Overall a 5: a more intermediate book on racism and racial-ethnic identity that everyone goes through (whether they realize it or not). Empathy and dialog --> let's address anger and move forward together! ( )

Unlike many books on social topics, this one has not lost relevancy in the two decades since it was first written. ( )

Thorough - almost like a textbook. A little dated but still unfortunately all too relevant for educators and parents and people of any culture who realize that White privilege" still exists." ( )

Well, a bit of a mixed bag. Assigned reading and certainly an evocative title. While certainly valid and well written, the author comes across too strong. She insists on a practical regime for anti racism, but the force of her convictions is somewhat of a turn off and a let down. Further the section devoted to persons of 'other colors,' c.f. Latino's, AmerIndians and Pacific Asians, is very interesting but weak on the ground with only a few case studies to support the work. The author is certainly convinced of her position, there can be no doubt about that, and she wants to convince the reader as well. It is perhaps precisely this foot in the door technique that I dislike personally. Still it is an easy to read, well crafter text technically. There is an uncomfortable and inexplicable undercurrent throughout the book, that has nothing to do with the question of "White guilt," as the author puts it. Maybe it is because the book remains rather on the surface and does not go deep enough into the interpersonal relations or the fact that it has a subtle accusatory flavour, and also seems "over the top" at times. I have as yet to realize the nature of that discomfort and no doubt it shall be come clearer at a later stage. Still if one is interested in the question of race and race relations it is a worthwhile read. ( )

This is an excellent book on racism and racial identity. It's very readable and would a great first book for someone just learning about the concepts of white privilege and institutional racism.

The author walks the reader through the development of one's racial identity (both black and white) from pre-school through adulthood, with every point backed up with research. I think her section on "white identity" will be truly eye-opening to a lot of white people who read it. I've taken quite a few workshops related to white privilege and racism and the author did a nice job of compiling everything I've learned all into one book. She writes objectively, without anger and without trying to make the white reader feel guilty about being white.

Although most of the book deals with black people and white people, there is a chapter that deals with other people of color. However, this book was written pre-9/11 - I think the section on people of Middle Eastern descent would have been different and perhaps longer if she had written it post-9/11.

I wish I could make this book required reading for just about everyone. I originally bought it because I thought it would help me in raising my daughter (who is African American) but actually this book has valuable information that I can use with ALL of my kids to help them grow up to be conscientious citizens of the world. ( )