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A review by msalnnadi
An Abolitionist's Handbook: 12 Steps to Changing Yourself and the World by Patrisse Cullors
3.0
This book was over hyped for me. My lovely coworker recommended it and let me borrow her copy. To be fair I deeply dislike self-help genre. I also thought this book would be more about prison abolition. Patrisse Khan-Cullors has more of a 'generalist' definition of abolitionism than I came in with. It was light on prison abolition. It would have been helpful if they provided their own definition in the beginning of the book. It is more a self-help book to be better activist and organizer. For a self-help book it had some pearls of wisdom. I enjoyed the chapters on courageous conversations, move away from reaction and towards response, and think creatively.
I agreed with majority of what was written. Some of the suggestions, such as therapy, ignore economic realities that many of us have. I also did not like the short comment on 'breast is best'. Giving new moms a free can of formula is harm reduction. Some parents don't expect breast feeding issues until it's too late. Dehydration within days after birth can cause developmental and health damage. 'Feed is best' is less stigmatizing than 'breast is best' mantra.
Overall it was average read. Don't pick it up if you want to learn details on prison abolition.
I agreed with majority of what was written. Some of the suggestions, such as therapy, ignore economic realities that many of us have. I also did not like the short comment on 'breast is best'. Giving new moms a free can of formula is harm reduction. Some parents don't expect breast feeding issues until it's too late. Dehydration within days after birth can cause developmental and health damage. 'Feed is best' is less stigmatizing than 'breast is best' mantra.
Overall it was average read. Don't pick it up if you want to learn details on prison abolition.