Book Recommendation: Our Hidden Conversations by Michele Norris

"Will my children look White enough?"

"The melting pot is a lie."

"Gay, but at least I'm White."

"Yellow outside, White inside, adopted Twinkie."

"Wouldn't have been White 100-years ago."

These are but some of the statements Norris has collected over 14 years. In the last 14 years, Michele Norris has received hundreds of thousands replies to a simple, and yet complex, prompt: "Race. Your Story. 6 Words. Please Send." This book is only a small sample of the stories Norris has heard; some are short snippets of someone's life, while others document entire journeys of grappling with identity.

Michele Norris also includes historical perspectives in this book, with discussions about lynching and the evolution of interracial/transracial adoption. She also groups stories around common themes, like the definition of racism and discovering your roots. In doing so, she transforms a daunting book (at least hundreds of perspectives!) into something more approachable. These perspectives also come from average Americans, creating a broader and more accessible viewpoint for those with questions about race and the role it plays in their lives.

This book was very eye-opening. Michele Norris truly includes all perspectives, from across political parties to cross-country stories. I'll admit, some statements did make my blood boil, but I understand the importance of recognizing these viewpoints. There were also stories that were hard to read, experiences detailed that I wish no one had to go through.

Our Hidden Conversations was both heartwarming and saddening. It was lovely seeing some of my own opinions reflected in the pages, but also a little disheartening to see how ingrained race is as a marker of identity. However, this book is proof that simply giving people the opportunity to discuss their story can create a significant change. These stories have allowed average Americans to take part in a complicated conversation, as some point out the hypocrisy of being "color-blind," and others urge people to only consider the human race.

Above all, I think this book is an optimistic testament to the compassion and sincerity of the American identity. Despite the discomfort and grief of these stories, or maybe in spite of them, there is an undertone of strength, of determination to create a better America for future generations. From elderly White people looking to reform their implicit biases, to young couples raising biracial children, all of the storytellers in this book are intent on building a better tomorrow, a spark of hope I think everyone could use right now.

I'd recommend this book for anyone searching for their identity in the current climate, trying to figure out where they fit in, aspiring activists, and anyone who wants to learn more about race in the eyes of the average American. You can find this book at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

If you'd like to read some of the perspectives Norris has collected over the years, the link to The Race Card Project can be found here.

If you'd like to contribute your own 6-word story, you can submit to The Race Card Project here.

Let me know your thoughts and opinions on this book, if you choose to read it!