How to Be an Antiracist (Kendi) - Book Reviews

Book Reviews
[A]nother stunner of a book that is in some ways [Kendi's] previous work’s natural counterpart…. Kendi offers up a wrenching examination of the evolution of his [own racism]…. While acknowledging the reality of racism in contemporary life, Kendi wants to free us from using tainted ideas to stigmatize people and support policies that define others as inferior…. What emerges from these insights is the most courageous book to date on the problem of race in the Western mind, a confessional of self-examination that may, in fact, be our best chance to free ourselves from our national nightmare.
New York Times Book Review


Kendi… displays an admirable independence and candor. Though he situates himself far to the left among black activist intellectuals, he is unafraid to say things likely to singe the sensibilities of many of his potential followers…. Kendi’s book suffers, alas, from major flaws.… In the most obtuse pages, Kendi condemns standardized testing, disparages the significance of what should be alarming racial patterns in academic achievement gaps…. His polemic is littered with misleading red herrings, as when he says that implicit in the idea of academic achievement gaps, as measured by statistical instruments like test scores and dropout rates, is a conviction that the qualities measured by such criteria constitute  the only form of academic "achievement’'…  Despite misgivings about various features of How to Be an Antiracist, we should fervently hope to see more work from Kendi in the months and years to come.
Washington Post


(Starred review) [A] boldly articulated, historically informed explanation of what exactly racist ideas and thinking are…. His prose is thoughtful, sincere, and polished. This powerful book will spark many conversations.
Publishers Weekly


(Starred review) [A] sharp blend of social commentary and memoir….  [Kendi offers] potent explorations of race, gender, colorism, and more… [and] his willingness to turn the lens on himself marks him as a courageous activist, leading the way to a more equitable society.
Library Journal


[S]ome terms are confusing and feel labored…. And his descriptions of his life… seem structured to set himself up as proof of his sociological declaratives…. Kendi does… inspire readers to consider whether ignorance or self-interest drives racist policies into reality.
Booklist


(Starred review) Kendi methodically examines racism through numerous lenses: power, biology, ethnicity, body, culture, and so forth…. This unsparing honesty helps readers, both white and people of color, navigate this difficult intellectual territory. Not an easy read but an essential one.
Kirkus Reviews