A review by cosmicbookworm
The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee

5.0

“The Sum of Us,” by Heather McGhee, is a thought-provoking book that explores the destructive impact of racism on American society. McGhee examines how racism has not only harmed marginalized communities but has also inflicted deep wounds on the collective well-being of the entire country.

McGhee looks at our economic policies, healthcare, infrastructure, and education and reveals how racist beliefs and policies have produced and perpetuated a zero-sum mindset. This zero-sum thinking convinces many that gains for one group equate to losses for another, ultimately undermining social progress and shared prosperity. “The Sum of Us” serves to debunk this narrow-minded approach.

Drawing on detailed research (see the impressive notes section and interview list!), personal narratives, and economic analysis, McGhee demonstrates how this zero-sum paradigm has hindered progress and presents a compelling case for dismantling this harmful belief system. She advocates for a more inclusive, equitable approach that recognizes that when one population (such as an immigrant or minority group) flourishes, society benefits.

Through rich storytelling and compelling arguments, “The Sum of Us” challenges readers to confront the damaging effects of racism and to imagine a future where racial solidarity leads to a stronger, more prosperous society for all of us.

This book hit my TBR list this month as I started to prepare for https://unitingthroughhistory.org/pro...
online December 27 event. The History Book Club meets at 7 PM CT on the last Wednesday of each month via Zoom. I participated for the first time in November of this year. If you are interested in participating sign up for the Uniting Through History email, on their website, so you will be notified about the Zoom call on the 27th. If you haven't read the book, you can get through it in about 9 hours via Audible or Spotify to prepare for the discussion. Rachelle Chase is an excellent discussion host.