Anonymous

Digestable

Reviewed: 03-13-21

The concise flyover of several pertinent topics when discussing race in America lended itself to helping me understand those issues a bit more. Oluo leans heavily on her personal experience in the book, and conveys a story, a topic, and an explanation of how non-POC can better approach that topic in each chapter. The chapters cover the major issues and some issues I'd not even previously considered. I'd say after listening to this one, I'm more equipped to understand relevant perspectives on these race issues, and the stories from the author's life will help remind me of the ideas as topics come up.

The performance was excellent throughout!

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Difficult to swallow, some teeth-clenching parts

Reviewed: 03-13-21

Overall know that you're signing up for an opinion that can at times feel conspiratorial. Regardless of the objective facts surrounding the incident, this perspective of the history is interesting. If the facts can be substantiated (some of which are much shorter leaps than others) the narrative is extremely compelling. I had no real opinion going into the book, meaning the burden of proof was more toward "changing my mind" away from the official narrative. However, the book did call to my attention that a civil case did find culpability for King's death in the hands of someone outside of James Earl Ray, and once I discovered that I took a less skeptical position toward the rest of the material.

The performance was fine throughout however portions of the book are recounted witness statements from depositions or court which, when read to the word, are _grating_ on the ears and brain. Those portions feel spread throughout and while brief, are still rough to listen to.

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Straightforward

Reviewed: 03-13-21

Interesting information, a lot of jumping around time though, so at times difficult to follow. The structure also blends and compares Italy and Germany causing some temporary disorientation if you're not paying very close attention. The narration was straightforward and clear!

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Cool Vignettes

Reviewed: 03-13-21

A very neat look into several popular video games! I loved the stories. Narration had some cringey moments but that's just trying to be cute. Highly recommend if you're interested!

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Fantasy Moreso than Documentary

Reviewed: 03-11-21

The book itself contains weird extreme-right dogwhistles and one particularly jarring "ACLU bad" quip. The author's undertones suggest that the lens through which he views all the evidence begins in conspiracy land and reverse engineers the events to fit his narrative moreso than an examination of the evidence leading to a conclusion. Basically, the evidence is shoehorned into the conclusion that's painted with weird right wing language.

The reader carries an almost snide tone, compounding the feeling that this is a right-wing propaganda book that presupposes you agree with its conclusion.

It's got an uneasy feeling and should be considered a story, not an examination of facts.

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