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challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi is one of the most powerful and transformative books I’ve ever read. Though it started off slow for me, perhaps due to the time period or the opening chapter’s focus on Kendi’s high school speech in the ’90s, which I personally found hard to connect with. Once I got into the rhythm of the book, I couldn’t put it down. I found myself highlighting, underlining, and taking notes constantly.
Kendi is a brilliant writer. His ability to weave together personal stories, historical context, and sharp social commentary is unmatched. His vulnerability in sharing his own journey, from internalized racism to active antiracism, makes the book not only relatable but deeply human. He brings emotion, intelligence, and a striking clarity to subjects many people still struggle to talk about honestly. The emotional impact of the ending genuinely took me by surprise and left a lasting impression.
This is the kind of book that everyone should read, but the reality is that the people who most need it may never pick it up. It speaks directly to those who are already open, willing, and committed to unlearning, and it offers tools that can shift minds and systems, if people are ready to do the work.
If you care about justice, equity, and growth, not just for others but for yourself, this book is essential reading.
If you care about justice, equity, and growth, not just for others but for yourself, this book is essential reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Hate crime, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Violence, Police brutality, Colonisation
One note: there is some profanity throughout, which gives the book a raw, unfiltered honesty. While I believe this book should be required reading in high schools, I also worry that some students might not take it as seriously because of the language. Still, the message is too important to ignore.
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism
Moderate: Violence, Police brutality
Minor: Cancer, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Slavery, Terminal illness, Violence, Police brutality, Medical content, Religious bigotry, Murder