Hyphened-Nation: Don’t Check the Box

by Nicole Draffen

Honoree of three prestigious Literary Awards, The Independent Authors Network (IAN) Book of the Year Award , the indieBRAG B.R.A.G. Medallion, and The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. Hyphened-Nation was inspired by the authors travels overseas, and time spent living in the United Kingdom. Living abroad was an eye-opening experience, she grew to understand certain aspects of American culture better, the longer she lived overseas. This book is about her insights, and experience of being treated as an American, rather than a hyphenated one.
The difference was startling and lead her on a journey to understand why The United States is one of the only, if not the only country, that hyphenates its citizens by ethnicity before nationality.

It is a journey of discovery in understanding that those same boxes we allow ourselves to be placed into as hyphenated-Americans, limit economic, educational, societal, and cultural growth. Her story focuses on ways the United States and our global community differ culturally, and steps citizens can take to create a non-hyphenated coalitional nation.

Genres: Nonfiction

121 pages, Paperback

First published June 4, 2020

About the author

Meet our author - a dynamic and curious individual who is always on the lookout for new challenges and opportunities to learn. With a passion for tearing things apart and understanding their inner workings, our author has become a master at fixing and building things from scratch.

Traveling the world and exploring new cultures has always been a source of inspiration for our author. The social and cultural consciousness of the people they meet, and the things they observe, constantly fuel their natural inclination to understand and study the value of cultural norms. These experiences have culminated in a book that promises to be both insightful and thought-provoking.

But that's not all there is to our author. When they're not busy changing the world, you can find them in their garden tending to a vast array of plants, or practicing Feng Shui on everything in sight. They're also an avid collector of old paintings, a lover of jazz festivals, and an enthusiastic antiquer. Running is another one of their passions, and they believe that with determination and a positive attitude, anyone can achieve their dreams.

In short, our author is a multi-talented individual with a zest for life and a thirst for knowledge. Their unique perspective and boundless energy make them an exciting addition to any conversation or project.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for review, and loved that it was short, sweet, and to the point. A great book for those who want to learn about race without diving into a 300 page book. I really appreciated Draffen's writing style, as it was conversational rather than heavily academic. There are some changes I would make as far as grammar and some oversimplification of topics, but overall I was very happy with this!

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be honest here and give you a heads up before I begin – I don’t typically read a lot of non-fiction. Perhaps it’s due in part to an academic hangover from university reading, or maybe I haven’t really found my stride with the genre yet, but for whatever reason I often find myself a little intimidated by non-fiction reads. You can imagine my surprise, then, when I picked up Hyphened-Nation and flew through it in a few hours – I genuinely couldn’t put it down and was gripped from the first page to the last. Finally, a non-fiction read that was utterly absorbing, touched on a difficult subject matter and left me with plenty to think about! Nicole Draffen has done such a fantastic job with this one, opening me up to a topic that, due to my privileged position as a white female from the UK, I’d never really took the time to consider or look into before.

In light of the recent Black Lives Matter movements that swept the world in 2020 I’ve been trying to educate myself on the topic of racism and learn more about what I can do to be a better ally. Draffen’s work provided the perfect food for thought, describing the issues within society and the way in which America has historically divided and separated ‘true’ Americans from ‘Hyphenated Americans’, typically people of colour. While I can never claim to understand the experiences of black Americans, this discussion of how race has been used to divide and oppress vast sections of society was truly eye-opening, and I’m grateful to Nicole for sharing her experiences so that I and other readers can learn to better shape society moving forward.

As a UK reader I found it fascinating to read of Nicole’s experience living here in the UK and how it made her reflect upon the similarities and differences on how she was treated because of her race across the pond. A great number of the anti-racism resources available out there are primarily US based, so I appreciated this side of the discussion within Hyphened-Nation and it definitely left me with plenty to think about in terms of how race is discussed within British society.

Without wanting to make myself sound too ignorant to such an important topic, there were instances while reading Nicole’s words that gave me a ‘lightbulb’ moment and honestly made me think about things from a completely difference perspective. That is, I think, the true power of books – their ability to open up our minds and extend our understanding in a way that perhaps we hadn’t previously. In addition to being brilliantly written and truly eye-opening, this is such an important read that deserves a place on your reading list. Highly recommend!

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book is thought provoking and resonates with my experiences growing up in the 80's in America. I have not had the pleasure of ignoring my race while just doing normal things in public like the author Nicole. She got to feel like most white Americas must feel most of the time. She was only looked at as an American while in the UK, not as a black person. Many white people have no idea what black people go through, the free escort around stores, being talked down to, being watched closely while shopping or treated differently in school due to your skin tone. We are so divided and it's not even thought of as odd, it is just how things are. I agree hyphenated Americans are lesser Americans. We need to come together and end the ridiculous treatment of others based on color or ethnicity. As a mortgage professionals I annually take courses to educate myself in mortgages law and learn about how racism affects home ownership in America. It is expensive and devastating on upward mobility to not be white. I believe checking a box on home loan applications is very important because the federal government can determine if banks are being unfair to people due to their racial,marital or color designation. We must end the racial disparity in America. Until that is fixed let's remove hyphens but keep the boxes until we had no biases due to color.

[R. Chhetri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a bookaholic, though I lean more towards fiction than non-fiction. But Hyphened Nation is now one of the few non-fiction books on my “Fully read, and liked” list. Nicole held nothing back in her analysis of the present issue of race in American society. From examining the words of The Constitution, to seeing how it was implemented & exploited since its inception, Nicole has a done a wonderful and articulate job of connecting something as abstract as a couple century old document, to her experiences as a child of mixed ethnicity in 20th & 21st Century society.
By providing a hard facts for comparison against mistaken beliefs among members of the society – the racial stereotyping of socioeconomic status in media, census figures on marriage, etc. – Nicole presented her argument in a way that any logical debater would have difficulty in refuting. And I applaud her answer to the oft-repeated refrain, “Why should I feel guilty for something my ancestors did?”
Hyphened-Nation: Don’t Check The Box is an eye-opener for both Americans, and readers of other nationalities. I rate this book a solid 5 out of 5, and would recommend that everyone read it at least once, no matter your literary preferences.

[Kim Brosan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hesitant about reading Hyphened-Nation: Don't Check the Box because I was worried that it was going to dismiss diversity and its place in our country, but was pleasantly surprised to find that the author acknowledges and examines American historical documents AND the treatment of BIPOC by the nation's founders and leaders throughout history. Don't be turned off by the title and description, Draffen writes a smart, readable explanation for why we should first identify as American--and how ours is the only country that tries to sort our citizenry by perceived place of origin and then as an American.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicole Draffen presents an interesting look into being an American. Full stop. The media and politicians drum the hyphens into our heads and divide us at a time of heightened division when we should be United as Americans. While I don’t agree with everything Ms. Draffen wrote, we definitely agree that as Americans, we need to stop seeing everything through the racial lens. It seems this will be hard fought, but We can do it, together.

[Fred Fanning · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting and thought-provoking book. Nicole tells us about what she has found out about using hyphened-American. She makes a lot of good points. Many you have probably never even thought of.

[Jennell Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

Hyphened-Nation: Don't Check the Box by Nicole Draffen is a thought-provoking and insightful book that challenges the traditional way of thinking about American identity. The author's experiences of living in the UK and traveling overseas have allowed her to gain a unique perspective on American culture and the limitations imposed by the hyphenated American identity. Draffen argues that the concept of the hyphenated American perpetuates racial division in the US, and the book offers practical steps citizens can take to create a non-hyphenated, coalitional nation.


The book is divided into several chapters, each of which explores different aspects of the hyphenated American identity. The author introduces the concept of the Mantle of Consciousness, which shields minorities from the feeling of being different but can also become a constant reminder of inequality and cultural differences. Draffen shares her personal experiences of feeling embarrassed and ashamed of not fitting in and realizing that society's low expectations of her were heavily influenced by media portrayals of race on TV. She contrasts the US and the UK in terms of their approach to diversity and acceptance and argues that the concept of the hyphenated American emphasizes ethnicity over nationality and creates a hierarchy of Americanness.


The book also explores the historical roots of the hyphenated American in American society and examines Theodore Roosevelt's position on hyphenated Americanism. Draffen questions the need for people to adopt ethnic labels and asks whether it perpetuates the racial divide in the country rather than bridging it.


Overall, Hyphened-Nation: Don't Check the Box is a powerful and insightful book that challenges readers to rethink their perspectives on American identity. Draffen's personal experiences, combined with her historical analysis and practical suggestions, make this a must-read for anyone interested in diversity and inclusion. The book offers a path forward for creating a more united and inclusive nation, and it is a timely and essential contribution to the national conversation

[Andrea L · Rating 5 out of 5]

À un moment donné de l'histoire, comme celui que nous vivons aujourd'hui..... Je crois fermement que tout le monde devrait lire un livre comme Hyphen-Nation "Don't Check the Box".
Nicolle Draffen va droit au but avec un style d'écriture direct, provocateur, mais toujours extrêmement élégant.
L'auteur parle du racisme institutionnel, du danger des étiquettes et de la façon dont le fait de classer les gens avec des traits d'union nous sépare au lieu de nous rassembler dans une société cohésive.
Ce livre est issu de son expérience personnelle et de ses voyages à l'étranger, au Royaume-Uni et aux États-Unis. Une lecture captivante, pleine de détails historiques et de citations, et lauréate de plusieurs prix littéraires.
Un livre très intéressant, et le porte-drapeau d'un mouvement positif.
Lecture hautement recommandée.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come across this book Ads on Fb and had to come search it here in goodread to get glance of it. Still reading the book but I must say it spell the title. Such an interesting story that got my attention unaware. Great Job to the Author for OPENING OUR INSIGHT.

[Camille Taboulot · Rating 5 out of 5]

ENGLISH REVIEW

When Nicole Draffen, author of Hyphened-Nation: Don’t check the Box contacted me to review her book, I have immediately been seduced by the topic. As a French – and white – woman, I obviously can’t rely to the struggle of Americans in what the author calls a « hyphened-nation ». Nonetheless, I do think this topic is absolutely crucial to the construction of the society we desire to create for ourselves globally.
In her book, the author addresses this essential topic through a mix between her personal experience and a thorough look at History. I have loved how precise she has been, especially through references – the bibliography is especially interesting for further reading – and accurate historical details, figures and quotations. Her style is also especially pure and elegant, while still being what I would call « straight to the point ». Overall, reading this book has been a pleasure as far as the topic and writing are concerned.

To me, it is a 5-star-read, especially because its structure was so perfect. I have loved how not only sentences were elegant, but the building of the book itself as well. All chapters communicate gracefully with each other and you can tell that the author is making a demonstration more than she is writing a regular non-fiction book. The quotations in the beginning of chapters have been especially inspiring to me, always complementing the content of the chapter without spoiling it whatsoever.
As far as content is concerned, I have love the concepts used by the authors and her metaphors such as the one of the « coat ». I have also enjoyed the courage to tackle the side of topics usually hidden and to think ideas in a sometimes innovative manner.

Obviously, her way to tackle the topic at hand has been eye-opening to me. As a linguist myself, I had never thought of the importance of hyphens in the use of words, and especially in the description of people’s nationality and identity. I now definitely see how the word used to describe an individual can impact the way this individual feels in their country. Moreover, I have been seduced by the call for action toward the end, showing how much of a demonstration this book was.

As you will have understood, I have love this book deeply and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in American History, and in the way language can shape the perception individuals have of themselves and of their country.


FRENCH REVIEW

Lorsque Nicole Draffen, auteure de Nation à trait d’union : Ne cochez pas les cases m'a contactée pour faire une critique de son livre, j'ai immédiatement été séduite par le sujet. En tant que Française - et blanche - je ne peux évidemment pas me fier au combat des Américains dans ce que l'auteur appelle une « nation à trait d’union » . Néanmoins, je pense que ce sujet est absolument crucial pour la construction de la société que nous souhaitons co-créer au niveau mondial.
Dans son livre, l'auteure aborde ce sujet essentiel à travers un mélange entre son expérience personnelle et un regard approfondi sur l'Histoire. J'ai adoré la précision de ses propos, notamment à travers les références – la bibliographie est particulièrement intéressante pour approfondir le sujet – et la précision des détails historiques, des chiffres et des citations. Son style est également particulièrement pur et élégant, tout en étant ce que j'appellerais « droit au but ». Globalement, la lecture de ce livre a été un plaisir tant au niveau du sujet que de l'écriture.

A mon sens, c'est une lecture parfaite, notamment parce que la structure de l’ouvrage est parfaite. J'ai adoré l'élégance des phrases, mais aussi la construction du livre lui-même. Tous les chapitres communiquent gracieusement entre eux et on sent que l'auteure fait une démonstration plus qu'elle n'écrit un livre de non-fiction ordinaire. Les citations en début de chapitre m'ont particulièrement inspirée, complétant toujours le contenu du chapitre sans le spoiler en aucune façon.
En ce qui concerne le contenu, j'ai adoré les concepts utilisés par l'auteure et ses métaphores comme celle du « manteau », j'ai aussi apprécié le courage d'aborder des sujets habituellement cachés et de penser les idées d'une manière souvent innovante.

Évidemment, sa façon d'aborder le sujet en question m'a ouvert les yeux. Étant moi-même linguiste, je n'avais jamais pensé à l'importance des traits d'union dans l'utilisation des mots, et notamment dans la description de la nationalité et de l'identité des personnes. Je vois maintenant clairement comment le mot utilisé pour décrire un individu peut avoir un impact sur la façon dont cet individu se sent dans son pays. De plus, j'ai été séduite par l'appel à l'action en fin d’ouvrage, montrant à quel point ce livre arborait un rôle de démonstration.

Vous l'aurez compris, j'ai profondément aimé ce livre et je le recommande vivement à tous ceux qui s'intéressent à l'histoire américaine et à la manière dont le langage peut façonner la perception que les individus ont d'eux-mêmes et de leur pays.

[dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, I was intrigued to read this book, to get a bit of an insight into how people from other countries really perceive the British being one thing I was really interested to learn about. What I didn’t expect, is it to be such an eye opener! I don’t usually lean towards nonfiction but this I found truly enlightening! The tone and style of writing is so relaxed and conversational. You get such a lovely sense of the author it really drew me in, and I felt like it was almost a chat.
I was seriously shocked to read lots of it. I suppose living in the society I do, I had never given a great deal of thought to the differences in attitudes from country to country. I also assumed, that the USA was relatively similar in their belief system to us, and really didn’t realise the extent of the prejudice that still exists.
This is a personal, brave and honest telling of the authors own experiences, thoughts and beliefs. I’m really glad I got the opportunity to read this. I suppose I feel a little ashamed that due to my own beliefs, I didn’t really see a divide or realise that it was felt that deeply. I didn’t consider that in America these divides are so blatant, and these atrocious prejudices are still the norm. I’ll be recommending this to all my reader friends.
I think this a fantastic account of the readers time here in Britain and in America. It is full of facts without being heavy, its tone is light even whilst discussing subjects that the author feels passionately about, and unlike so many books it’s not aggressive or patronising. I feel like I have learnt so much and after reading this have had my eyes opened. I feel like we really need to pay attention to what is happening in the world, but not through the media but personal accounts such as this one.
An excellent memoir, nicely written, enjoyable and I have a great deal of respect for the author being able to put her views and feelings across on the pages so gracefully, but also with real passion. As we say in Wales ‘Da iawn! Pob lwc’

[Daniela Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming across this book was quite a surprise and I feel like reading it opened my eyes and gave me a new perspective. There’re so many valuable topics that “Hyphened-Nation” addresses such as the question of how people are categorized based on race and ethnicity, and the impact that such categorization has on unity and the collective sense of identity. It highlights the limitations and potential harm of such labels, arguing that they perpetuate disunity. The narrative effectively captures the emotions and challenges faced by minorities in the United States, emphasizing the weight of social expectations and stereotypes, it invites readers to critically examine the history and legacy of the United States Constitution, challenging idealized perceptions of American democracy. Also, it encourages people to study and understand the Constitution to shape a more equal future for all citizens. Some chapters emphasize the importance of recognizing the historical significance of race in the United States and its impact on issues of liberty, justice, and equality.
The author writing’s style is great and easy to understand, allowing readers to better understand the author's experiences and perspectives.

This book truly invites us to reflect on the experiences of minorities in the United States and the importance of recognizing and challenging racial inequality.

We need to remember the need for social change and emphasize the value of empathy, understanding, and equal opportunities for all people, regardless of ethnicity. I think everyone should read it at least once in their life.

[Cam · Rating 5 out of 5]

"HYPHENED-NATION: Don't Check the Box" by Nicole Draffen is a timely and thought-provoking book that challenges readers to question the limitations of traditional notions of identity and belonging in America. Draffen draws on her personal experiences to explore the complexities and contradictions of hyphenated identities while delving into the historical, cultural, and political contexts that have shaped them.

Daffen's writing style is engaging and approachable, making the book easy to read. She brings a unique perspective to the conversation on race and identity in America, which is both deeply personal and informed by a broader understanding of history and culture.

As an American-Indian, I really had never given this much thought. However, I am also very white and don't fit the traditional narrative. Moving forward, I will second-guess checking the box for sure.

Overall, "HYPHENED-NATION: Don't Check the Box" is a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of identity and belonging in America. Daffen's insights are valuable, and her compelling arguments make this book important to the ongoing conversation on race and identity in America.

[Andrea L · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a given time in history like the one we live in today.... I firmly believe that everyone should read a book like Hyphen-Nation "Don't Check the Box".
Nicolle Draffen gets straight to the point with a writing style that is direct, provocative, but always extremely elegant.
The author talks about institutional racism, the danger of labels, and how classifying people with hyphens separates us instead of bringing us together in a cohesive society.
This book comes from her personal experience and her travels abroad in the UK and US. An engaging read full of historical details and quotes and winner of several literary awards.
A very interesting book, and standard bearer for a positive movement.
Highly recommended reading.

[Andi Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hypened-Nation: Don't check the box by Nicole Draffen is a thought-provoking and insightful book that explores the complex issue of ethnicity in America. The book challenges readers to re-think the traditional categories of identity and to embrace a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of these concepts.

The author's own experiences give her a unique perspective on these issues, and she uses it to challenge readers to question their own assumptions and biases.

The book is well-written and engaging with it's strong emphasis on inclusivity and the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diversity of human experience.

Everyone should read it!

[Ember Wilbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I am not concerned that you have fallen -- I am concerned that you arise.”
– Abraham Lincoln

Another review for a outside the box genre.
This is a 4/5 ⭐️ (Only because it’s not my typical go to book.)

Hyphened Nation is a short book, More of a study guide in my eyes.
It’s about cultural differences and meanings.
We all see things differently these days and have our own opinions and this is a great read if you’re interested in reading someone else’s POV on these things!

~Don’t Check The Box~

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought-provoking, refreshing read. The author is clearly an independent thinker who does not fall for old thinking patterns. She shares her views, experiences and insights with honesty. You can read my comprehensive review here:
https://juliahoneswritinglife.blogspo...

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that HYPHENED-NATION by Nicole Draffen has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author shares an interesting perspective to what it means to be American and all its intricacies. Left me reflecting on many important issues and also how Americans are viewed by those of other countries. A book that I found to be bold, thought-provoking, and insightful.

[Beth Odgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a thought-provoking read into American cultural complexities and how America uses hyphens to attempt to mold its people into marginalized groups.

As a British person reading this novel, it was intriguing to see how race is viewed from an outside perspective in my own country and have an insight into how race is viewed in America. I honestly had never considered the use and effect of hyphens in the American language or the lack of them here in the UK. I believe that everyone from schools to individuals should read Hyphened-Nation and take in the points that the author makes as the writer effectively illuminates the issues with race and how it relates to language within the American people in a way that had not been done in my opinion to this level of effectiveness before cementing my belief that this book should be at the forefront of selected reading in both British and American minds. The book was well-written, concise, and eye-opening taking media, language, and diversity into account to showcase the importance of all of these on the American psyche.

I am thrilled that the author had such a positive experience in my home country whilst still acknowledging her thoughts on the fact that we can keep working on ourselves as a country to benefit all who live here.

In all this is a thought-provoking and engaging read that I would firmly suggest anyone reads regardless of whether they live in the US or not, even if you feel you are not affected by the themes of racism within the book I believe that everyone can benefit from reading this a reevaluating what they take consciously or subconsciously take from American Media and language and asses how it affects the opinions we create from the media we engage with.

The world needs more writers like Nicole Draffen and her goal to encourage others not to ‘tick the box’ is an important one worthy of reading her well-considered words.

[Atul Sharma]

𝙃𝙮𝙥𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 by 𝙉𝙞𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝘿𝙧𝙖𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙣

〰️ Have you ever felt in your life that you don't belong to place, all because of the behaviour and treatment of those around you ⁉️

〰️ Believe it or not there are thousands of people who feel the same, being born in the same soil yet due to differences in ethnicity and labels came that into existence to differentiate, one feels pseudo sense of understanding.

〰️While being born and brought up in America, Nicole has been through the same. Whilst facing this social inequality she decided to explore other cultures and this desire to discover another culture would lead her to discover herself within the context of her own country.

〰️She addresses the issue of racial discrimination and bring forward the vary concept of discrimination, i.e. hyphenation, which ultimately leads to the discrimination of Americans on the basis of the skin.

📌The book is very articulated around the references from cross nation cultures, discrimination, politics, constitution and the people. With the help of these she has pointed out her observations in support of the subject and at the same time focusing on the solution.

📌At the end I would say that Words are powerful. They can inspire, empower and provide meaning and context. But they can also wound, scar and rob people of their significance. So, the choice is in your hands.

📌This book is a cause for the change in the society and written for a specific reason, the social inequalities that exists. It will definitely make you contemplate on the subject.

📌If you're interested in Cultures and Social Inequality, around the or an American, then this one for you.

[Daniela Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Para mí este ese tipo de libros que te abre los ojos de muchas maneras te invita a reflexionar sobre varios temas como lo es la identidad, la libertad, el patriotismo, y la categorización racial en Estados Unidos.

Además de analizar los contextos históricos, legales y sociales de estos temas. Se convierte en una exploración importante y honesta de cómo las identidades son moldeadas y a veces limitadas por etiquetas sociales que dividen a las personas en lugar de unirlas y la necesidad de un cambio social. Explora cómo las representaciones de los medios, desde dibujos animados hasta programas de televisión, afectan perpetuando estereotipos y limitando los roles disponibles.

La autora habla de su viaje de autodescubrimiento y despertar cultural. Todas estas experiencias en el Reino Unido le permitieron comparar las diferencias sociales y que le permitieron llegar a comprender mejor su identidad, libre de las limitaciones sociales y los juicios raciales que sentía en Estados Unidos.

La autora menciona la importancia de que el verdadero progreso requiere reconocer y aprender de los errores del pasado del país, dejar de un lado los estereotipos y los prejuicios, y trabajar juntos por una sociedad mas justa y equitativa. Un libro lleno de sabiduría, que todos deberían leer.

[Russell Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hyphened-Nation is an amazingly insightful book, which delves deep into the United States of America’s fascination with placing its citizens firmly into ethnic pigeon-holes. Penned by Nicole Draffen, who decided to write it after experiencing a completely different culture when she visited the United Kingdom, it explores the many issues, such as education, careers and social status, which can be brought to the fore when we start to class people according to their heritage and backgrounds. This is a perceptive book, touching on a subject that I had never really considered before, but one which quite clearly creates many divisions within American society.

[Chaz Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the real deal for those who dare to act and not just dream or talk about others ideas that are opinions. Author Nicole really set the bar high for anyone else who would speak of us U.S. citizens as being without flaws and arguing that without diversity we can be stronger than everyone else who are diversifying. This is an adventure of realistic time plus era as well as the much needed push to go further than what we know so that we can make common sense media be truthfully common knowledge to everyone. I don't do spoilers so buy, read, and enjoy.

[Zenny Dahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book about how classifying people with hyphens puts us in separate bins instead of bringing us together in society as a cohesive unit. It's a quick read full of interesting ideas and theories. Inspired by her three week vacation in England, the author touches on institutional racism and the dangers of labels. It is well thought out and clearly posed.