Member Reviews

This was a really excellent and incredibly accessible book that I will return to time and again. As a white, middle class woman, there was so much useful and insightful information and action points to enable me to use my privilege for good. June Sarpong is never accusatory in her statements, which I think will appeal to many and overall, I thought this was a truly great read.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I thought this was a great introductory book on how to be anti-racist. I've read a couple of books on this topic but couldn't claim to be very well informed overall so this was perfect for me. It is very short and concise, but it definitely gets a few good messages across. I liked that the author narrated this herself, and she did a fantastic job. I definitely learned some things from this too. Would recommend to anyone who is fairly new to this topic as a good starting point to learn more from.

Was this review helpful?

I was absolutely blown away by Diversify by June Sarpong when I read it. Where I was expecting a book about the history of racism - which to be fair could have been full of anger and hurt - what I got was a very measured, practical guide to modern day racism across the spectrum and advice on how we can help to stop it - starting with the classroom. In her pocket sized book The Power of Privilege, June Sarpong discusses another, often ignored side of racism - privilege. 

It is easy to get confused by the term and become instantly defensive but it is a concept that needs further discussion and understanding and also acceptance that society has been built on white privilege. The sooner people accept that, the more likely institutionalised racism will hopefully come to an end. 

I listened to The Power of Privilege on audiobook and what I appreciated was that June Sarpong narrate it herself. This allowed her to get her points across more accurately than if someone else had narrated it for her.

The Power of Privilege isn’t an exhaustive read, yet it is an important one.

The Power of Privilege by June Sarpong is available now.

For more information regarding June Sarpong (@junesarpong) please visit www.junesarpong.co.uk.
For more information regarding HQ (@HQstories) please visit www.hqstories.co.uk.

Was this review helpful?

A nice short sharp read that will impact you and stay with you for a long time.

expertly narrated by June Sarpong, who breaks down tackling everyday racism, and is a great book to get you on the start of your anti-racist journey.

Was this review helpful?

This book really gave an inside into the power of privilege in all parts of life and how it has taken another tragedy, in the death of George Floyd, to raise public consciousness to the racism and privilege which is wide spread. This book also has a number of effective but achievable actions we can all employ to try and mitigate it where we can.

Was this review helpful?

This was such a powerful listen. It was hard hitting, raw and so current. I intend on listening to it again to take it all in fully. It angered me a lot and made me look inside my mind and heart- how do I view others, subconsciously, and how are others viewed by those around them. So many people have bias without every realising it. Is it inate? Societally formed? This book provoked so many questions. It was great, a must listen, or must read for all, most definitely!!

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this book. But probably for me this kind of topic is easier to digest in written form rather than audio. I really wanted to be able to go back to previous chapters to revisit and obviously harder on an audio book.

She’s such a warm and knowledgeable person it was a dream listening to her on a topic I want to know more on.

Was this review helpful?

*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

June Sarpong places the horrific murder of George Floyd and the racial disparities between those affected by the coronavirus pandemic into the context of centuries old racial biases. This isn’t a comprehensive history, being only 128 pages but provides the context of institutionalised racism and the ongoing effects of racist policies in the UK and US.

The historical portion of this book wasn’t the most interesting for me because it was very surface level and I have read other books on the topic. However, Sarpong includes a list of ten practical things we can do to tackle racism in our own communities. This advice was done brilliantly and though some of the steps are simple, the author wasn’t condescending in any way.

Overall I would recommend this book and think that it would be a great book to buy as a gift.

4 out of 5 stars!

Was this review helpful?

Audio arc provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Audio review - author narrated her own book and did an excellent job of it. This seems to work especially well with non fiction and added a personal connection to the listening experience.

The book itself is clear, concise, practical and invested in promoting real change. Sarpong gives a balanced view of what privilege is and how it's never as simple as 'whites versus blacks'. Those looking for a tomb that expounds on anger at injustice rather than practical solutions that promote an equal society had better look elsewhere - Sarpong's goal is to foster better communication, not to alienate the sub section off society who have currently and previously been held up as the norm. She writes that guilt and blame are obstacles to real change. This was a refreshing perspective (and in line with ideas I have held for some time so of course it resonated with me.) Overall, this was a great book for those who want to help create change without doing damage but are lost as to where to start. I'd also recommend it to those who are (justifiably) angry at injustice but have allowed that anger to turn them into a firehose full of petrol, rather than attempting to open lines of communication. This is a great book for everyone who wants an equal society.

Was this review helpful?

I really liked the idea of this book, being a White , middle-aged privileged woman. It was insightful, educating and also relevant. I will be listening to it again at least one more time to take it in properly.

Was this review helpful?

This was an interesting book with lots of facts and statistics which I think is a really helpful thing to learn on your anti racism journey. Thank you for allowing me to read this book, it was really insightful

Was this review helpful?

The Power of Privilege is timely with the BLM movement. Sarpong gives a UK perspective which is refreshing and serves to remind us all this is not just an American issue. She clearly outlines 10 ways that white people can combat racism and challenges hoe it is not possible to not be racist – the clearest explanation of white privilege. This book serves as a great introduction to the issues and is informative.
Many thanks to #netgalley for gifting the audiobook of #Thepowerofprivilege in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely fantastic. The narrator was beautiful to listen to and the book was so helpful to anyone wanting to educate themselves on this subject and learn more about how to be a better ally.

Was this review helpful?

June Sarpong is incredible. Incredible writer, incredible narrator, incredible thinker. Very in awe and humbled. I’ll be recommending this book to every white person I know. I never really take notes when I’m reading but I have a whole list in my notes app. A really important, well argued, well researched book that I am very grateful for, thank you.

Was this review helpful?

Power of privilege by June Sarpong

A powerful pocket sized book on how to be an anti racist and use white privileged to be an ally.

I don’t think this book adds anything to the books that are already out there, but it’s a good companion or introduction to the work. Natives by Akala, Me and White Supremacy by Layla F Saad are far more detailed and impactful. Ibram X Kendi provides very detailed and academic study on anti racism in both of his books.

I think there can never be too many books on this subject, and having a variety of sizes and ways of approaching the subject can only be a good thing.

Was this review helpful?

Sneaking in a grownup book for #BlackHistoryMonthUK. I've been listening to the audiobook of @junesarpong's The Power of Privilege through #NetGalley & it is well worth a listen. Discusses intersectionality, what "privilege" means, how to do better as an ally & be anti-racist https://t.co/qgPU4R7l9c

Was this review helpful?

**listened via audio book**

I'm a huge fan of June Sarpong, seeing her on my tv as a kid - and even more so now she is an advocate for diversity and BLM.

This book is short and concise, but man, does it pack a punch! It is incredibly informative and gives you a lot to think about. It covers so much.
As a white, working class woman I sometimes struggle to FULLY understand black and ethnic minority struggles. However this book has definitely opened my eyes to a lot. Also, as a teacher I am always on the look out for new ways to explain and teach about BLM and racism. I will be recommending this book to fellow members of staff, and I will also be using the knowledge I have gained from listening to this book as a resource within the classroom.

Was this review helpful?

This is a very accessible overview of how privilege works and a selection of solutions to change society for the better.

This short book talks about diversity in an intersectional way, and pushes for change in an inspiring, not guilt-tripping way. If you want to learn more about how to be an ally and how to use your priviege for good, this is the book for you.

Sarpong narrates the audio herself and it feels like a positive chat, not a negative lecture.

Was this review helpful?

In The Power of Privilege, Sarpong clearly outlines 10 ways that white people can combat racism.

This book is essentially one of two halves. The first half is devoted to outlining how it is not possible to simply not be racist - you either are racist or you're anti-racist - as well as anecdotal evidence of the what can be achieved when those with privilege use said privilege. The second half of the book is dedicated to outlining the 10 points.

Overall this book was informative and does what it sets out to do however I found myself feeling frustrated and a little like I must have missed something when at around the 60% of the way through this book the 10 points had only been alluded to. This being said, this is a very short book (just under 3 hours as an audiobook).

This book is definitely a great addition to any list of anti-racist literature.

Was this review helpful?

I received this as an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Good:
- actionable points in a clear layout
- ready to use suggestions and facts for use
- nice narrator voice

Bad
- would have liked more history and back ground

This is a clear and concise guide to anti racist action. The points given were easy to put into action, and a good started for people like me who want to start putting what they've learnt into action. I'm definitely considering buying this as a gift for friends, or a reminder for myself. It made me tear up a little after the facts, and feel I can actually do something to help.

I was so happy to finally have a way to put what I've learnt into action.

This is a really good companion to other anti racist books, and in light of the current BLM movement.

I would recommend this book to everyone who has heard things in the news recently and wanted to make a change but not known how.

Overall: 9.5/10 :)

Was this review helpful?