So You Want to Talk about Race

by Ijeoma Oluo
So You Want to Talk about Race cover
Good Books rating 4.25
History, Identity, Culture, Sociology
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Paperback • £8.99
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  • ID: 9266
  • Added: 2025-12-23
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9781541619227
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2019-09-24
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

In this #1 New York Times bestseller, Ijeoma Oluo offers a profound exploration of race in America, addressing the complexities and challenges of discussing racial injustice and white supremacy. The book provides practical advice on how to navigate conversations about race with friends, family, and colleagues, covering topics such as police brutality, cultural appropriation, and white privilege. Oluo's work is praised for its honesty and intellectual depth, making it a necessary read for anyone looking to understand and address the systemic racism that permeates American life. /n/n The book is not just a guide for discussions but also a call to action, encouraging readers to engage in transformative conversations that can lead to meaningful change. Oluo's approach is both compassionate and direct, making the seemingly impossible possible: honest conversations about race. The book has been widely acclaimed for its ability to make complex issues accessible and for its timely relevance in today's socio-political climate.

Reviews
NullRouted · 2025-04-12
educational 3.75

The book achieves its goal of providing an introductory crash course on race and racism. It is a valuable resource for those looking to educate themselves on these topics.

NullRouted finds that the book successfully achieves its goal of providing an introductory crash course on race and racism. They appreciate its comprehensive approach and find it to be a valuable resource for anyone looking to educate themselves on these important topics. The reviewer notes that the book is well-structured and easy to follow, making it accessible to a wide audience. They highlight its ability to provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of race and racism.

Quick quotes

    Overall, I think this book achieves what it sets out to do.

    That is provide a introductory crash course in the topic of race and racism in

    A valuable resource for those looking to educate themselves on these topics.

Toby A. Smith · Toby A. Smith · 2023-03-29
practical 4.50

The book is both practical and instructional, offering clear explanations on everyday concepts related to race. It is praised for its helpful and accessible approach.

Toby A. Smith finds the book to be as practical as it is instructional. They appreciate the clear and helpful explanations provided by Oluo on basic concepts related to race, making it a valuable resource for understanding and discussing these topics. The reviewer highlights the book's accessibility and practicality, making it a useful tool for anyone looking to educate themselves on race and racism.

Quick quotes

    The book is as practical as it is instructional.

    Oluo offers clear and helpful explanations on some basic concepts we hear about everyday.

    It is a valuable resource for understanding and discussing these topics.

Black and Bookish · 2018-07-20
excellent 4.75

The book is clear and concise, making it one of the best reads of the year. It is praised for its straightforward approach and valuable insights.

The reviewer finds the book to be one of the best they've read all year, highlighting its clarity and conciseness. They appreciate Oluo's straightforward approach and the valuable insights provided, making it a standout read. The book is commended for its ability to tackle complex topics in an accessible manner, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding race and racism.

Quick quotes

    The title alone may make you hesitant, but this is one of the best books I've read all year.

    Oluo is clear and concise, with no room for error.

    It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding race and racism.

The National Book Review · 2018-02-01
insightful 4.00

This book is a comprehensive guide to understanding and discussing race, offering timely and much-needed insights. It goes beyond a basic primer on racism, providing a practical conversation guide.

The reviewer highlights that this book is not just a primer on racism but a comprehensive guide to having meaningful conversations about race. They appreciate the timely and much-needed insights offered by the author, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to engage in these important discussions. The book is praised for its practical approach, providing clear and helpful explanations on complex topics, making it accessible and instructional.

Quick quotes

    This book is much-needed and timely.

    It is more than a primer on racism.

    One helpful conversation guide.

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