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waywardcrow's review
dark
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
Technically a DNF but I read like 50% of it so I want it to count towards my page count and nonfiction reads of the year lol.
I couldn’t finish it because although some of the examples may be new to me, none of the themes were (I’m a Black queer woman with a chronic illness. I don’t need a written lesson on caste because I experience its effects everyday). I also came close to a sociology minor in college and participated in a 2 year program that included education on advocating for the marginalized by two professors and an activist engaged in racial equity work. All that to say, this book was doing for me was making me enraged and depressed.
That is by no means a critique of the author, there’s definitely a need for books like these for people who haven’t had the chance to learn these concepts and histories and/or don’t have lived experience. Education really is the most valuable tool we have against oppressive systems and we are currently experiencing an increased desire to erase and ban these discussions by the dominant caste.
I couldn’t finish it because although some of the examples may be new to me, none of the themes were (I’m a Black queer woman with a chronic illness. I don’t need a written lesson on caste because I experience its effects everyday). I also came close to a sociology minor in college and participated in a 2 year program that included education on advocating for the marginalized by two professors and an activist engaged in racial equity work. All that to say, this book was doing for me was making me enraged and depressed.
That is by no means a critique of the author, there’s definitely a need for books like these for people who haven’t had the chance to learn these concepts and histories and/or don’t have lived experience. Education really is the most valuable tool we have against oppressive systems and we are currently experiencing an increased desire to erase and ban these discussions by the dominant caste.
phillygymhwk's review against another edition
5.0
This was difficult to read and not a 'sit down and read for fun' type of book. With that being said, it should be required reading for every young adult. I really appreciated this version because I could not focus enough to read the original version, so thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this easier-to-read ARC.
courtney_'s review against another edition
5.0
Two hours into the audiobook, I discovered that I had checked out the YA version. Still I can’t imagine that easier text watered down the messaging driven home in the essays.
Once again, this should be a must-read. People will try to claim that it’s shaming white people when all it does it point out uncomfortable history and how no one benefits from caste.
Once again, this should be a must-read. People will try to claim that it’s shaming white people when all it does it point out uncomfortable history and how no one benefits from caste.
areadingraven's review against another edition
Appreciate this point of view of systemic racism.
dogncatluver21's review against another edition
5.0
Outstanding. A painful and necessary slog through all of the worst aspects of the American caste system. It is a challenging book to get through, but an obligation for every White person to read and learn from. For Wilkinson to have so generously put together such a thorough collection of data, anecdotes, historical evidence, statistics, moments for readers to reflect, and more in this book, in a tireless, endless push for an antiracist, casteless society, is truly mind-blowing. I think my new favorite metaphor for the issue of race in the United States is the author’s example of an old house. Incredibly insightful, stark, and yet still hopeful. Thank you.
jen_forbus's review against another edition
5.0
Should be required reading. An eloquent, insightful and informative presentation of the realities of America’s caste system.
ishikavarma's review against another edition
5.0
This audiobook was so wonderful. Robin Miles is such a powerful and compelling narrator. I think my favorite part of this book was hearing about Isabel Wilkerson’s personal experiences—she is formidable. I think her explanation of the caste system at work in America is persuasive and important to think about. “When others suffer, the collective human body is set back from the progression of our species. A world without caste would set everyone free.”
segue's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.25
I saw the movie last year and added this to my books on hold in Libby. I did not realize that I had gotten the watered down version. The full book might have received a higher rating, but this came off to episodic and connections were not fully drawn.