While I've become more familiar with some of the material in this book over the past few years, Celeste Headlee presents the information in an accessible way that supported by empirical research. I would recommend this book to anyone who want to engage in a civil discourse surround race and racism in American today. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced reader copy of this book for an honest review.

Speaking of Race is a gift from Headlee to all of humankind. Everyone should pick this up. That's all that needs to be said.

I really enjoyed Celeste Headlee's journalistic writing style; she weaves research, interviews, and personal narratives together in a really seamless way. I also appreciated Headlee's focus on finding ways into communication by finding common ground - I can see myself referring back to her practical suggestions when I'm trying to approach a difficult conversation with a relative or colleague. She draws from her journalist background there as well, and I can see the effect of interview techniques on her recommendations. The only thing that I didn't completely love here was that I felt like the book might be putting too much of a burden on BIPOC folks or white folks who are already more engaged with issues and conversations about race. I guess the reality of the situation is that these are the people who will be doing the heavy lifting and we might as well acknowledge that, but it's still kind of exhausting to think about all of the conversations like this BIPOC folks would have to lead and suffer through.

Read if you: Want an honest, relatable, and accessible guide to starting or continuing conversations about race.

If you're looking for easy answers or solutions, you won't find it here. (Or anywhere else, probably.) But this is a clear and concise read for those that would like some assurance and guidance.

Librarians/booksellers: Definitely purchase if you need more authentic guides about racial issues.

Many thanks to Harper Wave/Harper Business and NetGalley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.