Member Reviews

I am going to be in the minority here, but I felt like it was a slog to get through this book. I listened to it at 1.75-2x speed and could understand everything clearly, and I still thought it was way too long.

As others have said, this book is not for someone who is just starting their anti-racism journey. So much of this book felt like a lecture or sermon about all the things people who are dedicated to anti-racism work shouldn’t do. While the author talks about how shame doesn’t work, I felt a little bit like she was shaming people for anything she thought was the “wrong” way to do anti-racism work. She talks a lot about anti-racism work being about building relationships and open lines of communication, which I agree is the best way. But I’m not sure that’s news to too many people. Idk. I just feel like this could’ve benefited from some paring down.

My own pet peeve/annoyance - how many times did she use the word “tarry” in this book?!?

I nearly DNF’d this starting at 20%. If you’ve done any homework on anti-racism, I’d skip this.

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This was a really informative and interesting read! It could be really good for people who are approaching intersectionality and anti-racism.

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This audiobook is amazing. I appreciated all the great details and information. The narrator was wonderful and easy to listen to!

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I appreciate an author narrating their work, but I just didn’t love the audio narration for this- it kind of dragged. Lots of good tips and reading recommendations overall, but I don’t feel this is for a “newbie” activist and it’s definitely applicable for certain people in certain places more than others. I think I’d rather have had an article than a full book.

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Well read. This genre is so important and we need to continue to produce anti-racism books. The world needs it more than ever.

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Thank you to @netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the chance to review Antiracism as a Daily Practice by Jennifer Harvey. This is an extremely timely book, well-written in a way that is honest yet vulnerable. The reader is prompted to take action - for example, to do an audit of the voices they listen to and to consider a racial experience and to ponder how things might have gone differently. The author describes how one can move beyond white fragility to do the work of bringing about change. Harvey references other important social justice work, and reminded the reader that “anger is a sign some part of our humanity is still intact… is being activated”. Excellent storytelling requires that the reader look at systems of racism and consider how they can make change starting an individual level. Narration by the author was excellent.

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I felt that author Jennifer Harvey challenged readers to look inward at themselves, and within their community, when applying antiracism practices in their lives. Through personal experiences, even ones that don't paint Harvey in a great light, she was able to show that not being racist isn't enough in a society where racism is everywhere. I appreciated that she challenges societal norms and she gave examples of how to speak about the topic to those closest to you. She was also willing to cut herself off from family who don't respect her values, and I think that is important. The internet, and social media, has given a platform for extremism and racism and we must now work to deplatform them. This doesn't mean you go in guns blazing, as Harvey points out; but sometimes it does mean you stop giving them an ear. A lot of thoughts and research went into this book and it shows. The human connection is strong. And as a narrator I thought Harvey did a great job with pacing and tone.

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the gifted ALC.

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This book was very helpful as I am a social worker working in schools. I felt like the author tied in her life experiences well to the research that was also presented in the book!

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This was compelling and delves into the essential journey of white individuals working towards antiracism within their own communities. This is not a manual, but Harvey provides a nuanced guide that recognizes the absence of a universal blueprint for antiracist work.

Through personal anecdotes and shared experiences, she paints a vivid picture of the frequent missteps and learning moments encountered along the path to antiracism. Her narrative leaves listeners with a profound understanding of the complex and often messy nature of this work.

While the author’s personal narration adds an intimate touch, I would have in this case preferred the polish of a professional narrator. However, hearing Harvey’s own voice imbues the audiobook with a unique authenticity and passion that deeply enriches the experience.

This is an incredible resource to get the mind and conversations moving!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing the eARC of this audiobook in exchange for a fair and honest review!

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I come away from this book with mixed emotions. On the one hand, the author makes several points that will stick with me forever, and grants a lot of hope in the antiracism journey of white people. I love its insistence on organization, I love that it calls out inaction in a movement where showing up is required, I love that it discusses the catharsis of accountability, I love the difficult acknowledgements about white spaces and how we must pry ourselves out of them. The encouragement toward active participation of our white selves, as opposed to just reading about racism, is one that continues throughout the book; it serves as a pertinent reminder to those of us who have settled into a more academic, almost voyeuristic view of antiracism.

On the other hand, I don't think I would ever recommend this to a white person at the beginning of that antiracism journey. Frankly, I don't think I'd even mention this book to another white person until I felt absolutely confident in the progress of their internal deconstruction of white supremacy. While this book's reasons are nuanced and there is value in its perspective, there is so much encouragement to eschew the teachings of books like "White Fragility" in order to embrace our emotions as white people in the face of the realities of racism. There is also, for me, an uncomfortable level of compassion and empathy paid to perpetrators of both racial and gender violence - both similar to and including the rhetoric of, "The patriarchy also hurts men :(".

"Racism also hurts white people too" and "white fragility isn't bad, actually" in the way that is expressed here does have its place in the white-centric antiracist conversation, but it feels dangerous to place in the hands of white people who haven't sat down and truly confronted those things yet. It feels very, "You need to learn the rules before you break them." Otherwise, you're just kind of telling a bunch of white people how important their emotions are, and how white tears shouldn't be scrutinized to the point of shame, which... is not something most white people need to be convinced of.

There's some good food for thought here, and it was an engaging read, but one that should be absorbed with a lot of previous unpacking.

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This was a very well written and well narrated (by the author) book discussing and working through the nuances and complexities experienced by white Americans attempting to incorporate antiracism into daily life.

The author leverages her own missteps in her journey from passive non-racist to active anti-racist as learning lessons for the reader, as well as to show connection: you’re not alone in struggling with the right way to proceed. The overwhelming message to me is that it is not BIPOC’s responsibility to teach white Americans how to be antiracist, and you have to get uncomfortable to drive change. It’s imperative to be receptive to feedback, acknowledge the impact of shame, and look for opportunities in your sphere of influence to create boundaries and drive change.

While some sections I felt were a bit long and/or anecdotal, the author did a great job staying focused on the topic without overwhelming the reader with a bombardment of statistics. Real life examples and experiences, and recommendations for additional reading, kept the book moving and interesting without veering off-topic. I enjoyed the narration, though I think the pace could be a little faster. I will recommend this book to others.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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As a white woman, I really appreciated this book. It gave good suggestions of how to be supportive, and work towards a just world. I would read it again and I recommend it for us white folks who need help knowing how to support and come alongside.

Thank you for writing it, and thank you NetGalley for th ARC.

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This was not for me.

Things I liked:
I really enjoyed all the reference materials she directed the reader to.

Things I disliked:
The narration.
The author chose to read this herself and I feel it would have been served better by a professional narrator.
The author mispronounced words and had lots of awkward pauses mid sentence.
It really threw the whole experience off for me and I had trouble focusing on the words with such a distraction in the narration.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for my ALC.

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Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC in audiobook format.

In Antiracism as Daily Practice, Jennifer Harvey offers a compelling and transformative guide for white individuals committed to the ongoing work of antiracism. As both the author and narrator, Harvey’s voice brings an added layer of authenticity and urgency to the audiobook, making it a powerful listening experience.

Harvey’s approach is practical and deeply personal. Drawing from her own journey and missteps in antiracist work, she provides a framework that is accessible yet challenging. The book is structured around actionable steps that white people can take in their daily lives to combat racism, emphasizing the importance of turning beliefs into behaviors. Harvey’s vulnerability in sharing her own experiences creates a relatable and inspiring narrative that encourages listeners to confront their own biases and take meaningful action.

One of the standout aspects of this audiobook is Harvey’s ability to balance empathy with accountability. She acknowledges the discomfort and emotional labor involved in antiracist work, yet she does not shy away from the necessity of this work for creating a just world. Her discussions on the roles of grief, anger, and shame are particularly insightful, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of the emotional landscape of antiracism.

The narration by Harvey herself adds a personal touch that enhances the overall impact of the book. Her passion and commitment to the subject matter are palpable, making the listening experience both engaging and thought-provoking. The audiobook format allows for a more intimate connection with the content, as Harvey’s voice guides listeners through the complexities of antiracist practice.

Antiracism as Daily Practice is not just a book; it’s a call to action. Harvey provides practical tools and strategies for building antiracist communities, fostering intellectual flexibility, and leveraging personal influence to effect change. This audiobook is an essential resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of antiracism and commit to daily practices that contribute to a more equitable society.

Jennifer Harvey’s Antiracism as Daily Practice is a must-listen for those ready to engage in the hard but necessary work of dismantling racism. Harvey’s honest and heartfelt narration makes this audiobook a powerful tool for personal and communal transformation. Whether you’re new to antiracism or looking to deepen your practice, this audiobook offers valuable insights and practical guidance to help you on your journey.

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I found this book to be really interesting. I think it would pair well with other anti-racist works. While I think just about anyone could benefit from this book, it would most appeal to a particular audience. Harvey does approach her anti-racism work with a religious lens, and I understand that can be offputting to some. However, I found it to be helpful and interesting. I also don't think this is a starter book, Harvey assumes some understanding of anti-racist works, so I would suggest reading this one in addition to other works.

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I predict that the long-term transformational impact this book will have on my life will be astounding. I’m thinking about it non-stop, and it’s motivating me to take action. It has answered so many questions I’ve had for years. I’m honestly in awe.

ALL THE STARS ⭐️

Huge thank you to Jennifer Harvey, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for my advanced review audio copy!

#antiracismasdailypractice #jenniferharvey #dreamscapemedia

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I don’t read non-fiction books very often let alone rate them. However I thought this book was a great read. It felt very informative and thought provoking. I loved the connections made between religion and liberation. I also loved all the mentions of Marie Adrienne Brown. I recently graduated with my masters in social work and experiencing this book felt like I was back in class, in the best way. I really enjoyed the “Take a Next Step” activity at the end of each chapter. Having a prompts was great for challenging beliefs and getting down to the root of where they came from. The chapter on white emotions and “white fragility” was very powerful and something I think a lot of people need to hear. While I don’t think the topics in this book were anything groundbreaking or things that haven’t been approached and discussed before, I do believe it’s a great starting point for some. If you are wanting to start your journey to discover what it means to be anti-racist, I think this book is perfect.

Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for giving me to opportunity to listen to this audio ARC in exchange for my honest review!

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I DNFed this book at 15%. While everyone is welcome to their religious beliefs, I don't particularly want to read about them. I wish the book blurb would have mentioned that it was written by a reverend as her religious views are a main topic, at least in the beginning.

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Important note: This book is a great addition to the library of any aspiring white antiracist but is not the best pick for someone just beginning to learn about DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion). Some of my recommendations for that would; How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi, So You Want to Talk about Race by Ijeoma Oluo, or Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad. After you’ve read some of the great books on race written by black folks, consider revisiting this title.

If you’ve already been exploring the history of white supremacy, how it shows up, and your role in it, this book has some great examples of how you can implement and enact your values in day to day life. Harvey doesn’t shy away from sharing examples of places she’s failed to be the best co-conspirator for change and for her candor I was extremely grateful. She covers how shame, perfectionism, and trust impact white people’s ability to do antiracist work in our own communities. This could be a hard book for some to read but the message is so very important.

Would recommend it to any white person who has read a lot of DEI but still isn’t sure what their place is in creating a more just future for all of us.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this audiobook for review purposes.

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I have never given one star, this is a first for me. I'm biracial ( Black father, White mother) and can't say if I'm disappointed, offended, or enraged. This book basically tells you how to practice reverse racism. Example - when you go to vote pick the Black candidate, not the most qualified or one that supports issues you care about. The author appears to be unaware that ALL ethnic groups can be racist. She hasn't lived in a Black neighborhood as I have, Black's treat each other often worse than White's do; example - you will hear the "n" word daily in casual conversation and disputes. It's also suspect that this is coming out during a year that has a presidential election - Trump and the January 'riot' are periodically mentioned. Treat others the way you want to be treated goes a long way to end racism. I received this from Net Galley for my honest review.

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