Interesting and insightful, this book would be helpful for anyone trying to overcome unconscious bias. It is also helpful in explaining how people become biased based on race.

What an incredible book. Susan Cousins gives us in this book what is missing in almost every book about race. She focuses on the effect racism has on well-being. Once you read this book it's as if every other book on racism makes more sense-- and then you are left wondering why this hasn't been discussed in those books!

The book is well written, engaging and reads quickly. Once you finish the first chapter it will be hard to put it down!

The publisher provided an ARC through Netgalley. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts

This book was powerful for unpacking racism. The writing is accessible for all readers regardless of experience or understanding. Regardless of race, this is a must read. Nonfiction texts can be dry, but the infusion of case studies made the content very relatable.

Modern western society is a melting pot of different cultures, races and religion. Unfortunately this diversity can sometimes promulgate racism and discrimination against ethnic minority groups, that occurs in everyday settings at work, school and the mainstream community in general. This is hurtful and divisive, leaving individuals from ethnic minority groups wanting to withdraw and protect themselves from the majority group. Consequently psychological issues such as mental illness may manifest due to feelings of low self esteem, rejection, isolation, anxiety and depression.

Susan Cousins is an experienced Senior Counsellor and Equality and Diversity Project Officer at Cardiff University in the UK. Who has worked with individuals from different cultures, religions and ethnic groups for more than twenty years. Cousins also writes from a personal perspective as she is of South Indian origins, adopted into a multi racial family living in the UK.

It is from her professional and deeply personal experiences of racism and rejection, she intimately shares with the reader that helped shape her book. Her motivation is to assist people from ethnic minority groups to overcome racism that may occur in their everyday life, by providing the necessary tools and skills to self reflect, grow and accept themselves the way they are. Overall Cousins aims to improve their psychological wellbeing.

For the intentions of her book Cousins has hesitantly chosen to use the term, BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) as it is most commonly accepted amongst this particular demographic.

The crux of Cousins book is based on Carol Ryff’s (1989) Six-factor Model of Psychological Wellbeing such as self-acceptance, positive relations with others and purpose in life. Sub topics such as the influence of religion for the individual is also explored. Cousins provides opportunities for self reflection and examples of case studies to illustrate her points.

Cousins book would be most suited as a guide for individuals from minority ethnic groups who want to explore how to overcome racism and develop resilience in a therapeutic setting. It is also suitable for BAME individuals who want to privately do self reflection or for non-BAME individuals who want to help and understand individuals better who are from a BAME demographic.

Cousins book is an engaging, simple and clearly written book, that is also very insightful as it takes the reader on a journey of understanding what and who has shaped their thoughts and life. Additionally, Overcoming Everyday Racism encourages the reader to pause and delve deep down to reflect about why they behave and react to racism in a particular way. Leaving the reader with a better understanding of themselves, to feel mentally stronger, resilient and armed with the necessary tools to manage encounters of racism.

This review was published on PH-Tribune.