67 pages 2 hours read

Just Us: An American Conversation

Nonfiction | Anthology/Varied Collection | Adult | Published in 2020

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Book Brief

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Claudia Rankine

Just Us

Nonfiction | Anthology/Varied Collection | Adult | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

360

Format

Anthology/Varied Collection • Nonfiction

Setting

2020s

Publication Year

2020

Publisher

Graywolf Press

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Just Us: An American Conversation, Claudia Rankine combines photography, poetry, social media posts, historical texts, and research to explore the pervasive impact of structural racism on her daily life as a Black woman navigating various social settings, from airports to dinner parties. Her personal and political essays examine how white privilege shapes the experiences and interactions of both white people and people of color, while seeking to engage readers in meaningful conversations about racial hierarchies in the United States and beyond.

Informative

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.5

4,644 ratings

88%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Just Us by Claudia Rankine is lauded for its powerful exploration of racial dynamics and personal introspection. Critics praise its innovative mix of poetry, essays, and visual elements that provoke deep, reflective engagement. However, some find its fragmented structure challenging. Overall, it’s a poignant and timely work that encourages critical conversation on race.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Just Us?

Readers who appreciate Claudia Rankine's Just Us are likely introspective and socially conscious individuals interested in exploring themes of race and identity through a blend of poetry, essays, and visual art. They might also enjoy Citizen by Rankine and Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates.

4.5

4,644 ratings

88%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

Claudia Rankine

Claudia Rankine is the author, narrator, and protagonist, who uses her experiences as a Black woman to explore themes of race and privilege. She is a Jamaica-born American writer and professor, married to her creative collaborator, John Lucas.

John Lucas is Claudia Rankine's husband and collaborator, described as a tall, blue-eyed white man and noted for his active anti-racism. He collaborates with Rankine on projects and is involved in their shared explorations of systemic injustice.

Fun Facts

Just Us: An American Conversation uses a combination of poetry, essays, and images to explore themes of race and privilege in contemporary American society.

Claudia Rankine, the author, is known for her innovative use of multiple media formats within her works to challenge readers' perceptions and engage them in reflective discourse.

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Rankine has received several awards for her work, including a MacArthur Fellowship, highlighting her influence and contribution to contemporary literature and discussions on race.

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Book Details
Pages

360

Format

Anthology/Varied Collection • Nonfiction

Setting

2020s

Publication Year

2020

Publisher

Graywolf Press

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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