Reviews

Do Better by Rachel Ricketts

mmichellemoore's review against another edition

3.0

I need to sit on this a bit and come back to it. I appreciate the action-oriented approach and the author’s direct address of a myriad of issues. I’m struggling a bit with some of the imperative binary when enjoining the reader to do the important difficult work. Trying to figure out which part(s) of my dissatisfaction with the book are embedded social conditioning and norms that I don’t examine enough, which parts I just disagree with, and which parts fall somewhere in between.

allybrisbin's review against another edition

4.0

One of my biggest takeaways from this book is the importance of doing self-awareness/self-growth work in order to be a better person. Sometimes it can feel frivolous, but if I'm sorting through my sh*t, I will do less harm to others in my life (BIPOC, in particular). I appreciated the soul care exercises Rachel offers at the end of each chapter. She also really called me out with naming the need to be "right and good". Lots of fodder for reflection and growth.

leaton01's review against another edition

4.0

Rickett's delivers a powerful and thought-provoking meditation on understanding the insection of spiritualism, activism, and anti-racism primarily directed towards folks who present or pass as white women. She takes this angle, explaining it is for them on behalf of Black people and other racially marginalized groups and that it has been white women who have done her personally the most harm, often while claiming to be doing the work. Regardless of the primary audience, there's much to get out of her work by all readers. Those who face white supremacy and marginalization can find meditative practices to help reinfuse their strength and community as well as clear language that may put words more directly to their experiences. Others will find what it means to practice allyship in ways that will both push them and hold them truer if they aim to do antiracist work. Ricketts also has much to critique about the ways in which white people generally engage in this work, from a strong critique of Robin DiAngelo to how white people fail to do the meaningful work, often looking for "cookies" (compliments for doing, often light work) than sitting and struggling with the power structures they are deeply invested in (emotionally, socially, and financially). Overall, Ricketts' is another essential text that will help others understand and more importantly, do more. However, if I have one critique to offer, which given my positionality, I'm hesitant to share. I think there are ways that she argues for an all-or-nothing approach that feels a little too dualistic; that is, if you're not doing your fullest as a white person, you're not doing it right or enough. I disagree with this because it ignores the personal and real challenges that people face (that in themselves might be byproducts of a capitalist system that has been upheld through white supremacy). So I think that's a thing to be aware of and to take it with a grain of salt, but it shouldn't discourage anyone, especially white folks from reading.

sportsmom's review against another edition

5.0

This packs a powerful wake up call to all of us who are upholding white supremacy. Excellent book for those who are looking for ways to get involved in their community and make a difference for all people.

maryjustine's review against another edition

4.0

First off, thank you Atria Books for sending me an ARC copy of Do Better.

Such a meaningful book. I love how in depth the author goes into the different ways white supremacy plays out and describes the factors of it to racism. I appreciated the journal entries in the book that allow the reader to absorb the reading and reflect. The author provides research and gives personal examples that really bring you into the reality of what's happening. This book is a great read, especially with the way the world is now.

eeenou's review against another edition

Had to return to the library - will revisit

murphysj34's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful informative reflective slow-paced

5.0

sailaranel's review against another edition

challenging informative medium-paced

4.0

ditte's review against another edition

challenging emotional informative reflective fast-paced

rmaite17's review against another edition

5.0

This is definitely a book you do and can return to many times. I listened to the audio and found it easier to go through some exercises. While others really required me being in the mindset, so I would keep that in mind. I ended up getting a physical copy to help back to some of the prompts and questions.

Definitely recommend for those into spiritual and/or wellness.