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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
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
jbkep's review against another edition
4.0
Well written, and well read, by the author. He had a very conversational voice. The downside with listening came when he would refer back to something earlier in the text, such as the quote or question at the beginning of each chapter. Also made it more difficult to find the 'for further reading' he included since I was often not near paper and pencil.
I don't know that I agreed with everything the author said, but I guess that's not really a surprise. Whether I agreed or not, it was interesting to hear his viewpoint on all the subjects. I especially liked the section at the end that was more Questions White People Ask. All in all, a good book.
I don't know that I agreed with everything the author said, but I guess that's not really a surprise. Whether I agreed or not, it was interesting to hear his viewpoint on all the subjects. I especially liked the section at the end that was more Questions White People Ask. All in all, a good book.
naharobed's review against another edition
3.0
I first heard of Emmanuel Acho through his Youtube series of the same title where he has different white people come on and ask him questions they’ve always had but were too afraid to ask regarding race and black people. This is definitely an introductory level book in terms of accessibility and content. It’s written in a very conversational, casual way. I like the format of the book, each chapter starts with a real question Acho has been sent/asked. There’s little to no historical facts or statistics, but instead it’s a more general take on common misconceptions. As someone who’s read many incredible books on race by this point, this book came off a little redundant to me. I appreciate what the author aims to do with this book, but for me personally I didn’t learn anything new or gain more insight.