An incredible work of historical scholarship, yet also written accessibly for anyone interested in understanding the vital history of racist ideas in America. Completely made me rethink my own relationship to racist thinking and even my understanding of what racist thinking is/was. As things moved closer to present day, more and more of Kendi’s personal feeling came through the writing, but I don’t think this is a bad thing—this is history he personally lived and the platonic ideal of the invisible author has often obscured racist thinking in the past. Really outstanding nonfiction and a must read for all.

Also, I read part of this on audio and part in print. I liked both, but preferred the print overall.