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pipn_t's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
This was really good, the audiobook in particular was very effective.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs
latad_books's review against another edition
4.0
Ian Williams writes of his frustration and vulnerability in North America as a Black man. The text is insightful and compelling.
joules03's review
3.0
3.5 stars. I think what I liked most about this was the perspective of living as a Black man in Canada. There was even a section where he was visiting my city, and it wasn’t surprising at how white he found it here - I really wish we had more diversity.
I did find my mind wandering from time to time, which is why I didn’t rate it higher, but he gave me food for thought more than once, so I’m glad I read it.
I did find my mind wandering from time to time, which is why I didn’t rate it higher, but he gave me food for thought more than once, so I’m glad I read it.
readersaurusrobin's review against another edition
5.0
A thoughtful, beautiful read about important and uncomfortable stuff. Another book I’d like to read more than once in hopes of being more able to discuss discrimination more effectively
andrea0301's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
This is a must read/listen for all Canadians and Americans in my humble opinion. He details as a Black Canadian what living in both Canada and the US as a Black person is like. Through a series of short stories, he details racist episodes that happened to him in his life simply because of the color of his skin and the treatment he receives because of it. I listened to this one and I enjoyed it immensely and utterly devoured it. I found some of his stories sad and at times, heartbreaking. Truly a powerful and heartfelt set of stories.
navy_super_nova's review
4.0
Great content, I found myself nodding along in agreement throughout. As a POC, the author incited self reflection on past experiences with racism and the concept of disorientation really resonated with me. However, the writing style was a bit hard to follow at times. Nevertheless I’d recommend this book to friends and family.
christie_esau's review
5.0
An excellent book; the style may not work for everyone but I really loved Williams' often creative approach. Great also for speaking to the specifics of Black identity in Canada as well as mixed race marriages. Highly recommend.
justabean_reads's review against another edition
4.0
I generally liked this: the essays were thoughtful, and gave me a couple of new ways to look at the world. Williams is a great humour writer, as well, and my favourite section was a long bit about lost furniture and Margaret Atwood. Nice to have a Canadian perspective.