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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
Lots of fascinating and important conversations in this book. Each section is made up of briefer conversations or parts of conversations, which means I was read to read and think, read and think. In someone else's hands this format would be disjointed, but in addition to asking insightful questions, Gordon ties it all together both within sections and then again at the end.
This was an amazing piece of truly collaborative work. It is very timely in its discussion of present-day issues and how various black people across influential positions in America feel about them. It was a really absorbable, easy to read non-fiction, but it also didn't shy away from heavy, brutal issues either. It wasn't really interested in rooting through a lot of data or delving through the past. The book touched on those aspects, of course, but it really put the spotlight on the people that experience these issues and what they themselves have to say about. I do appreciate the representations of various industries here, and I think each speaker brought interesting things to the table. I couldn't help noticing though that the vast majority were people who had already attained success and power, and already had a platform to discuss these issues. I wouldn't want any of these people to be replaced by any means, but I think for the type of project that Gordon sought to do, he could have also given some space to more local community organizers or leaders that are doing a lot of unseen work. It definitely would have fit in really well, and strengthened the conversations on some of the topics within the text. As well, I also felt like many of these speakers danced around and briefly acknowledged intersections of race and LGBTQ+ experiences without actually addressing it. It was a little reminiscent of tokenism, where it was mentioned out of obligation, rather than examination.
Regardless, I think that this was a really important book that I needed to read. It was highly relevant to our society today, and made me see things like economic buying power, cancel culture, gender roles, media representations, etc.., in new ways. Even if I (or other speakers) didn't necessarily agree with some arguments, I think that it was important to understand how others opinions were made and the nuances that come into their line of thinking. Overall, an excellent book written in a style that I haven't really read much of. I'm really glad I picked it up!
Regardless, I think that this was a really important book that I needed to read. It was highly relevant to our society today, and made me see things like economic buying power, cancel culture, gender roles, media representations, etc.., in new ways. Even if I (or other speakers) didn't necessarily agree with some arguments, I think that it was important to understand how others opinions were made and the nuances that come into their line of thinking. Overall, an excellent book written in a style that I haven't really read much of. I'm really glad I picked it up!
It was like being in a room full of influential black people who were discussing important topics of our country and it’s past, present, and future… hearing their beliefs on politics, racism, etc… very eye opening.
Really good. Some chapters were a bit dry but overall I felt I learned a lot and enjoyed it.
I absolutely loved this book! It was so powerful and thought-provoking, and especially relevant in today’s climate. The structure made me feel like part of the discussion on such important topics, and allowed me to come to my own conclusions. What an awesome read — would definitely recommend!!
I think this very much reads and feels like a conversation with so many people inputing their different opinions. Because of the format Gordon chose, it wasn't at all boring and I found myself captivated with each voice and listening to their views.
This book also serves as a great piece to listen and learn more about the hardships and struggles Black people continue to face in our society. I highly recommend picking this up to further educate yourself on the racism Black people continue to face in the United States.
This book also serves as a great piece to listen and learn more about the hardships and struggles Black people continue to face in our society. I highly recommend picking this up to further educate yourself on the racism Black people continue to face in the United States.
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Loved having this one as an audiobook, some great insights here
Important and informative book to start conversations focusing on what we can learn from Black people. A variety of Black Influencers contributed to the conversations. Lots of important information came out of the topics. It includes tips on how to start conversations on social, political and cultural issues. There were some other issues that would have been discussed such as Mental health in the Black community and struggles & Awareness of the LGBTQIA+ community. If you're looking to join the conversation, Conversations in Black is a good place to start.
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced