This book is an excellent primer for people unaware of the many complexities around identity and social issues. If you don't know where to start but want to learn, this book will be great for you. If you are scared to ask or have a conversation with someone, read this book. This book is an excellent gift for your friend or family member who needs to learn more but doesn't know where to start.

Perhaps it should be realized from the title - if a person thinks they can make you smarter by sharing what they know, it probably means they have a very high self-concept. I don't feel like there's anything novel or new in this book - it just reads like someone who enjoys talking about themself preaching to the choir. And it is nice to hear one's beliefs echoed back, the presentation isn't going to change any minds.

There is a lot of great information in this book, but I think it tries to be a little too much. It’s a very brief overview of a lot of topics, with nice personal anecdotes included. This would be a great book to give to someone who is new to these topics as a lovely and gentle introduction, but those looking for depth and a challenge will probably find a different book to suit better.

Thanks to the publisher for the review copy!

This book contains a wealth of information, but that is not what will make readers "get smarter". Blair Imani shares personal anecdotes that demonstrate concepts in a way that readers can relate to and empathize with. She writes with a beautiful honesty.

"Read This to Get Smarter" presents an opportunity for readers to learn about facts and ideas, but also to look within themselves to become more emotionally intelligent. This book is not just for reading, it is a great starting place for discussion and self-reflection.

This title is not accessible to readers whose core values do not align with those presented in the book. The book is too short to really ease people into ideas that they might be unfamiliar or uncomfortable with. There is a lot of information that makes it great for personal reflection, but it should not be the first book in the "reading ladder" for someone who wants to learn more about the topics covered in the book.

One topic that really resonated with me was Blair Imani's clear breakdown of intrapersonal, interpersonal, and systemic racism. Her discussion of the history of racialization as it relates to colonization was powerful, and did in fact make me feel smarter.

The first book for me to read by this author but I will be on the lookout for more for sure! Highly recommend this one!

Blair Imani is one of the clearest, most concise names in the game. I just placed several pre orders to give this book out as a holiday gifts to a handful of relatives who have struggled to keep up with the changing times. Highly, highly recommend.