53 pages • 1 hour read
The Sum of Us
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Book Brief
448
Book • Nonfiction
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Sum of Us, Heather McGhee explores how racism detrimentally affects all Americans, not just the directly marginalized. Drawing on travels across the U.S., McGhee details the widespread impact of racial hierarchies ingrained in economics and policy, from public pool closures to reduced public benefits. Ultimately, she argues that dismantling these hierarchies is beneficial for everyone, fostering a fairer society. Topics include racial violence, systemic inequality, and environmental racism.
Informative
Inspirational
Challenging
Emotional
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
23,966 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Heather McGhee's The Sum of Us is widely praised for its insightful examination of how racism negatively impacts both people of color and white individuals in the U.S. Critics commend McGhee's thorough research and compelling storytelling. Some, however, find the book's solutions idealistic and lacking practical application. Overall, it is a thought-provoking and important read.
Who Should Read The Sum of Us?
Readers of The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee are socially conscious individuals interested in racial and economic justice. They appreciate works like Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow and Ta-Nehisi Coates’s Between the World and Me. Ideal for those who seek insightful analyses of societal structures and collective well-being.
23,966 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
McGhee’s Family
McGhee’s Family
Residents of the South Side of Chicago, their lived experiences reflect the evolving racial and economic policies in America. Their story provides insight into the broader narrative of racial inequity and middle-class struggles.
Black Homeowners
Black Homeowners
A community that McGhee empathizes with, highlighting their struggles to maintain homeownership against discriminatory lending practices. Their experiences underscore the pervasive impact of structural racism in housing.
448
Book • Nonfiction
2021
Adult
18+ years
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