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thekatiefu's review against another edition
5.0
Hook ‘em, Emmanuel!
Thank you for this book and video series.
Thank you for this book and video series.
hfayereads's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
svreads's review against another edition
5.0
Stop what you’re doing and go buy or borrow this book now.
This is the book I’ve been searching for, a guide for white people trying to do the work but not knowing how to ask hard questions or initiate potentially uncomfortable conversations with Black friends despite having so many questions I seem answers to about what to do, what not do do, and how to be helpful as an anti-racist.
This is the book I’ve been searching for, a guide for white people trying to do the work but not knowing how to ask hard questions or initiate potentially uncomfortable conversations with Black friends despite having so many questions I seem answers to about what to do, what not do do, and how to be helpful as an anti-racist.
sbn42's review against another edition
3.0
It was readable and had actionable items in each chapter, as well as a longer list at the end. It was a weird book. The author comes from a privileged background, so I kept thinking something was just a little off balance. I can't say that I learned anything new, since I have had uncomfortable conversations for my whole life, intended or not. I think that is part of being curious. It just left me feeling confused.
orizenda's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
4.5
Lots of great resources in here and Acho has a great voice in his writing. This feels like it could be a great starting point to learn more about the specific topics touched on in the book.
immabehazzie's review against another edition
4.0
‘Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man’ is a well-done short book to start your journey on being an ally, understanding white privilege, and the many ways that racism is still alive today. The messages were clear and despite it clearly being written for white people who are curious about certain things pertaining to racism and black culture, many other people of many other races will be able to find a refuge and place of understanding. Emmanuel Acho doesn’t simply answer the tough questions being asked but provides historical context and sources for further reading.
As a biracial woman, I admit that a part of me felt seen when Acho admitted to an identity crisis as a child. You see, many multiracial people have gone through an identity crisis at one point or another and most of the time, at least for me, it is enough to say, “I see you and I understand.” However, on the other hand, ‘Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man’ has a limited perspective on race. Emmanuel Acho can only speak from his perspective, which he admits is limited as a straight black well-to-do man. There were several points, specifically in the chapter of ‘The Angry Black Man’ that I felt that the plight of black women was being overlooked.
I can’t count how many times I have been called an ‘angry black woman’ whether the person was being serious or joking. It still hurts and for that to be overlooked made me feel a certain type of way. He also can’t speak on the suffering of the black queer folk, and he doesn’t try to and I’m glad he doesn’t try to because as a straight man, it would come across as disingenuous or incorrect.
None of this is to say that I think the book is bad. This is to say that this is a book for you to start your journey of being an ally or coming to terms with how you identify yourself. Every chapter is precise and to the point which makes for an effective means of getting his point across. At times it feels repetitive but in the end that doesn’t matter as the end has the intended effect.
I would recommend this book to just about anyone.
As a biracial woman, I admit that a part of me felt seen when Acho admitted to an identity crisis as a child. You see, many multiracial people have gone through an identity crisis at one point or another and most of the time, at least for me, it is enough to say, “I see you and I understand.” However, on the other hand, ‘Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man’ has a limited perspective on race. Emmanuel Acho can only speak from his perspective, which he admits is limited as a straight black well-to-do man. There were several points, specifically in the chapter of ‘The Angry Black Man’ that I felt that the plight of black women was being overlooked.
I can’t count how many times I have been called an ‘angry black woman’ whether the person was being serious or joking. It still hurts and for that to be overlooked made me feel a certain type of way. He also can’t speak on the suffering of the black queer folk, and he doesn’t try to and I’m glad he doesn’t try to because as a straight man, it would come across as disingenuous or incorrect.
None of this is to say that I think the book is bad. This is to say that this is a book for you to start your journey of being an ally or coming to terms with how you identify yourself. Every chapter is precise and to the point which makes for an effective means of getting his point across. At times it feels repetitive but in the end that doesn’t matter as the end has the intended effect.
I would recommend this book to just about anyone.
masonrouser's review against another edition
I feel like it’s inappropriate to rate this because, especially as a white person, this is educational and not necessarily entertainment. I highly recommend it tho, a great start for many who want to learn about the current movement and what they can do as an individual.
skylit's review against another edition
4.0
(Audiobook) written in a easily digestible format. It's a fun, thought provoking read about unasked questions surrounding racism in America