I announced last month my reading plans for the next few months, but most importantly I wanted you all to know about some great subscription boxes out there offering some unique and diverse contents including literary work and products with stories that are often excluded from mainstream platforms or even sometimes marginalised and blurred when it comes to addressing some important issues in society. As I mentioned in my previous post I feel that this would be a great way to celebrate and even discover some original authentic products and literary work that are not always as well known or celebrated as much as they should. I found the brand our liberty box to be doing just that and today I want to share a bit more on the current book that I have just finished reading from their monthly subscription box.
On the topic of addressing important issues in society this month’s book “Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race” puts the subject of racism right on the table and despite its controversial title does, in fact, speak and elaborate a lot on the issue of racism in Britain. I have to start by saying how much of an easy read the book is. I found it to be very accessible. I don’t know whether Reni Eddo-Lodge (The author) had a thought to herself that went a bit like “Hmm how do I break down such a complex issue to people?”. Whether she did or did not, it worked! Because her intentions in this book are very clear to all readers, and as much as anyone would like to criticise the book there are some hard truths in this book that everyone needs to wake up to. She mentions some very strong and propelling cases of structural racism which undeniably continues to exist and has existed throughout history benefitting white people. Reni challenges “colour blindness” a notion that I personally also find ridiculous as it does as Reni mentions turn the table to make the discussion about white people without actually dealing with the real issue of racism.
As a firm believer in dialogue and conversation, I think this book does a remarkable job in having a very genuinely bold conversation that people need to be having. Engaging in such conversations is the only way for anyone to gain knowledge and learn from the experiences of others that may not always affect their own day-to-day lives. You become aware of the life beyond your own. I’m certain that there are many who still don’t even grasp the concept or experience of racism. If you are benefiting from a system that allows you thrive and gives you the upper edge in life because of your race why would you need to?
In saying this, perspectives like this may often sound like a generalisation, however, at the same time it doesn’t make cases of racism any less valid as the truth is that there are inherently large gaps in society that continuously lead to the subjugation of minorities racism therfore is not just an issue of the past that I have heard some people mention it’s also an issue of today, and we need to in the words of the title of box edition “Chip away” racist and oppressive structures and fight it by challenging it and being more open to having conversation that don’t always sound like what we want to hear.
So far, I’m enjoying receiving my reading via our liberty box. It felt like I jumped right from the historical set of last month’s homegoing origins box to a contemporary period of dealing with relevant race issues within the diasporas and other minority groups in Britain. What will next month’s theme be? You will have to find out in my next post. For now, let me know your thoughts. Have you read the book? I would love to hear from you.
Do visit our liberty box page and support their great work and don’t forget to use my discount code in order to benefit from a 15% discount simply type TINA15 at checkout. Treat yourself!
Thought provoking – thanx for this
Great review, Sounds intriguing
It definitely sounds like an interesting book, to say the least. It is really important in the day and age that we live in that dialogues like this are open and heard.
Do people really have a conversation anymore. This would be an interesting read and discussion.
I havent read these books but tury Śrem like done serious positions ?
I haven’t been reading a lot lately, but I’m looking for books to read this summer. I enjoyed your review, it really sounds like a good read.
This seems like such a great way to get books! Also, I think “Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race” sounds like an incredible read. I love books that start conversations about important topics!
I’ve seen this book around a lot and have had a few friends recommend it to me. I’m a huge book nerd, and definitely want to check it out!
The liberty box sounds like a great scheme to gets books. I am glad you enjoyed reading this book, it is a really great one to be out in the world right now!
This is the first time I heard about book subscription book! Like you get a chance to choose your title, and delivered it to you, or like a surprise book inside? Anyway, this is awesome!
I have seen this book already and I thought it must be an awesome reading! Thanks for this review!
Good read. I haven’t really had my reading time the past few months and I might start with these kinds of books.
This is a great discount code, thanks for sharing it. I might even use it to get this very exact book as it has got me thinking now and more curious about it.