the_spines's review
5.0
What an awesome toolbox for having conversations about race and for confronting your own shortcomings and internalized racism. Highly recommend this one!
the_wistful_word_witch's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
5.0
This book is a great primer for delving into conversations about race with anyone. It's not the first book I've read like this, but it is one of the better ones. Not only does Ms Oluo provide information explaining the issues, but she also provides many opportunities to put your new-found knowledge into practice. This ranges from things you can say and do, and things you shouldn't, to a handy discussion guide for your book clubs at the end.
The chapters are laid out thoughtfully and cover a lot of info without being too dry or preachy. Many of her personal anecdotes broke my heart and/or made me enraged. We white folks need to be having these discussions with other white folks so that Black folks don't have to keep dealing with white supremacist bullshit.
The chapters are laid out thoughtfully and cover a lot of info without being too dry or preachy. Many of her personal anecdotes broke my heart and/or made me enraged. We white folks need to be having these discussions with other white folks so that Black folks don't have to keep dealing with white supremacist bullshit.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Racial slurs and Bullying
jg12389's review against another edition
5.0
This book is incredible. It covers a wide range of important racial topics, it's beautifully personal and somehow hopeful. I think it's a really approachable and critical book for anyone, no matter where they are on their racial justice journey. I found the specific tips she gives throughout the book on questions to ask people who are modeling racist/insensitive behaviors and ideas extremely helpful. One big takeaway for me was that this work isn't about making me (a white person) feel better (through "talking it out"), it's about making sure that I'm DOING better. I really needed that reminder to take action. Highly recommend!!
ellanaomi_713's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cultural appropriation, Racism, Body shaming, Police brutality, Hate crime, Racial slurs, and Slavery
really important book to read, but pretty heavy topics for people who’ve experienced these injustices - may be triggering.rjmaupin's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
4.75
This is a great book for people who are just starting to learn about how racism is a deeply embedded bias that you need to actually work on. I liked the chapter at the end about what comes after you confront your own racism and how you should be involved in local politics.
gallag's review
4.0
We have to do better. This book is a good start at helping navigate hard conversations and has some good questions to ask yourself.