Entertaining Race: Performing Blackness in America by Michael Eric Dyson is an insightful and thought-provoking collection of essays that spans over three decades. The book delves into the multifaceted ways in which Black performance and presence have shaped American culture and politics. Dyson examines the historical and contemporary significance of Black identity, exploring how African Americans have had to "entertain race" by engaging with racial dynamics in various aspects of life, from popular culture to political activism.

While the book is not a novel with fictional characters, Dyson's essays feature real-life figures who have influenced and embodied the performance of Blackness in America. These include cultural icons, political leaders, and everyday individuals who navigate the complexities of racial identity. The central themes of the book revolve around racial performance, identity, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Dyson argues that Black people have had to perform race as a means of survival and resistance, showcasing their resilience and creativity in the face of systemic oppression.

Entertaining Race: Performing Blackness in America is a powerful and enlightening work that offers a profound exploration of Black identity and performance. Michael Eric Dyson's eloquent and incisive essays provide valuable insights into the complexities of race in America, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the cultural and political dimensions of Blackness. Despite its occasional academic density, the book's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a significant contribution to contemporary racial discourse.

Dr. Dyson is back with his amazing words of wisdom and a voice that is so needed in this day and age. We are given a comprehensive lesson in the way African Americans have shaped politics and culture in this country. This was such a great read. I enjoyed it from beginning to end.

I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. It was a slow read at first, There were some subjects in the earlier subjects that could have been omitted. The Beyonce vs Michael Jackson seemed unnecessary to me. The book did get better after I left The Arts section. My favorite sections were The Life of The Mind, Talk Back & Publics. Michael Eric Dyson, as usual, displays a beautiful arrangement of words that always adds a special element to his literary work.

Thank you for the opportunity to preview this book.

"...a teacher who preaches, a preacher who teaches and an activist who cannot rest until all are set free."―Senator Raphael Warnock

It is impossible to read this book and not hear Dyson speaking in your ear. This book is a collection of essays and letters, or perhaps a better description would be sermons. They are powerful, moving, and thought-provoking. Dyson doing what he does best... preaching, teaching, and putting the reader firmly on the path of activism, because you cannot read and not be motivated to do something. I simply loved the essays on Rev Al Sharpton and Dr Kendi... they filled me with such joy and my love for these two amazing gentlemen grew significantly. Dyson also introduced me to some voices that were lesser known to me - a white woman who is a bit clueless - to the phenomena that is Beyoncé.

If you desire to challenge yourself to view the world from a different perspective, this is an excellent starting point. If you feel like you have a broader perspective... this book will widen that perspective in a profound way. I highly recommend Entertaining Race.

I would like to thank Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC.