Was That Racist?: How to Detect, Interrupt and Unlearn Bias in Everyday Life

by Evelyn R. Carter

How do we combat racism in a world determined to tell us it doesn't exist?

To hold the line against racism, we need to know it when we see it. And as the dominant racial group in our society, White people must take up the charge. The problem is that White people haven't been socialised to detect racial bias in the way people of colour do.

Racism is more than using racial slurs or overt, hateful speech, and it's more than unintentional slights; it's about an entire system that upholds Whiteness as the preferred standard.

Fortunately, detecting it is a skill that can be learned.

Was that Racist? is a re-education, call to action and practical guide, full of research-backed strategies including how
· cultivate a growth mindset about bias
· unlearn colourblindness and practice colour consciousness
· talk to kids about race and racism - and bring others along for the journey

At a time when diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is under coordinated attack, Was that Racist? is the essential toolkit for anyone who believes we all have a role to play in creating a more equitable world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2026

Reviews

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

If a nonfiction book is well written and accomplishes what it sets out to do, I usually land at 5⭐️—and that’s ultimately where I rated this on Goodreads. While reading, I had a lingering been there, done that feeling, but I stuck with it and I’m glad I did, because by the end it earned that rating.

This book is clearly aimed at readers at the very beginning of their journey or those who need encouragement to get started. At first glance, much of the content overlaps with books like White Fragility and Was That Racist?, which made me question whether it added anything substantially new to the conversation. I ultimately believe it absolutely does—starting on page one. I appreciated the foreword and its establishment of shared “givens,” which helps lower defenses before diving in. The bigger challenge is getting this book into the hands of those who struggle most with the language around bias and with accepting that everyone has it, whether they want to admit it or not.

For readers already doing the work, much of this will feel familiar, reinforcing existing ideas rather than expanding on them. But the strength of this book lies in its delivery. The best word I have for it is softer. The reality is that many white people need a gentler hand to open their minds to the idea that there is, in fact, a problem. The material is presented in a way that feels non-confrontational and appeals to certain sensibilities. That’s not a knock on other books—some simply come on stronger, which I’ve seen cause people to check out or not finish at all. Is That Racist? delivers its message in a way I think more people will be open to. And yes, I recognize the racial undertones in that statement—but that awareness is exactly what this book encourages readers to confront.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the author, Evelyn Carter. Overall, she does a solid job, though the pacing is slow. When sped up, the pitch change is noticeable and slightly sing-song, which may affect how the material lands for some listeners. That said, at 2x speed I was fully engaged and hanging on every word, so finding the right speed makes a difference.

The strongest moments are the personal anecdotes, which offer practical, relatable examples of unconscious bias. The hair-washing story stood out as one that could easily spark meaningful conversations. I also appreciated the examples where the author—a Black woman—openly acknowledges moments where she was the one holding bias. It reinforces one of her core points: everyone has bias.

In the end, I highly recommend this book—even if you’ve read others like it. It won’t offer groundbreaking insights (if you read the others), but it works as a gentler introduction and an additional, effective tool for advocacy.

I was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Hachette Audio via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.

How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.

⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me as it has way too many issues; I never DNF ARCs but would have had it not been one.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was That Racist?: How to Detect, Interrupt and Unlearn Bias in Everyday Life
By Evelyn R Carter, PHD
A reeducation or call to action to understand, question, and cultivate a mindset against bias. Doctor Carter advises to practice color consciousness and talking to children about race.

The text includes how to recognize bias and details some examples that such as hair care, and how children pick up on what adults may be unconsciously sharing.
The author is also the narrator which is the ultimate choice in my opinion. She knows exactly what she wants to stress and using her own experiences, is able to tell her story at a very personal level.

This is an easy book to read without a lot of scientific terms or psychological definitions.
Racism is everywhere and it’s going to take specific steps to even the road ahead.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Hachette Audio.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook is narrated by the author, Evelyn R. Carter. Evelyn does a wonderful job with the narration. What I particularly enjoy is you can hear the authors own tone, inflection and pauses which work to elucidate the authors meaning even further for the reader. In this case and with this subject this is invaluable.

This is an excellent start here to be less racist book. I love that it’s written by a person who actually has real life experience dealing with racism. It often feels like the leading voices on racism are well meaning white people. The problem with that is those white authors aren’t as antiracist as they think they are. This will feel repetitive to a person who’s already familiar with antiracist education. Yet even the well seasoned have an opportunity to learn more with this text.

This is well done and thorough.

Thank you to Evelyn R. Carter, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book but if you’ve read White Fragility or White Women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How To Do Better you won’t find much new here. If you’ve haven’t read those this is a fine one to start your journey with.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend Was That Racist by Evelyn R. Carter, PhD. Whether you’re an experienced activist or someone who feels overwhelmed when confronting injustice, this is a great read that will leave you inspired, empowered, and informed.

We can argue that standing up to injustice and challenging bias should be normalized, but for many people it’s daunting. I appreciate how the author walks readers through this topic with intentionality, sensitivity, and respect for different comfort levels. The book is a strong illustration of practicing inclusion.

Favorite quote: “When you show someone you value them enough to hold them accountable, they’re more likely to listen—and the relationship between you may deepen in the process.”

It’s easy to get defensive when someone corrects us, but approaching correction from a lens of care and love is empowering for both parties.

Favorite section: Equipping Children to Detect and Challenge Racial Bias

As the author so eloquently states, “A clumsy attempt at addressing race with your children is better than nothing.” Challenging bias isn’t only for adults — it starts in childhood. Carter does a great job showing how parents and caregivers can teach children about bias, even when the task feels daunting.

Once again, I really enjoyed this read. Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for an advance reader copy.

[Catarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was nearly perfect for me. I did not get any of the unlearning bias but I did get a better way to detect and interrupt bias in everyday life. I really enjoyed how the author used her own stories but also those of colleagues and friends among her. As a white woman, I feel like this book was incredible but again - I don't think black women should bear the weight of teaching me about racism or bias. I do enjoy that this book is available and can help in guidance with some aspects.

Bias is everywhere but staying ignorant is silly. Pick this book up and maybe learn something new!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio | Little, Brown Spark for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Mick B · Rating 4 out of 5]

"We'll talk about how being white is a racial identity, even if it might not always feel like one, and how the white default, a dominant framework that uses whiteness and white racial identity as the reference point for virtually everything, reflects a privilege that simultaneously precludes awareness of systemic racism and perpetuates it. We'll explore ways to break through that unspoken default, to gather new perspectives, and empathy for others."

Thank you to Evelyn R. Carter, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.

CW: Discussions of racism, discrimination, racial bias, potentially difficult examples

Dr. Evelyn Carter's Was That Racist? tackles something that's increasingly under fire right now: actually naming and addressing racial bias in our daily lives. The core idea is teaching white people to recognize racism the way people of color already do out of necessity. Given what's happening with DEI initiatives being dismantled across the country, this book feels urgent.

What I really valued here was the growth mindset section and how Carter connects that to unlearning bias. Carter weaves personal stories together with academic research throughout the book, which helps ground the theory in real experiences. I particularly appreciated the discussion of being color-aware rather than color-blind, especially when it comes to educating children. That framework matters a lot and Carter explains why pretending not to see race doesn't actually help anyone.

One story that stood out to me was Carter talking about working with her doctor during her pregnancy. She describes finding someone she could be comfortable with, but also using that relationship as an opportunity to make the doctor aware that systemic racism still exists in healthcare even when individual practitioners are putting in the work to be anti-racist. That example shows exactly what this book is about: recognizing when and how to have these conversations in real life.

Carter gives you actual scripts and walks through real situations, so you're not just reading about bias but getting tools to use when you encounter it. I appreciated that the book is built around actual situations with scripts you can apply rather than just theory. This makes it easier to move from understanding to actually doing something about bias.

As someone who's been in education for years and done plenty of anti-racism training and coursework, a lot of this felt familiar to me. That's my main issue with the book. It's written in this academic style but doesn't actually go very deep into any one topic. It covers a lot of ground without really digging into the complexity. If you've been working on anti-racism for a while, you probably won't find much that challenges you or pushes your thinking further. This works better as an introduction or a refresher than as something that will take you to the next level.

Carter narrates her own audiobook, which works well. Her voice and tone suit the material. I did speed it up a bit because the pacing felt slower than I needed, but that's just personal preference. Some people might appreciate the slower delivery for processing difficult content.

This is a good starting point for white people who are newer to thinking about racism and want actionable steps, educators who need concrete strategies for their classrooms, or anyone looking to move beyond just being aware into actually interrupting bias when they see it. If you're already doing this work regularly, you'll probably find this too basic, but it's still useful as something to recommend to colleagues or friends who are earlier in their journey.

A solid introduction to recognizing and addressing racial bias that works best for people newer to anti-racism work.

[JJ Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review at www.NerdyNerdyBookBook.com

[Karen Catlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I read an advanced Reader Copy of this book.)

An important read in these times, when diversity of all kinds is under attack.

[Laura (thenerdygnomelife) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Was That Racist?" is a fantastic choice for readers who are new to exploring race relations and white sensitivities — or for those who are not new to the discussion but want a conversational approach rather than an academic one. As an approachable, easily digestible book, it offers a nonjudgmental gut check along with clear and practical steps for allyship.

Evelyn R. Carter gently explores a range of factors that impact the BIPOC experience, including an illustration of why whiteness is far from neutral just because it has been treated as the default. She highlights how corporate DEI efforts gained traction only after research demonstrated that diversity improves organizational effectiveness, which reveals a motivation rooted in — once again — benefitting whites (traditionally the profit holders) instead of a genuine commitment to improving the experience of minority employees. I also enjoyed the section on parenting, with its focus on ensuring that future generations do not inherit the same biases by virtue of their parents' words and actions. Perhaps most significant to the majority of white readers, Carter recognizes that most white individuals exist in a predominantly white space and provides clear guidance on how their allyship will be less about how they interact with BIPOC individuals and more about calling out, challenging, and influencing other white people.

Carter reads her own work for the audiobook production, and is an entertaining, engaging narrator. I will rather abashedly admit that I sometimes struggle with staying engaged while reading books on this topic. I refuse to back away from that experience simply because it can be difficult, however, recognizing that the ability to opt out of engaging with it is a privilege that others don't have and one I refuse to leverage. That said, I did not have that problem with this book at all. I found it genuinely compelling and enjoyable to listen to from beginning to end.

Bottom line: read this if you want a clear, accessible starting point for allyship, if you prefer books that pair reflection with actionable guidance, or if you are looking for a resource that supports practical conversations and change within predominantly white communities and workplaces.

Thank you to Hachette Audio, NetGalley, and Evelyn R. Carter for an advance listening copy for honest review.

[Стефани Николова · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly appreciated this book and the courage behind it. It tackles a topic that is not only much needed, but also deeply sensitive for many people, and I admire the author for opening this conversation in such an honest and grounded way. From the very beginning, it felt like an invitation to reflect rather than a lecture.

One of the things I respected most was the author’s transparency. Even as a DEI professional, she openly admits that racial bias is something everyone can struggle with including herself. Sharing very personal examples from her own life and from people close to her made the book feel real and trustworthy. That honesty stayed with me throughout the reading.

I’ll admit that during the first 20% I was a bit worried the book might lean into familiar clichés (ideas like tracking progress, finding role models, or admitting mistakes). Fortunately, the book quickly moves beyond them. What followed were thoughtful examples, concrete experiences, and even workshop ideas drawn from the author’s own work, which gave the discussion much more depth and nuance.

Some of the perspectives genuinely shifted the way I think. One particularly impactful point was the discussion around “not seeing color.” While this is often presented as a positive ideology ( and one I personally believed in ) the author challenges it by explaining how it can actually prevent meaningful change. I also appreciated the explanation of why people of color may feel less satisfied with progress: they tend to measure change against an envisioned future, while white people often compare it to the past. That distinction alone made me pause and rethink my own assumptions.

Although this book is primarily addressed to the white majority, it does not soften the topic or avoid discomfort, and that’s something I deeply admire.

Overall, I would recommend this book to everyone. Even as someone born and raised in Eastern Europe, who hasn’t lived these experiences firsthand and comes from a different social context, I found it incredibly valuable.

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, Little, Brown and Co., and Hachette Audio for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I am the whitest white woman who grew up and currently lives in a mostly conservative small city. I have done a lot of reading, had a lot of conversations, watched a lot of documentaries, and I still have a lot to learn about my inherent racism and how to grow and continue the work. Was That Racist is another step in the direction of unlearning racism.

I really appreciated the deep-dive examinations of systemic racism, how to detect it, and how to unlearn it. The toolkit-style approach of this guide has refreshed my effort to strive to be better and do better, and to teach my children the same. This book foregrounds culture and identity in a way to offers a valuable new perspective. This is the sort of purpose-driven and action-oriented read on DEI that I was looking for.

Evelyn Carter, who not only wrote Was That Racist? but also narrated the audio version, presents a pragmatic yet provoking look to all the biases that the white population has, as well as illuminating ways we white people need to adapt and change. This isn’t easy because most white people don’t want to give up their privilege, they don’t want to be uncomfortable, they don’t want to acknowledge the systemic racism that has enveloped this country since the white man first came to America and killed or drove away the Indigenous populations.

What Carter really drives home is that we white people need to first acknowledge our privilege, examine the barriers we face, the nuances of biases, and the tools we need to unlearn a lifetime of entrenchment of racism. The author challenges us to own up to our inherent racism but does so in a way that is not confrontational.

If you’ve read other books about dismantling racism, some of the material presented will be nothing new. However, Was That Racist? offers a number of strategies to combat racial bias as we see it in America.

Writen and Narrated by Evelyn R. Carter

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is this book for people who have sent years or decades doing anti-racism work? No. However, those who are trying to do better and new parebts wanting to ensure they raise their child to have as little racial bias as possible? Yes.

With books like White Fragility floating around for years, I was so happy to see a book written not only by a Black woman, but one that has gained a PhD level education in the subject she's writing. What I felt was also extremely important, the author isn't afraid to share her own stories of bias and her growth from those situations. This really helps to show that bigotry and bias are not fixed, people are aways capable of change when they are willing to do so. 

I was surprised, but happy to see a discussion of fat people and how that was a population that the author had not considered until reading an article. Even if we try to be educated and consider all marginalized groups, we are all capable of doing more and learning more. There are so many people in the world who live a life vastly different from our own, even if we exist within marginalized communities. 

Approaching how parents can guide their children as well as how to approach peers that show biased behavior are very important. This book really breaks down actionable items to apply this in your own life. I personally had a lot of time where I reacted very briskly to biased behavior and while there was often an immediate change, over time, it may not have changed the person for the better. 

I really appreciated what the author had to say because while some of the information has been addressed, especially in books since 2020, the way information is approached in this book was a breath of fresh air. I think a lot of people could benefit from reading this, let's hope those people are willing to pick it up. 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. 

[Yaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was That Racist? : How to Detect, Interrupt, and Unlearn Bias in Everyday Life by Evelyn R. Carter
Narrated by Evelyn R. Carter
Publish date: 01/06/2026

Genre: Non-fiction

I requested this audiobook because I thought I could learn about pitfalls of daily behaviors and how to avoid them. We talk so much about micro-aggressions, and it is very hard to know sometimes how the other parties take offense on seemingly benign behaviors because we aren't educated about their backgrounds. Somehow, I thought it could help me navigate in a cooperate America to create more inclusive environment. From its cover, I assumed that it talked about inclusivity for all; however, as it turns out, it's a black person's point of view of mainly white audience. I was disappointed that it is still a black vs. white conversation, when there are so many shades in between. If I wanted to learn more discrimination against American blacks, there are already many other books for that. I am a non-black minority, and I work with many minority groups who are either mixed race or non-black minorities. I thought this book would discuss inclusivity more in details, but it didn't. I also wanted to learn how to avoid racial or cultural pitfalls, but it didn't really discuss that in details either. If other parties blunder, roasting them in public wouldn't be the best way to correct the course I would think - no one wants negative public attention.
I did feel it did a good job regarding educating our children to be color-aware and not color-blind at the end of the book. Overall, this book might be great if you are black and want to rage against white and/or other privileged citizens. It wasn't for me. Also, I found the cover misleading.

A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided courtesy of NetGalley and Hachette Audio. Opinions stated herein are my own. Thank you so much!

[thosemeddlingkids · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really glad this was my first read of the year. Been wanting to up my non-fiction reads and this was a great re-education and deeper dive into bias detection and follow up.

I appreciated that there was a balance of case studies and data included along with pop culture moments and personal stories from the author. She mentions working as a DEI consultant and includes examples of topics brought up during corporate trainings that hit home.

In no particular order, some things that stuck with me:

- Figuring out is someone is intrinsically or extrinsically motivated and using that to incorporate into education. Ie - does someone feel internally disappointed in themselves if they say/do something biased and make a change because they don't want to feel that feeling again. does someone not want to be perceived as being biased and will make a change because of their outward appearance? No two people have the same motivations, and accepting that different methods may need to be used to meet people where they're at.

- Corporate businesses seeing the bottom line of biases reducing productivity and profit, hence why many include DEI or "culture" within the company - for the bottom line of making money.
So many studies and social experiments unintentionally putting white people as the focal point of DEI studies. They're the control in a study without also testing a group of all non-white people. Systemic racism still being woven into diversity.

- Calling out bais, how different ways of pointing something out (passively, confrontational, kindly, etc) can impact if the message is received and if change is made.

- "Color blindness" verses "color consciousness" and how much of sponges kids are.


I have a bunch more items listed out, and will probably revisit this one.
ARC provided by netgalley.

[*BookarazziBookNook* Kristin B · Rating 5 out of 5]

🤎𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀🤎

𝗣𝘂𝗯 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: 1/8/26

𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: audiobook 🎧/ ebook 📖
🗣️ Narrated by Evelyn R. Carter (🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️)

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆: This non fiction/self help/political book explores everyday interactions and situations that may carry hidden racial biases, helping readers recognize and confront them. Through personal anecdotes and practical insights, it offers guidance for fostering awareness and meaningful conversations about race.

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
🤎 Defining racism and racial bias
🤍 Everyday and lived experience examples
💛 Tools to call out bias and start discussions
🧡 Self reflection exercises

𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: I really enjoyed this one. It’s down to earth but packed with insight. I loved the real world examples and clear definitions that make it easy to spot bias in everyday situations. The book doesn’t just point out problems it actually shows you how to talk about race with friends, family, and coworkers in a way that’s thoughtful but not intimidating. I found the advice on calling out bias when you see it super practical, and the sections on using white privilege for positive change gave me a lot to think about. I also appreciated the focus on helping kids develop non-biased thinking from an early age—it makes the lessons feel really actionable and hopeful. Overall, it’s the kind of book that sticks with you and actually gives you tools to make a difference.

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

💬 𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐧𝐨𝐧-𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐦𝐢𝐱 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡?

*Thank you @NetGalley and @HatchetteAudio/@LittleBrown for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

#WasThatRacist

[erica x · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a cultural moment where discussions about race and equality are still unfortunately polarising, Carter gives us a grounded and evidence-based toolkit that encourages us to confront uncomfortable conversations with curiosity over defensiveness. The first-hand experiences of a black woman, with a PhD in the subject she's writing about makes this book even more so valuable.

Many of the experiences Carter writes about are so infuriatingly accurate and serve well in quite literary proving her point of how white comfort continues to try and trump (no pun intended but if the shoe fits) meaningful progress towards anti-racism.

I would say this book is more suited for readers new to anti-racism work or those who would like clear frameworks on how to start discussions rather than those of us with lived experience of racism. However with that being said, everyone would benefit from the tools and self reflection work Carter sets out. This book is a huge reminder of just how deep subconscious racial bias lies.

The audiobook's narration, pacing and delivery deserve 5 stars, very easy to follow, even the parts explaining research. I really enjoyed listening and it's a book I know I will reach for again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for a free copy of this book in return for my honest review.

[Helen Wu ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Taiwanese American, racism is something I think about often. I have experienced it myself and witnessed uncomfortable moments at work, yet I am still unsure what to say or when to speak up. I avoid conflict and worry about offending people, which is why this book stayed with me. What I appreciated most is how it normalizes discomfort while still emphasizing accountability and inclusion. Carter shows that holding people accountable can come from care, not confrontation, and that challenging bias is a skill we can practice rather than something you either have or do not.

Hence, I find myself enjoying asking tough questions to friends who grew up in different backgrounds and racial groups than me, because honest conversations are where real learning happens. This book reinforced why reading outside our comfort zone matters. The more we engage with thoughtful, research grounded perspectives like this, the more we grow as individuals, as communities, and as a society.

Side note, I am deeply grateful for the Goodreads book community for reigniting my love for reading.

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette audio for the ALC!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was That Racist? is a clear, engaging, and deeply needed guide for this moment. Evelyn Carter writes with so much expertise and clarity, and it shows on every page. At a time when DEI work is facing loud pushback, she makes a compelling argument for why it matters and offers practical tools for readers who want to do better and understand more.

I found the chapter on decentering whiteness especially powerful. Carter discusses how the business case for diversity often frames white people and companies as the ones who benefit, which reinforces the same systems we are trying to undo. Her reminder that "white people must let go of the belief that every space should be tailored to them" really stayed with me.

This is thoughtful, research-informed, and genuinely useful. A strong resource for anyone committed to equity and ready to keep learning

Thank you to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for the advance copy!

[Denisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Hachette Audio for the ARC of this audiobook. "Was That Racist?" is a clear, practical, and highly engaging guide to detecting, interrupting, and unlearning racial bias in everyday life, grounded in both social science research and lived experience. Carter structures the book around real-world scenarios and concrete scripts, making it feel more like a toolkit than a purely theoretical text, which helps readers move from awareness to action.

Hearing Carter narrate her own work is a major strength; her voice, inflection, and strategic pauses reinforce her points and make difficult topics easier to process and sit with emotionally. Even as a Black woman already immersed in conversations about racism, there is still plenty to learn here, particularly in her nuanced discussion of decentering whiteness, holding people accountable with care, and equipping children and adults alike to recognize and challenge bias in everyday interactions.

[Emily | bookwhispererem · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Was That Racist?” is an important read for those of all backgrounds, but is perhaps especially critical for white people, whether you are a longtime activist or just beginning your journey in exploring race relations and learning how to do and be better during a tumultuous time where DEI efforts are under constant threat. No matter what stage you are at in life, there are so many nuggets of wisdom, empowering personal anecdotes, opportunities for learning and growth, and interesting research packed into this short, digestible book. It’s one that I believe I will need to read more than once to truly get from it all that it has to offer. Is it an uncomfortable read at times? Yes, and that’s absolutely the point. Carter does an excellent job at addressing issues, biases, and mindsets head on, while providing a toolkit for how we, as a society, can contribute in creating a better world.

Thank you to Evelyn R. Carter, Hachette Audio, & NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars.*

Confronted with the events of the past 12 months and honestly realizing that systematic racism and sexism are at the heart of so much of the current administration's pushback to policies that terrify, I have been wanting to return to an active pursuit of furthering my anti-racist education.

Was That Racist is a next step (or a really good first one if this is your first awakening) into facing our own internal biases. Recognizing them is essential to moving toward erasing them, or at a very minimum owning and confronting our own failures to do better.

Maya Anjelou said "Do the best you can until you know better, then when you know better do better." I'll keep learning so that I can do better.

I really enjoyed the frank and graceful narration by the author and I appreciate her continuing to educate and encourage white people to face our internalized racism.

*with thanks to NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for this honest review.

[Lexi readingwhilehot · Rating 5 out of 5]

So grateful to the author and publishers for giving us this work! As a white therapist, I encounter many well intentioned folks who will benefit from this book! It’s not quite entry level, perfect for the generation of liberals who were “woken up by George Floyd” and want to continue their bias work. Framing racial justice as a form of self care is what I’ve been WAITING for. I ate this book up. The biggest take for me: the pressure to intervene *correctly* stops us from doing something at all.

Tone is optimistic and grounded in data, most of which after 2020 (so helpful!). We need postures of growth, rather than rules to follow. So many books end with “just don’t shame and blame” but this one actually shows you what it sounds like to interact in a way that does not shame and blame. Miss Evelyn, you have a new fan girl!! Thank you to NetGalley for the free audiobook in exchange for the honest review!

[Laila · Rating 4 out of 5]

The message of this book is powerful, timely, and deeply thought-provoking. I genuinely appreciated what the author was trying to convey, especially how it encourages readers to reflect on the ways we are raising the next generation and how meaningful change in society begins with us.

That said, I struggled with the audiobook format. The narration often felt rushed, with long, run-on sentences that made it difficult to follow and stay engaged. I found myself rewinding frequently just to keep up, which took away from the overall listening experience.

Despite that, I still believe this is an important book, especially given the times we’re living in, and one that many people should read. I plan to reread it in print, as I think the message will resonate even more on the page than it did in audio.

[Books Tea Magic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking, illuminating and pragmatic, Evelyn Carter’s book calls out the biases that we all have to unpack while shining a spotlight on the inherent and systemic biases that have deep roots all around us. The call to actions, including recognizing discomfort of having conversations around racism, white privilege, and the nuances of racial biases, acknowledge the barriers we face, and allow us to see them for what they are — barriers— that while deeply entrenched, can be overcome. With suggestions, tools and powerful data, Carter invites all of us to reflect on our own biases, to talk about them, challenge them and to call out others when we witness racism in a concise non-confrontational way. This is exactly the guidance we need to start moving forward together. Highly recommend.

[John Pinkard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was That Racist? by Evelyn R. Carter is an eye-opening book and helpful for all people learning about relationships and interactions with people of other races. Carter includes a balance of anecdotes from personal experiences and findings from research studies. This balance kept the book engaging. I listened to the audiobook version of Was That Racist?, which was read by the author. The narration quality was top notch. I look forward to hearing more from Carter. Personally, this was an audiobook that I needed to hear.

Thank you to NetGalley, Evelyn R. Carter, and the publisher for the eARC of this audiobook.

[Kailee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic non-fiction about how to identify, approach, and correct biases. This would be a wonderful tool for white folks looking to expand their knowledge of biases and how to do the work to change the perspectives. There is also a lot of helpful information about the most effective ways to recognize biases in others, and how to best confront them without causing extensive distress or embarrassment. Highly recommend for those that want to learn how to help those around them grow and to grow themselves! I think the only problem with this book will be getting it into the hands of those that need it most!

Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette Audio for the chance to listen to this!

[Trevin Sandlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this an insightful exploration into racial bias in its many forms. Like many other white people of my age, I was taught "colorblindness" as an ideal and I felt the author does a wonderful job (along with others I have read or listened to over the years) explaining why not only is that not realistic, it actually goes counter to the "benefit" that it was always supposed to have. This book has a number of research based strategies to increase awareness and combat racial bias as it exists in our world. I particularly liked the section on raising children. 4 stars.

[Luna and Co · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be recommending this book to so many people. It was an easy read, lots of examples, simple to follow but still had so much content, including statistics. I finished it with better ideas of how to intervene in situations where I've always wondered if I was doing the right thing. I also really enjoyed the section about kids, there are some simple things I will be implementing with my kid. The narrator did a good job making the audiobook enjoyable.


Thank you, Netgalley and Hachette Audio | Media for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Susie Dumond · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to learn how to disrupt racial bias in yourself and others, this is a good place to start! Social psychologist Evelyn R. Carter offers clear steps for learning to recognize racism in everyday life and tips for pushing back against it. It has a certain corporate DEI workshop essence to it (which makes sense, Carter is also a DEI consultant!), but it's super accessible for folks looking for a way into anti-racist activism.