Antiracism as Daily Practice: Refuse Shame, Change White Communities, and Help Create a Just World

by Jennifer Harvey

Inspirational and wise, a step by step guide for white Americans to combat racism in their communities.

Antiracism as Daily Practice illustrates the many ways white Americans―those newly waking to the crisis of racism in 2020 and those already aware―can choose behaviors in our everyday lives to grow racial justice. Full of real life stories, this book shows how vital it is for white people to engage in and with our families, through our social networks, in our neighborhoods, and at our jobs to make antiracism a daily living commitment. We have real power in our relationships with other white people―and not enough of us have used it. Dr. Harvey explains why we white people struggle with knowing what to do about racism, and explores the significance of emotions like grief and anger (as well as the harmful role of shame) in really reckoning with the transformation and change needed in our communities to become the partners in justice that Black communities and other communities of color need and deserve. Not only is such transformation vital to the well-being of U.S. democracy. It’s vital to the freedom and wholeness of white people too.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Race, Anti Racist, Social Justice, Sociology, History

288 pages, Hardcover

Published July 16, 2024

About the author

Dr. Jennifer Harvey is a writer and educator long engaged in racial justice and white antiracism. Her books include the New York Times bestseller Raising White Kids and Dear White Christians. She has written for the New York Times and CNN. She also appeared on CNN’s Town Hall on Racism with Sesame Street, and has been heard on NPR’s "All Things Considered" and “It’s Been a Minute with Sam Sanders.” Raised in Denver, Colorado, Dr. Harvey served nearly twenty years at Drake University as both professor and Associate Provost for Campus Equity and Inclusion. She is now the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

Reviews

[Dona's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this more than I thought I would!

Full review:

Thank you to the author Jennifer Harvey, publishers St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of ANTIRACISM AS DAILY PRACTICE. All views are mine.

𝑊ℎ𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑢𝑝 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑖𝑛 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑. 𝑊𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑠 𝑤𝑒 𝑑𝑜 𝑠𝑜. 𝐼 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑎𝑠 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑦 𝑎𝑠 𝐼 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑤𝑒 𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑡. p11

I like that white scholars and activists are stepping into more forward-facing antiracist work. For one thing, they've been there, subverting their own most damaging beliefs. Also, it is not for black activists to spend their time and labor, educating their subjucators. For these reasons and others, I look forward to more antiracist writings from white activists and scholars. Please dm me if you'd like some recommendations.

I like that this book focuses on questions such as where racism comes from, showing the history of racism in the US, in different stages of education, in different, often unexpected areas of the country. Why shame drives racism in white people and how those people can begin working to free themselves from such destructive emotion.

One of my favorite features of ANTIRACISM AS DAILY PRACTICE is the exercises and journal prompts provided throughout and at the end of each chapter. They not only clarify concepts, they offer time to meditate on personal values and habits and determine what personal changes might be in order and how it's possible.

Beginning antiracist work can feel overwhelming and it can be hard to know how to get involved. It can especially be hard to know what to do with all the emotions involved. This book is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about white antiracist efforts. Checking your white people is an act of love. For yourself and the world.

𝑆𝑜 𝐼 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑑 [𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑠𝑚]. 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑤 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑤𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔. 𝐴𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑦 𝑚𝑦𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓. Loc.146

Three (or more) things I loved:

1. I think the most important lesson this book teaches white people is that no one engages in antiracist activism to make friends or make people happy or earn gratitude. People do it because it's right and necessary. In many of the stories this author tells, she makes a point of the unhappy ending.

2. The exercises and suggestions at the ends of the chapters are creative and challenging while still being completable. I think when placed in these situations with real life social stakes, the readers will understand how to navigate racially challenging situations more easily as a result of reading this book.

Three (or less) things I didn't love:

This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.

1. The cringe factor can be strong with this one. The author knows...sort of. But also, not completely.

Rating: ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹.5 /5 healing hearts
Recommend? Yes!
Finished: Jul 21 '24
Format: Digital arc, Kindle, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
📓 academic nonfiction
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 sociology
🪧 activism
🕯 racial justice

[Andre(Read-A-Lot) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think anti-racism has become a cottage industry. I believe it was Ishmael Reed who opined that “anti-racism is the new yoga” and this book kind of embodies that. I’m sure the intent is to be helpful and I can see some of what’s presented in these pages could be useful for those really interested in meaningful and honest steps to engage in anti-racist activism.

Some good examples are presented to guide
would-be-activists here. So, yes the industry has become a box checking activity, like hot yoga. In order to sustain this ”movement” real work must be done. And that is what Jen Harvey is hoping to manifest through this text.

[Kripa Kavasseri]

I’m not white but I am in a “model minority” group that benefits from white supremacy and there is plenty of racism and colorism in my community as well. I do think this book can also be illuminating for those that are not white but still battling racism in their communities. This is definitely a book meant for those that have already begun their antiracism journey and are looking for some structure and guidance on how to go about it. I believe the author does this with respect and delicacy and with the understanding of how well meaning actions can quickly derail and actually cause harm. She is honest about times when she herself could have done better and the lessons she learned. There are several anecdotes from her own life and the lives of those she knows, as well as practical steps to take at the end of each chapter.

Thank you #netgalley for providing the e-ARC for review.

[BONNIE SMITH · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads giveaway win for me, and while not my normal read and anything I would normally consider purchasing, it was really enjoyable and enlightening.

Stress on a the practice of Antiracism as a daily activity in ones brain is definitely not a bad exercise or subject for a read, and the book brought to light many ways racism has crept into every day life (or should I say, it has always been there, and can quietly rot if not exterminated)
It recognizes that racism isn't just one single thought or act by an individual, it grows as a collective if we don't actively strengthen ourselves against it and stand up when we witness it.

I'm normally a beach read kind of person, but this was a nice book for self reflection and mindful thinking.

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not for me.

Things I liked:
I really enjoyed all the reference materials she directed the reader to.

Things I disliked:
The narration.
The author chose to read this herself and I feel it would have been served better by a professional narrator.
The author mispronounced words and had lots of awkward pauses mid sentence.
It really threw the whole experience off for me and I had trouble focusing on the words with such a distraction in the narration.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for my ALC.

[Deborah Svec-Carstens · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her latest book, Antiracism as a Daily Practice, Jennifer Harvey makes the case for why white people must “do their own work” in their communities. She writes with vulnerability and honesty about the challenges they will inevitably encounter along the way. Rather than a road map or step-by-step instructions, the book provides readers a general guide to antiracism work. This is because, as Harvey explains, there is no one-size-fits-all set of strategies to becoming antiracist. With her personal stories and those of others she knows, Harvey illustrates the inevitability of mistakes in doing this work. Readers will come away with a clear-eyed view of the complexities and messiness of antiracism practice.

Harvey addresses the paradoxes and challenges white people will face. For example, white people need to take action, but they also must let people of color take the lead. When do white folks take the microphone and when do they pass it? Other complexities Harvey addresses include how to talk to family about antiracism and how to hold people accountable for racist actions or speech without shaming or shunning them. “Accountability as belonging presumes you are worthy,” she writes. “You are invited, offered support, and lovingly challenged to come in, to come back.”

While this is not a how-to book, Harvey suggests next steps at the end of each chapter and offers a wealth of additional resources in an appendix. She encourages white people to face the racial brokenness in our communities and engage it in consistent and daily ways, because doing so promises healing, transformation, and a more just future for all.

Antiracism as a Daily Practice is a must-read for individuals and groups interested in restorative social justice and community building.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC of this book.

[Rachael Dockery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical and compelling.

[Cathy Standiford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antiracism as Daily Practice ranks as one of the best books on antiracism I’ve read (and I’ve read a lot of them). From the opening introduction to the end, I was captivated by the way Jennifer Harvey uses a blend of hard truths and personal stories to inspire concrete antiracist action. Her book is grounded in practicality, while acknowledging racism’s complexities. I loved the simple suggestions for “next steps” at the end of each chapter. I loved the extensive list of outstanding additional resources it contains. Most of all, I loved the way Harvey consistently provides helpful insight and guidance, not judgement. Antiracism as Daily Practice would make an excellent selection for both secular and faith-based book clubs and reading groups. Definitely a must read for anyone longing to extend their engagement in restorative social justice and true community building.

[Christa Colaizzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jennifer Harvey's Antiracism as Daily Practice is not only a teaching moment, but also a reflection moment. Geared towards the white American, it challenges the reader to see and combat racism in their day to day experiences. It is structured into 10 different chapters, each detailing and explaining how one can incorporate antiracism practice into, you guessed it, daily life. At the end of each chapter are multiple reflection questions, challenging the reader to reflect on their own experiences with racism or antiracism. Harvey not only details personal stories, both of mistakes and conquests, but also shares stories of other antiracist individuals and their efforts to encourage change in their own situations and communities.

This book was extremely well written and phenomenally well researched. Through reading this work, it is quite obvious that the author knows what she is talking about and I felt as though this is a great adjunct book to any white American looking to incorporate antiracism into their life. I especially enjoyed the last few chapters where it speaks about family dynamics and navigating your own individual world. I think books like this are extremely important in today's world, and I think we as white people always will continue to have work to do and more to learn.

I did find, however, that I don't think this is a "beginner" antiracism book. It alludes to certain authors, works, and events that someone starting their antiracist journey may not be very familiar with. I felt as though works by authors such as Ibram X. Kenji, Michael Eric Dyson, Michelle Alexander, Ijeoma Oluo, Robin DiAngelo, (among others) were almost "pre-requisites" to reading Antiracism as Daily Practice.

Special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Antiracism as Daily Practice, Jennifer Harvey provides a guide for white people to begin practical steps towards antiracist actions that can create change in our their communities. Harvey is vulnerable and honest, speaking as a person both with an extensive academic background, and also as a white person who has also been imperfect in their own journey towards antiracism and advocacy for racial justice. This book provides an intersectional guide towards acting with intentionality, constructive self-reflection, and sustainable means by which to commit to antiracism as a collective community for radical justice. It felt liberating to see the opportunity for open discussions of shame, fear, and self-doubt through which negative emotions can be utilized to create real positive change.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is in the midst of their journey in unlearning their own internalized racism, or who is unsure about how to go about their next steps towards social justice in their own community.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC of this book!

[Chris Loves to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is not the responsibility of the BIPOC community to end racism, they didn't come up with it us white people did. Unlearning white supremacy is an imperfect work in progress. The only way to fail is to stop learning. Read this book.

I just reviewed Antiracism as Daily Practice by Jennifer Harvey. #NetGalley

[Cami · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great resource for white people to learn more about antiracism, because it's written by a white person who candidly shares the mistakes she's made while trying to be a good ally and who encourages others to get involved and make an effort in spite of those setbacks.

Among a wide variety of engaging topics, Jennifer Harvey addresses the complexity of antiracist efforts. Since racism is so complicated, she explains that combating it isn't as simple as following a list of dos and don'ts that never change no matter the circumstances. In reality, each situation requires a slightly different response. For instance, while it's true that white people shouldn't speak over people of color, that's no excuse for us to stay silent in the face of injustice. This is especially relevant with the holidays fast approaching, since Harvey draws attention to the differences white people can make within their own families and communities. We should learn from and listen to people of color, of course, but we shouldn't wait for them to spearhead every little movement, especially when we can already effect positive changes on a local level by talking with other white people and speaking out when we see or hear them do something racist.

On a more technical level, I appreciate Harvey's narration for the audiobook edition. She speaks in a calm and unhurried manner that makes her lessons easy to follow and which really enhances the listening experience, in my opinion.

[Liz Norell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Harvey's understanding of the necessity (and challenges) of taking antiracist action for white folks is deep, nuanced, and authentic. What I love most about this book is its ability to stay with the tensions and apparent contradictions of the work--that there is no single 'right' way to be white and work in antiracism spaces, that there is no singular notion of what antiracism even looks like, and that the most important work we can do is be reflective, use our voices, and (most of all) BE HUMAN in this work.

I highlighted so many passages in this book that spoke to me, and I know I'll reread the entire thing once I have my printed copy. But here's the quote that really stopped me in my tracks and that I can't keep turning over in my mind: "When we're talking about recalcitrant use of power, the motives or emotional state of the person wielding it doesn't matter." Harvey here is describing the ways in which white people (often men) in power shut down attempts to transform policy or practices--and how the label of 'white fragility' will get applied, like, 'Ohh, he's so fragile, he can't handle the challenges to his own power.' Even aggressive uses of power can be so described. But it's not that, Harvey writes, and it never was. It's actually just the exercise of power, in ways that are powerful and discriminator, and even so -- calling out the use of power to challenge justice does not require us to talk about the motivations or the emotions of the person with the power.

This book is tender, it's human, it's full of heart and wisdom. Please read it, especially if you're white.

Note: I received an advance copy of this book to read/review on its release day. However, I'd also pre-ordered a copy before I got the ARC, so know that my opinions here are based on my experience reading the book itself!

[Bebo Saucier Carrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

A very good practical look at how white people can be involved in antiracism efforts in their own white communities. I enjoyed the combination of personal anecdotes, research, and observation that Jennifer Harvey put into this book. It was informative while not super technical.

I also enjoyed that the author was completely willing to own up to mistakes she has made in her own antiracist efforts. It makes the book all the more informative. I also liked the journal entries/invitations to actively participate at the end of each chapter. Those, along with the resources list at the back, provide a great jumping off point to continue learning and growing in antiracism.

[Anne Jisca · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a white woman, I really appreciated this book. It gave good suggestions of how to be supportive, and work towards a just world. I would read it again and I recommend it for us white folks who need help knowing how to support and come alongside.

Thank you for writing it, and thank you NetGalley for th ARC.

[Sara Dillingham · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF- the narrator of the audiobook is a major miss. I think the content of this book could be solid (I only got 10% in before I just couldn’t anymore) so I may pick up a physical copy. I highly recommend this be re-recorded by a professional narrator, not the author.

[Gildergreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for granting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I come away from this book with mixed emotions. On the one hand, the author makes several points that will stick with me forever, and grants a lot of hope in the antiracism journey of white people. I love its insistence on organization, I love that it calls out inaction in a movement where showing up is required, I love that it discusses the catharsis of accountability, I love the difficult acknowledgements about white spaces and how we must pry ourselves out of them. The encouragement toward active participation of our white selves, as opposed to just reading about racism, is one that continues throughout the book; it serves as a pertinent reminder to those of us who have settled into a more academic, almost voyeuristic view of antiracism.

On the other hand, I don't think I would ever recommend this to a white person at the beginning of that antiracism journey. Frankly, I don't think I'd even mention this book to another white person until I felt absolutely confident in the progress of their internal deconstruction of white supremacy. While this book's reasons are nuanced and there is value in its perspective, there is so much encouragement to eschew the teachings of books like "White Fragility" in order to embrace our emotions as white people in the face of the realities of racism. There is also, for me, an uncomfortable level of compassion and empathy paid to perpetrators of both racial and gender violence - both similar to and including the rhetoric of, "The patriarchy also hurts men :(".

"Racism also hurts white people too" and "white fragility isn't bad, actually" in the way that is expressed here does have its place in the white-centric antiracist conversation, but it feels dangerous to place in the hands of white people who haven't sat down and truly confronted those things yet. It feels very, "You need to learn the rules before you break them." Otherwise, you're just kind of telling a bunch of white people how important their emotions are, and how white tears shouldn't be scrutinized to the point of shame, which... is not something most white people need to be convinced of.

There's some good food for thought here, and it was an engaging read, but one that should be absorbed with a lot of previous unpacking.

[Jay Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Antiracism as Daily Practice: Refuse Shame, Change White Communities, and Help Create a Just World by Jennifer Harvey

Jennifer Harvey’s Antiracism as Daily Practice is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities and challenges of antiracism work within white communities. As an Asian living in Canada, I found the book both illuminating and challenging, pushing me to confront and reflect on the nuances of racial dynamics in a North American context.

Harvey's exploration of white fragility—where white individuals often feel defensive, anxious, or even guilty when confronted with conversations about race—evoked mixed emotions in me. On one hand, I felt a sense of empathy for white people navigating the discomfort and fear of saying or doing the wrong thing in a multicultural society. This awareness of their own privilege and the potential impact of their actions is an important step in the journey toward meaningful antiracism.

However, this empathy was complicated by my awareness of the systemic privileges that have historically benefited white people, particularly in comparison to the lived experiences of Black, Brown, and other marginalized communities in the U.S. and beyond. While white people may struggle with feelings of fragility, the discomfort they face pales in comparison to the daily realities of discrimination, insecurity, and violence that many people of color endure.

This tension—between feeling empathy and resisting the urge to center white discomfort—is one of the key takeaways from Harvey's work. The book challenges readers to hold space for these complex emotions while remaining committed to the larger goal of dismantling systemic racism and fostering justice for all.

In conclusion, Antiracism as Daily Practice is an essential read for anyone committed to understanding and challenging racial inequality. It offers valuable insights into the emotional and relational aspects of antiracism work, while also reminding us of the need to prioritize the voices and experiences of those most impacted by racism.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent read for white folks, especially those in the American and adjacent contexts. I feel like this is one to re-read, to have on in the background, to let sink in ...

This text wins on the front of compelling personal stories and examples. Harvey is frank about her complicity in racism and her white fragility. Including well-meaning but misplaced word vomit (something I can cringe in empathy with). Harvey even goes into her family history with racism. Much of this is racism through silence and inaction -- bystander racism. And even more subtle: "try once then immediately give up on failure" racism.

A lot of this was painful for me to hear on two fronts: as a white Westerner who's participated in these things, as well as a visible foreigner currently living under a virtually unspoken version of non-white but white-implicated supremacy, experiencing xenophobia and racism in my daily life, and wishing that the people who racialize and foreignize me would have a similar wake-up moment to white folk in the states.

My reservations are the same as always, when it comes to these "practice-based" texts: very few of us are going to remember what to do on the daily. Alas. I also had to mentally set aside my annoyance at the religious undercurrents.

This is a human text. All those who think racism is over should read this.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advance copy.

[Kit Ledvina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important note: This book is a great addition to the library of any aspiring white antiracist but is not the best pick for someone just beginning to learn about DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion). Some of my recommendations for that would; How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi, So You Want to Talk about Race by Ijeoma Oluo, or Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad. After you’ve read some of the great books on race written by black folks, consider revisiting this title.

If you’ve already been exploring the history of white supremacy, how it shows up, and your role in it, this book has some great examples of how you can implement and enact your values in day to day life. Harvey doesn’t shy away from sharing examples of places she’s failed to be the best co-conspirator for change and for her candor I was extremely grateful. She covers how shame, perfectionism, and trust impact white people’s ability to do antiracist work in our own communities. This could be a hard book for some to read but the message is so very important.

Would recommend it to any white person who has read a lot of DEI but still isn’t sure what their place is in creating a more just future for all of us.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this audiobook for review purposes.

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very well written and well narrated (by the author) book discussing and working through the nuances and complexities experienced by white Americans attempting to incorporate antiracism into daily life.

The author leverages her own missteps in her journey from passive non-racist to active anti-racist as learning lessons for the reader, as well as to show connection: you’re not alone in struggling with the right way to proceed. The overwhelming message to me is that it is not BIPOC’s responsibility to teach white Americans how to be antiracist, and you have to get uncomfortable to drive change. It’s imperative to be receptive to feedback, acknowledge the impact of shame, and look for opportunities in your sphere of influence to create boundaries and drive change.

While some sections I felt were a bit long and/or anecdotal, the author did a great job staying focused on the topic without overwhelming the reader with a bombardment of statistics. Real life examples and experiences, and recommendations for additional reading, kept the book moving and interesting without veering off-topic. I enjoyed the narration, though I think the pace could be a little faster. I will recommend this book to others.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Elyrria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antiracism as Daily Practice gave me so many ideas for how to transform my day-to-day lifestyle in favor of intersectionality and genuine allyship. Although I do listen to Black voices first and foremost, the author was able to speak about the experience of being white and deconstructing embedded racism within our communities with grace and skill. I appreciated the lists of ideas for how to support Black and Indigenous people (and people of global majority in general).

This is a book that you will want to highlight and tab in, so that you can go back to them and make sure you are putting them into practice. The sheer volume of information was a lot to take in, so it is more of a reference book after the first time you read it than a "one and done" kind of book. I learned and benefited from Jeniffer Harvey's insights and personal stories and will integrate her suggestions as part of my commitment to being a better ally and co-creating the best version of this world that I can.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers at St. Martin's Press for sending me an e-ARC! This book can help you transform feelings of helplessness into the confidence it takes to be the best version of yourself you can be.

[Laura Stivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antiracism as Daily Practice prompts white people to have the courage to take antiracist public stances – to avoid both silence and passivity as well as getting stuck in “behavioral cul-de-sacs” where we simply talk too much with no action. As Harvey says, “Antiracism is the project of building a place for love to land” and white communities are the “primary construction zones.” White supremacy has blocked the possibility of “life-giving, love-lifting, and liberation-insisting” community. Harvey encourages white people to feel, grieve, and be angry about racism and the suffering it has wrought on people of color as well as whites. The book acknowledges the complexity and paradoxes of antiracist action, while continually encouraging white people to be in solidarity by being in relationship with and walking a path of justice-seeking alongside people of color. Harvey shares her own experiences of taking risks and making mistakes in her journey of antiracist action. She knows that yearning and working for this liberatory community will entail grief, pain, and anger as white people acknowledge their complicity, but a communal celebratory “dance party” awaits.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Harvey’s wit and wisdom are palpable in this book. She shows her vulnerability by blending her stories with action steps at the end of each chapter that move the needle on antiracism. Insights offered to enculture white children in non-white environments while unpacking the behaviors that we (white adults) have been steeped in our whole lives. The stories she shares are funny (!), told from the multiple lenses that Harvey holds (white, parent, child, educator, friend, lesbian, and more), and then she brings the narrative back around to tie the story told to the critical work that needs done in our lives and homes. She raises critical questions, such as “should we stay?”, when we encounter our pasts and our ancestors’ decisions. She models that moving forward is not about perfection but is about moving forward, inch by inch until we’re running with the team we need to tear down systems. Throughout the book, I laughed out loud at her stories and my memories the stories brought to the surface, and I cried for the pain caused and the length of road to still travel. This is a must-read!

[Kleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t read non-fiction books very often let alone rate them. However I thought this book was a great read. It felt very informative and thought provoking. I loved the connections made between religion and liberation. I also loved all the mentions of Marie Adrienne Brown. I recently graduated with my masters in social work and experiencing this book felt like I was back in class, in the best way. I really enjoyed the “Take a Next Step” activity at the end of each chapter. Having a prompts was great for challenging beliefs and getting down to the root of where they came from. The chapter on white emotions and “white fragility” was very powerful and something I think a lot of people need to hear. While I don’t think the topics in this book were anything groundbreaking or things that haven’t been approached and discussed before, I do believe it’s a great starting point for some. If you are wanting to start your journey to discover what it means to be anti-racist, I think this book is perfect.

Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for giving me to opportunity to listen to this audio ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess it's the nature of the subject that even books that set out to tell you you CAN DO THIS end up making you feel paralyzed by the complexities. This one is no different! At the end of each chapter are some useful thought exercises, if this is not a topic you've considered before.
This is also not a book that tells you why you would come to want to change white communities, so much. For that you need to read a book like Waking Up White. This is the next stage.
The idea that was the most new to me was to consider my 'spheres of influence.' Not that I have many; but the example she gave, of the formation of a neighborhood association and how she held herself apart from it when maybe she could have influenced it, was a good one.
In the last chapter she talks about a series of racist incidents at the university where she worked, and how they played out. The only thing that she doesn't tell us is - who was the person on the inside, who had to have a security id to get into a dorm and put up racist graffiti?? I closed the book thinking Wait, what was the answer to that part?

[JJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was compelling and delves into the essential journey of white individuals working towards antiracism within their own communities. This is not a manual, but Harvey provides a nuanced guide that recognizes the absence of a universal blueprint for antiracist work.

Through personal anecdotes and shared experiences, she paints a vivid picture of the frequent missteps and learning moments encountered along the path to antiracism. Her narrative leaves listeners with a profound understanding of the complex and often messy nature of this work.
While the author’s personal narration adds an intimate touch, I would have in this case preferred the polish of a professional narrator. However, hearing Harvey’s own voice imbues the audiobook with a unique authenticity and passion that deeply enriches the experience.

This is an incredible resource to get the mind and conversations moving!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing the eARC of this audiobook in exchange for a fair and honest review!

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt that author Jennifer Harvey challenged readers to look inward at themselves, and within their community, when applying antiracism practices in their lives. Through personal experiences, even ones that don't paint Harvey in a great light, she was able to show that not being racist isn't enough in a society where racism is everywhere. I appreciated that she challenges societal norms and she gave examples of how to speak about the topic to those closest to you. She was also willing to cut herself off from family who don't respect her values, and I think that is important. The internet, and social media, has given a platform for extremism and racism and we must now work to deplatform them. This doesn't mean you go in guns blazing, as Harvey points out; but sometimes it does mean you stop giving them an ear. A lot of thoughts and research went into this book and it shows. The human connection is strong. And as a narrator I thought Harvey did a great job with pacing and tone.

Thank you SMP & Macmillan Audio for the gifted ARC/ALC.

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explores the emotional complexities of engaging in anti-racism, including the fear, grief, and anger that often accompany this journey. The book emphasizes the crucial role of white people in creating a more just society, not only for communities of color but also for their own well-being and freedom.

I enjoyed reading this book. It’s warm and compassionate, stressing how hard antiracism is for white folks who weren’t raised with the skills to address racism knowledgably and gracefully. We’re bound to make mistakes as we learn, and with the stakes so high, it feels safer to stay silent. But like anything else, the more we try, the more confident we become. The author’s narration was well done.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Quanita · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have never given one star, this is a first for me. I'm biracial ( Black father, White mother) and can't say if I'm disappointed, offended, or enraged. This book basically tells you how to practice reverse racism. Example - when you go to vote pick the Black candidate, not the most qualified or one that supports issues you care about. The author appears to be unaware that ALL ethnic groups can be racist. She hasn't lived in a Black neighborhood as I have, Black's treat each other often worse than White's do; example - you will hear the "n" word daily in casual conversation and disputes. It's also suspect that this is coming out during a year that has a presidential election - Trump and the January 'riot' are periodically mentioned. Treat others the way you want to be treated goes a long way to end racism. I received this from Net Galley for my honest review.