Just Us: An American Conversation

I am still working my way through this book. I am white and even with being married to a black man for over 43 years (knew him over 50 yrs) and being sensitive to the dichotomies of race and sex in America, I am challenged personally in some way with each chapter. I love the author, Claudia Rankine, for demanding this of me. It’s taking me longer to finish because I explore references she makes, and find myself studying up on history I learned, but have forgotten or never learned and am now learning about. I’m glad I own this “heavy” book, so I can reread and refer back to. I recommend Just Us for anyone who wants to learn about their own ‘selves’ in relation to others.

I am already a fan of Ms Rankine. She presents for me some thought provoking questions. She brings some compelling perspective and includes the receipts, the reference sources. She delivers it with a particularly satisfying prose style.

Beautifully written and researched. As a Black woman, I believe Professor Rankine's work is an essential piece to be included in all educational settings where truth and understanding are sought. Her courage to share with the world her reality, personal narrative, knowledge and experiences is the greatest gift I have had the privilege to receive.

I’m not good at finishing non-fiction books, but this one is holding my interest. I appreciate the first person focus and the author’s sharing of her experiences are helping me to be even more mindful of the racism that is so deeply instilled in our culture.

I could not put this book down. I felt as if I was having an extended conversation with a real, brilliant, sometimes confused, looking for answers--friend. We should all be carrying her questions, concerns, and answers during this time.

I cry as I finish this, an eloquent, insightful, first-person view of our racist world, its white privilege, its micro-aggressions, its villains, and its heroes...

The book is an unusually powerful journey through the author's life, as an Afro-American woman and the challenges experienced as she sees and experiences the various obstacles that confront her. Worthwhile and deep, the book rewards a thoughtful read.

Also a wonderful opportunity for deep self-reflection and achieving a new perspective as we move forward.

Prompted by an article on Radio 4 a short while ago, I sent for Just Us to explore Claudia Rankine's work further and have much appreciated her revealing and forthright views.Thank you to Blackwells for their prompt service as usual.

Enjoyed this book, would recommend