Thank you to Catapult Press and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!

Available October 6th 2020

In her debut book "White Tears/ Brown Scars", Ruby Hamad paints a sharp, cutting critique of white feminism and its complicity in colonialism worldwide. As a follow up to her divisive Guardian article, Hamad addresses each and every minority group, from Australian indigenous women to East Asian and black women in the US to South Asian women in the UK. With this wide focus, Hamad shows how toxic white femininity is truly an issue that spans the globe. While the book does contain historical examples, Hamad spends a considerable amount of time on office place politics as well as defining theory. That being said, at times the book can almost feel too encompassing leading a reader to get lost. The part I enjoyed the most was Hamad's breakdown of contemporary feminist moments like BBQ Becky or AOC's career and relate it to historical and theoretical context. If these were organized into discrete chapters, the book might have flowed just a bit better! Overall, an enjoyable and validating read for women of color and an eye-opening read for white women.

If I could fill this review of Ruby Hamad's "White Tears/Brown Scars" with fire emojis, I would, but since I can't I will start by saying that this is a book that every white woman who considers herself a feminist or an ally to people of color should read. "White Tears/Brown Scars" details how white women have been complicit in the upholding of white supremacy since the founding of the United States and in other Euro-centric nations. It focuses on the oppression of different groups of people of color from Aboriginals to black women to women from (mis-named) Far and Near East backgrounds. Although women's marches were not mentioned in this book, I couldn't help but make a connection between the content therein and largely white female representation at the marches in which organizer initiatives excluded black and brown women. This book serves as an excellent extension to understanding and acting on the topics described in Robin DiAngelo's "White Fragility." I found myself re-reading parts of this book so I could get the full breadth of what Hamad is saying. I hope Hamad publishes many more books, but until then, start with this book and absorb everything it says.