UO Book Club: Blueprint For All Titles
Welcome back to UO Book Club! Check out the titles we have been reading this month. Get your copy of the books below where 100% of the profits from the sales will be donated to the Blueprint For All. Plus stay tuned for new, must-read books dropping online soon.
Queenie By Candice Carty-Williams
Emily Palmer
BAA Menswear Accessories
What’s the book about?
An exploration of black female identity and sexual politics in modern day London.
What did you think?
I loved it. I adored how Candice Carty-Williams uses humour to allow for an easy read whilst educating through a serious undertone. It was a total page turner.
Any key takeaways?
The book tackles issues such as race, class, mental health and consent in a way that makes them normalised. We are so often told in society that these are somewhat ‘taboo’ subjects. Therefore, it’s really refreshing to read about them in more of a light-hearted, normalised way.
Would you recommend it?
100% yes!
Rating out of 5?
4/5
Emily Palmer
BAA Menswear Accessories
What’s the book about?
An exploration of black female identity and sexual politics in modern day London.
What did you think?
I loved it. I adored how Candice Carty-Williams uses humour to allow for an easy read whilst educating through a serious undertone. It was a total page turner.
Any key takeaways?
The book tackles issues such as race, class, mental health and consent in a way that makes them normalised. We are so often told in society that these are somewhat ‘taboo’ subjects. Therefore, it’s really refreshing to read about them in more of a light-hearted, normalised way.
Would you recommend it?
100% yes!
Rating out of 5?
4/5
How To Argue With A Racist By Adam Rutherford
Maisey Brown
Creative Marketing Copywriter
What’s the book about?
Adam Rutherford is a geneticist who discusses how racists use ‘science’ to justify their beliefs then destroys them using genetics and geology. He explains how it is impossible to define race and explores theories which prove the lack of evidence which supports stereotypical ideologies linking race to have particular traits.
What did you think?
I was looking forward to reading the book after seeing Adam’s interview on UO Culture. It’s informative and educational without being confusing. It was interesting to read a book about race with a scientific approach compared to others which focus on social-cultural examination.
Any key takeaways?
“In a racist society it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.”
“If you are a racist, then you are asking for a fight. But science is my ally,not yours, and your fight is not with me, but with reality."
Would you recommend it?
100% it should be on everyone’s reading list. The book is broken down into digestible chunks but don’t read it before bed - genetics is a topic which needs your full attention and for your brain not to be on sleep mode!
Rating out of 5?
5/5
Maisey Brown
Creative Marketing Copywriter
What’s the book about?
Adam Rutherford is a geneticist who discusses how racists use ‘science’ to justify their beliefs then destroys them using genetics and geology. He explains how it is impossible to define race and explores theories which prove the lack of evidence which supports stereotypical ideologies linking race to have particular traits.
What did you think?
I was looking forward to reading the book after seeing Adam’s interview on UO Culture. It’s informative and educational without being confusing. It was interesting to read a book about race with a scientific approach compared to others which focus on social-cultural examination.
Any key takeaways?
“In a racist society it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.”
“If you are a racist, then you are asking for a fight. But science is my ally,not yours, and your fight is not with me, but with reality."
Would you recommend it?
100% it should be on everyone’s reading list. The book is broken down into digestible chunks but don’t read it before bed - genetics is a topic which needs your full attention and for your brain not to be on sleep mode!
Rating out of 5?
5/5
Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall
Maisy Farren
Copywriter
What’s the book about? __
The book is an education in intersectionality, focusing specifically on how typically feminist issues are also issues of race.
__What did you think?
I was initially drawn to the book by the review on the cover which says, “My wish is that every white woman who calls herself a feminist will read this book”, and after reading it I can say I 100% agree with that statement. I’ve described myself as a feminist my entire adult life, and although I’d like to claim that my feminism is intersectional of race, it’s impossible to make that claim without fully researching the effects of feminism on the Black community.
Any key takeaways?
Mikki Kendall’s informative and emotive writing really encouraged me to look at certain issues through a different lens and re-evaluate how these issues affect women of colour more so than white women such as myself. I was especially interested in the discussion around respectability politics, a term I’d previously heard but didn’t fully understand.
Would you recommend it?
Yes, definitely – as mentioned previously, I believe this book is a must-read for white feminists.
Rating out of 5?
4/5
Maisy Farren
Copywriter
What’s the book about? __
The book is an education in intersectionality, focusing specifically on how typically feminist issues are also issues of race.
__What did you think?
I was initially drawn to the book by the review on the cover which says, “My wish is that every white woman who calls herself a feminist will read this book”, and after reading it I can say I 100% agree with that statement. I’ve described myself as a feminist my entire adult life, and although I’d like to claim that my feminism is intersectional of race, it’s impossible to make that claim without fully researching the effects of feminism on the Black community.
Any key takeaways?
Mikki Kendall’s informative and emotive writing really encouraged me to look at certain issues through a different lens and re-evaluate how these issues affect women of colour more so than white women such as myself. I was especially interested in the discussion around respectability politics, a term I’d previously heard but didn’t fully understand.
Would you recommend it?
Yes, definitely – as mentioned previously, I believe this book is a must-read for white feminists.
Rating out of 5?
4/5
Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race – Reni Eddo-Lodge
Maisy Farren
Copywriter
What’s the book about?
This conversation-starting book is an essential guide to race relations in 21st century Britain, covering a plethora of topics ranging from Black British history to conversations of White Privilege.
What did you think?
When I first picked up this book in 2017, I’m ashamed to say that it was my first real history lesson in certain areas of Black British history. I think this book is a must-read for all UK citizens, to begin to fill some of the gaps that have been left out of our education system, specifically key stories in the UK’s history with race.
Any key takeaways?
Reni Eddo-Lodge’s chapter ‘What Is White Privilege?’ is so informative, clearly explained and succinct that I think anyone who read it would struggle to come away and still argue that white privilege doesn’t exist.
Would you recommend it?
Yes – specifically to young people and teenagers who are really starting to explore the history of the country they grew up in and their identity.
Rating out of 5?
5/5
Maisy Farren
Copywriter
What’s the book about?
This conversation-starting book is an essential guide to race relations in 21st century Britain, covering a plethora of topics ranging from Black British history to conversations of White Privilege.
What did you think?
When I first picked up this book in 2017, I’m ashamed to say that it was my first real history lesson in certain areas of Black British history. I think this book is a must-read for all UK citizens, to begin to fill some of the gaps that have been left out of our education system, specifically key stories in the UK’s history with race.
Any key takeaways?
Reni Eddo-Lodge’s chapter ‘What Is White Privilege?’ is so informative, clearly explained and succinct that I think anyone who read it would struggle to come away and still argue that white privilege doesn’t exist.
Would you recommend it?
Yes – specifically to young people and teenagers who are really starting to explore the history of the country they grew up in and their identity.
Rating out of 5?
5/5
Me and White Supremacy: How to Recognise Your Privilege, Combat Racism and Change the World by Layla F Saad
Glenys Johnson
Copywriter
What’s the book about?
What started as a 28-day challenge on Layla F Saad’s Instagram (@laylafsaad), Me and White Supremacy is an interactive and engaging workbook designed to encourage readers to confront their privilege and how we, as white or white-passing people, uphold or support white supremacy, whether being aware of these actions or not.
The book is broken down into short chapters designed to be read one per day for 28 days. Each chapter examines a theme, ranging from white fragility to optical allyship to white superiority. At the end of each chapter, Saad offers clear and concise journaling prompts that encourage the reader to spend time reflecting on the questions posed and how the themes have affected our daily lives.
What did you think?
Saad uses accessible language that encourages the reader to examine themselves and their relationship with race and promotes real, actionable solutions for working towards a better world for all. Cliches aside, this book is truly an amazing tool for transforming how you view issues around race and encouraging real change.
Any key takeaways?
Though terms like ‘white supremacy’ may seem ‘harsh’ or dramatic, the reality is that much (if not all) or the issues around race can be boiled down to the ever-promoted idea that white people are superior. Saad breaks down some of the core issues around race, how they came to be and why they should be abolished and, most importantly, how.
Would you recommend it?
Saad does an incredible job of ensuring this book is fitting for a vast range of readers. From those who may already be doing anti-racism work to those who have yet to read much into the topic or even question the validity of anti-racism work. Saad is informative yet relatable and undeniably inspiring.
Rating out of 5?
5/5
Glenys Johnson
Copywriter
What’s the book about?
What started as a 28-day challenge on Layla F Saad’s Instagram (@laylafsaad), Me and White Supremacy is an interactive and engaging workbook designed to encourage readers to confront their privilege and how we, as white or white-passing people, uphold or support white supremacy, whether being aware of these actions or not.
The book is broken down into short chapters designed to be read one per day for 28 days. Each chapter examines a theme, ranging from white fragility to optical allyship to white superiority. At the end of each chapter, Saad offers clear and concise journaling prompts that encourage the reader to spend time reflecting on the questions posed and how the themes have affected our daily lives.
What did you think?
Saad uses accessible language that encourages the reader to examine themselves and their relationship with race and promotes real, actionable solutions for working towards a better world for all. Cliches aside, this book is truly an amazing tool for transforming how you view issues around race and encouraging real change.
Any key takeaways?
Though terms like ‘white supremacy’ may seem ‘harsh’ or dramatic, the reality is that much (if not all) or the issues around race can be boiled down to the ever-promoted idea that white people are superior. Saad breaks down some of the core issues around race, how they came to be and why they should be abolished and, most importantly, how.
Would you recommend it?
Saad does an incredible job of ensuring this book is fitting for a vast range of readers. From those who may already be doing anti-racism work to those who have yet to read much into the topic or even question the validity of anti-racism work. Saad is informative yet relatable and undeniably inspiring.
Rating out of 5?
5/5
I Am Not Your Baby Mother - What it's like to be a black British mother by Candice Brathwaite
Rachel Bedford
Senior Digital Designer
What’s the book about?
A personal memoir as well as manifesto about black motherhood.
What did you think?
Honest, sensitive, funny and straight-talking - Candice writes in such an engaging way, it feels like you’re speaking to a friend.
Any key takeaways?
With some key statistics shared throughout, I Am Not Your Baby Mother spotlights important topics around the lack diversity in motherhood.
Would you recommend?
Yes! For mothers and non-mothers – this book is for everyone.
Rating out of 5?
4/5
Rachel Bedford
Senior Digital Designer
What’s the book about?
A personal memoir as well as manifesto about black motherhood.
What did you think?
Honest, sensitive, funny and straight-talking - Candice writes in such an engaging way, it feels like you’re speaking to a friend.
Any key takeaways?
With some key statistics shared throughout, I Am Not Your Baby Mother spotlights important topics around the lack diversity in motherhood.
Would you recommend?
Yes! For mothers and non-mothers – this book is for everyone.
Rating out of 5?
4/5