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Caste
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents | Isabel Wilkerson
The Pulitzer Prize-winning, bestselling author of The Warmth of Other Suns examines the unspoken caste system that has shaped America and shows how our lives today are still defined by a hierarchy of human divisions. "As we go about our daily lives, caste is the wordless usher in a darkened theater, flashlight cast down in the aisles, guiding us to our assigned seats for a performance. The hierarchy of caste is not about feelings or morality. It is about power--which groups have it and which do not." In this brilliant book, Isabel Wilkerson gives us a masterful portrait of an unseen phenomenon in America as she explores, through an immersive, deeply researched narrative and stories about real people, how America today and throughout its history has been shaped by a hidden caste system, a rigid hierarchy of human rankings. Beyond race, class, or other factors, there is a powerful caste system that influences people's lives and behavior and the nation's fate. Linking the caste systems of America, India, and Nazi Germany, Wilkerson explores eight pillars that underlie caste systems across civilizations, including divine will, bloodlines, stigma, and more. Using riveting stories about people--including Martin Luther King, Jr., baseball's Satchel Paige, a single father and his toddler son, Wilkerson herself, and many others--she shows the ways that the insidious undertow of caste is experienced every day. She documents how the Nazis studied the racial systems in America to plan their out-cast of the Jews; she discusses why the cruel logic of caste requires that there be a bottom rung for those in the middle to measure themselves against; she writes about the surprising health costs of caste, in depression and life expectancy, and the effects of this hierarchy on our culture and politics. Finally, she points forward to ways America can move beyond the artificial and destructive separations of human divisions, toward hope in our common humanity. Beautifully written, original, and revealing, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents is an eye-opening story of people and history, and a reexamination of what lies under the surface of ordinary lives and of America life today.
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DebinHawaii
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Finished earlier this week. I‘m trying to get back to reading more non-fiction this year & this month I finally tackled Caste which has been in my TBR for ages. Wilkerson is an amazing writer & this book is both engrossing & infuriating. The comparisons of caste in America, India & Nazi Germany are shattering & I had to read this is short doses at times. The Warmth of Other Suns is loaded on my Kindle as well & I‘ll be getting to it soon.

mcctrish This book changed the way I think 3w
TheBookHippie Oh The Warmth of Other Suns is even better IMO although both excellent necessary reads. 3w
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Anya91
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🙌🏿

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Zoes_Human
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Pickpick

An excellent examination of how and why caste works in our society as well as explaining why it is so damaging. A thoroughly edifying #doublespin read.

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! 3w
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DivineDiana
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Pickpick

It took me a while to finish this, and I am so glad that I did. Kudos to Isabel Wilkerson for a masterful, deeply researched book about the hidden caste system in America. Linking the caste systems of America, India and Nazi Germany, she identifies eight pillars that underlie caste systems across civilizations. You can see by all the markers in my book, that there was so much that I wanted to remember. A must read! #blackhistorymonth

DivineDiana @EKonrad Yes, I loved it! 😊 4w
Tamra This and Warmth have been TBR for me too long! 4w
DivineDiana @tamra They are both wonderful! Such a talent! ❤️ 3w
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ChaoticMissAdventures
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#BlackHistoryMonth Recommendations
Day 20 Nonfiction

Isabel Wilkerson is a fantastic writer, I was incredibly intimidated by her Warmth of Other Suns (which is excellent and not something to be scared of!) so I picked up Caste first, and was absorbed from page one. This is an important look at how the caste system is alive and well in America, the root and history of it and an argument of how it shaped individuals and America in general

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Decalino
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Pickpick

This powerful book examines the caste hierarchy that has marred & defined society throughout American history. Every day I read this book, I saw a story in the news that provided real time support for her thesis: in the arrest of a journalist, the high infant mortality rate among even affluent black mothers, the murder by police of another black man.There has always been a subordinate & a dominant caste in this country, & it costs us as a nation.

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DivineDiana
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Starting the audio while I wait for my book reserve from the Library. IRL Book Club choice. I loved her book “ The Warmth of Other Suns”.

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erindarlyn
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Pickpick

This book made me weep. It is well-researched, poignant, thought-provoking, gut-wrenching and eye-opening, and I commend Ms. Wilkerson for completing the monumental task of writing it. I learned a lot. Every American needs to read it.

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BookDee
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Wow! What a book. So rich of information and systemic racism. A real eye-opener! Loved it!

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TheBookHippie
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Thanks to @Chrissyreadit for these lovely gifts !!!!

I read the ARC of this book as I was very vocal about her first book telling everyone to read it and thus got sent the ARC from publishing -I think everyone should read both !!! However I don‘t own a copy and just didn‘t buy one! 🤣😵‍💫I am so I‘m grateful to own a real copy because I had to send my ARC copy back with notes - I was so sad.

What a lovely surprise!!

TheBookHippie FYI Also I realize I‘m a voracious reader -I cannot possibly keep track what I read so my TBR is always books I want and so is my wish list which is mine and classroom wants 🥰😘 https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1AA1CKXUJPC8I/?ref_=lol_ov_le&filter=unpur... 3mo
Rachel.Rencher 🥰🥰🥰 3mo
TheBookHippie @Rachel.Rencher I just love the packaging and everything!!!! After holidays I‘ll contact you and certainly for valentines!!! Such a great idea!! 3mo
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Chrissyreadit ☃️😘❄️😘☃️ 3mo
Rachel.Rencher @TheBookHippie Thank you so much! I'm glad you loved it. 🥰 I'll have different themes up for New Years & Valentines! 3mo
TheBookHippie @Rachel.Rencher ♥️ 3mo
Singout I really found her analysis of racism as one form of caste interesting and helpful: I was glad that @Riveted_Reader_Melissa included it in #SheSaid last year. 3mo
TheBookHippie @Singout I liked her first book more but I did very much like this as well, have you read 3mo
Riveted_Reader_Melissa Both of her books are great 3mo
Singout No: not in audio in my library, unfortunately. 3mo
TheBookHippie @Singout OH that‘s so sad. How frustrating! I‘m glad you got to hear Caste then. 3mo
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emz711
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Just took out of the library. Wary of the hypothesis but open to hearing about it. Anyone else read it?

Scochrane26 I loved this book. I think it‘s been the best one I‘ve read so far about racism. 4mo
emz711 @Scochrane26 it definitely have some interesting context into historical happenings. I found the way the Nazis used research from America interesting but I don't feel like she brought it into the late 20th and 21st century. She had me up til the civil rights movement. 3mo
Scochrane26 @emz711 Good to know your opinion. I don‘t remember her talking as much about present day, now that you point it out. 3mo
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iread2much
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Mehso-so

Another work read - not my favorite. Really interesting ideas, but the presentation of the ideas made it hard for me to understand the logic behind them. Too many personal stories and no in text citations.
I think race as caste is a correct idea, and the author provides arresting stories about what experiences people of the different race/castes experience but I don‘t understand the entire concept.
2/5 read for a better view on racism in the USA

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ncsufoxes
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Finally read this one that has been sitting in my shelf since it came out. It was an interesting look at comparing the caste systems in India, the US, & Nazi Germany. It was the first time I had read anything discussing a caste system within the US. It was interesting to read about this area. Definitely recommend for anyone continuing to be on an anti racist journey. Happy that I finally took the time to read this one. #bookspin book

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!! 5mo
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EmilieGR
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Important reading but not Wilkerson‘s best writing. She makes some assumptive leaps occasionally that bring the reader up short, and tries to push her thesis into places that it really doesn‘t fit, but as for eye opening and important content, it‘s worth reading.

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rachelk
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Pickpick

Isabel Wilkerson‘s ‘Caste‘ belongs alongside Michelle Alexander‘s ‘The New Jim Crow‘ as a must-read for North American people grappling to understand our history and how it continues to impact us today.

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DogMomIrene
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Loving this audiobook! Listening in smaller chunks so I can think about the comparisons the author draws.

Maria514626 That quote! 🤯 8mo
DogMomIrene @Maria514626 I know! The next several sentences elaborated on this point and were powerful as well. I didn‘t want to keep rewinding the audiobook to capture the quote, mainly because I wanted to keep going! As much as I‘m liking the audiobook, I kind of wish I had chosen the ebook. 8mo
Maria514626 Ah, the back up, forward (repeat) to write it down. I‘m usually driving though. 😄 8mo
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AnneCecilie
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#AlphabetGame #LetterC

Favourite book starting with “C”.

Another contender is Citizen by Claudia Rankine

AllDebooks I was looking at this on Audible today. Might have to pop back and get it 8mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thank you for playing 📚 8mo
Megabooks This is a great one! 8mo
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CocoReads
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Day 2. Didn‘t finish anything today, but I‘ve started all three of these. 1 chapter in for both Caste and Yes & I love you, 4 chapters in on the BJ Daniels book. My work schedule is a bit wonky this week but we canceled tomorrow nights twice postponed book group due to most of us either getting over so@etching or fighting off something. So hopefully I can get some good reading in this week. #JubilantJuly

Andrew65 Well done, like you I didn‘t finish anything on day 2. 8mo
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smjohns
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I felt anger, sadness and despair reading this. We can do better, we have too.

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hissingpotatoes
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Pickpick

4.5/5⭐ Essential reading. This is the shit they need to teach in schools.

The book summary promises solutions for moving forward but doesn't deliver on it.

#bookspinbingo #doublespin

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Creadnorthey
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Pickpick

This is undoubtedly an important book that helps describe deep seeded troubles in our western (world) view. Punch up, as the words at the end of the book state: “A world without caste would set everyone free.”

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Lynnsoprano
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Another procedure for hubby, more reading time at the doctor‘s office.

AmyG Hope all goes well. (edited) 9mo
Lynnsoprano @AmyG Thanks! It turned out to be really quick, keeping my fingers crossed that this will help his back problems 9mo
Leag01 All occasions are book moments hahaha 9mo
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Lynnsoprano
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Starting this tonight. Our church is doing this as a congregation-wide read, and while I don‘t plan to participate in the discussion groups (at least one of the leaders is someone who values her own opinion above all others, and also likes to hear herself talk), I am anxious to read this.

MicheleinPhilly Your parenthetical made me laugh. 9mo
Lynnsoprano @MicheleinPhilly 😂 At least I can say that here. 9mo
Leag01 We love individuality! 9mo
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Rachel.Rencher
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Trying to get a book photo, but Winston just wants me to play fetch. 😂🍌

SRWCF How can you resist? 10mo
CBee How can you say no to that face? 😍😍 10mo
vlwelser He's totally winning in many ways. 10mo
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NikkiKey94 He‘s so cute!! 10mo
Rachel.Rencher @CBee Oh I can't 😂 10mo
Rachel.Rencher @NikkiKey94 Thank you! I sure do think so. 😊 10mo
Leftcoastzen 😃👏🐶 10mo
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Anya91
Pickpick



* Racism is a modern conception.
* It is the most misunderstood word in American culture.
* It is the combination of racial bias and systemic power.

The author thoroughly researched three different caste systems including the one in the US. Also the real life stories in the book are riveting as well. This book shows how caste affects all of us even those who act as though it does not exist.

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erickahhh
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Pickpick

This is such an important book! It was so beautifully written and discusses important topics related to racial inequality in the United States. The stories shared were heartbreaking and jarring, though not surprising, unfortunately. Isabel Wilkerson adds to the conversation to show that every level of the system has some form of racism.

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ChaoticMissAdventures
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Pickpick

There are no words. Impeccably researched, Wilkerson 's writing is intelligent but easy to absorb, and incredibly thought provoking.

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ChaoticMissAdventures
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#weekendreads with @rachelsbrittain

1) Just Like Home, Caste, What Bread The Devil Knead

2) Both? I can't choose. I listen to audiobooks for workouts, driving and house cleaning and podcasts during the week during work.

3) Current audio is Caste last was The Silent Patient (👎)

Smrloomis I loved Caste but not sure I could keep track of it on audio 😅 Hope you‘re enjoying it! 11mo
ChaoticMissAdventures @Smrloomis I am only listening during my hour work out each day, and after the hour I am taking some notes, it is working out pretty well. I have the hard copy so I can reread some of it. There is a lot to take in. 11mo
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jenniferw88
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Lesliereads Does that say “#1 bestseller in Asian history?” 12mo
Bookpearl 😳 12mo
KathyWheeler It does discuss the caste system in India and compares it to racism in the US, so Asian history isn‘t totally out of line. 12mo
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Anya91
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Anya91
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Anya91
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Anya91
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Anya91
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Anya91
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This has been on my TBR list for a minute so excited to dive in.

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Sydneypaige
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“So the real question would be.. if people were given the choice between democracy and whiteness, how many would choose whiteness?”
Read. This. Book.
So well researched and told. There are historical stories from around the world to personal current stories from the author. It‘s a long and heavy read, but does not lack the ability to pull you in.

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BookBosomed1
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@sprainedbrain The #bestof2021swap package you curated for me is amazing! I love it all. I‘m thrilled to have the two books; both have been on my list for awhile. You understand my love of hygge (all things cozy). It was a perfect package for me! Also, I do not have a pink tea cup in my collection so I‘m jazzed for this gift. It‘s been so fun being your swap partner this season. Thanks @candority for hosting. ❤️

monalyisha All these gifted, cozy socks are making me so happy! Hope you have an excellent New Year! ✨🎉📚 1y
BookBosomed1 @monalyisha I am a sucker for socks. I hope you have a restorative & reflective New Year! 1y
candority Caste is fantastic! Looks like a great swap package 😍 1y
sprainedbrain I‘m so glad you like it! ❤️ 1y
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AnneCecilie
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My absolute favorite from #May and one of my favorites this year #5thbookof2021
#12Booksof2021

Andrew65 A popular choice. 1y
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Amie
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Pickpick

Informative and thought-provoking

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megnews
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The best book I read in April was a buddy read with #SheSaid. I learned so much from this book and was stunned by a lot of it. Recommended it quite a bit and couldn‘t stop talking about it.
Concrete Rose was another excellent April read.

#12Booksof2021

Andrew65 Sounds required reading. 1y
jlhammar Brilliant book. 1y
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ICantImReading
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book is incredible. Impeccably researched and beautifully written, it‘s both horrifying and important. I learned so much and want to continue returning to this text to process it further. It‘s very difficult to read about the atrocities humans have inflicted on one other, but it‘s necessary in order to heal from our history, understand our present, and hopefully create a better future for us all. I would recommend this to everyone.

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marleed
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Pickpick

I read this book just over a year ago and couldn‘t help but consider who I‘d be now if I‘d been taught history with a consideration of perspective bigger than white privilege. I just reread this book for an IRL bookclub, and this time I wept. In just a year‘s time I read this differently knowing that legislatures are actively working to silence that perspective.

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Purpleness
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Yahui07
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Pickpick

Like the Nazi comparison and learn something from this book. But redundancy is a problem that I could not say I love this book.
3.5 -4 stars out of 5.

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Purpleness
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Purpleness
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MayJasper Well that's done it. I have to read it now! 1y
Purpleness @MayJasper I‘d recommend it! It‘s really interesting so far. 1y
MayJasper @Purpleness thanks 😊 1y
AnneCecilie I had to look up the picture and read more about the man. Going against everyone else, comes with a cost. 1y
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LibraryCin
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Pickpick


This was interesting. I was particularly drawn in by the Nazi comparisons, and I think that‘s what I will remember the most of this book. I have to admit I unlikely to remember the list of “pillars” of the system (she did a chapter on each). I‘d like to say the first half (which included those pillars) wasn‘t as interesting, but it just depended on what she was talking about at the time. Cont in comments...

LibraryCin She has plenty of anecdotes through history, including her own. She also discusses politics, particularly the 2016 election, as well as the elections that brought Barack Obama to power. Of course, there is a lot about slavery, the Jim Crow laws, and the Confederacy, as well. She does do a really good job explaining and making the comparisons. This is – most definitely – well worth reading. 1y
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Purpleness
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ONH
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4/5… important book, excellently supported, and a good read. The only reason I took a star off was because I had hoped it would go a little bit deeper… maybe I‘m expecting too much. This book was groundbreaking when it was published, but less-so now because so much other amazing work on race theory and institutionalized racism has followed it.

Also, she was incorrect about anthrax—it‘s a bacteria, not a virus 😊 otherwise, well-written!!

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sprainedbrain
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Pickpick

I finished this audiobook way back on August 12, and have been annoying those who know me ever since by pointing out the American caste system hard at work every time I see it.

Masterfully written, well-researched, infuriating book that is really just stating the obvious, but since so very many of us have been missing the obvious, this book should be required reading.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Nutmegnc “Masterfully written, well-researched, infuriating book that is really just stating the obvious, but since so very many of us have been missing the obvious, this book should be required reading.” One of the single best sentences in the history of sentences. YES. EXACTLY. 1y
Deblovestoread Great review! If anyone is inspired to read this book from Jenni‘s review check out @megnews page as she is hosting a buddy read starting this week breaking it down into small sections of her other book. Come read with us. 😊 (edited) 1y
sprainedbrain @Kdgordon88 @megnews this is an excellent book to read together! 1y
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megnews @Kdgordon88 @sprainedbrain 😊 we buddy read Caste with #SheSaid. My buddy read that starts Friday is Wilkerson‘s 1y
kspenmoll Thanks for your review- I need to read this! 1y
Deblovestoread @megnews …where is my brain? I must have left it a home this weekend. I edited my comment with the correct book. Sorry everyone for my oops! 1y
megnews @Kdgordon88 no problem! 1y
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