67 pages • 2 hours read
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360
Anthology/Varied Collection • Nonfiction
2020s
2020
Graywolf Press
Adult
18+ years
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
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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.
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.
4,644 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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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360
Anthology/Varied Collection • Nonfiction
2020s
2020
Graywolf Press
Adult
18+ years
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