A review by bookish_brain1
Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi

2.0

Listen, this book was really difficult to slog through and not necessarily because of the content; although, some of the content was difficult to absorb. It's an important book exploring the history of racist ideas in America. It covers so much ground. I don't want my criticisms of the style to overshadow the substance offered by Kendi. I think the YA adult version offers the same content but in a much more digestible format. Kendi suggests reading this book from a bird's eye view so that you can easily discern patterns of racist ideas and behaviors throughout American history. I had to keep reminding myself to do this. It is very easy to feel bogged down by the sheer number of historical references and facts. I did this book with a wonderful book club group, and if I'm being honest, I might not have finished it otherwise. I want to recommend it, but I also think that anyone picking up this book might hate me for recommending it. Reader beware. I can't overstate the important work being defined within the pages of Kendi's treatise. I think the format is just too dense, making it difficult to consume. If you are sincerely on a journey to understand the history of racism in this country, then you should definitely commit to reading this book, but it is a commitment.