happylilkt's review

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5.0

It's important to note that this book is more about racial bias than other kinds of bias and is US-centric. This is not obvious from the title, but Eberhardt makes it clear from the beginning that she does so for a few reasons: 1) there is substantially more research on this kind of bias in the US than others, 2) her experience and expertise is with racial bias—including work with police. I think her personal experiences enhance the book, so this doesn't bother me, but if you're looking for a broader discussion on bias, this book will not tick all of those boxes.

While I was already familiar with some of the research and statistics shared, Eberhardt's ability to synthesize data and share it in such a warm and generous way (especially difficult in a book on this topic) made this book uniquely excellent. The quality of information and her (sometimes crazy!) stories made this an absorbing read. If you are data-driven and are interested in racial issues this book is highly recommended.

jimbowen0306's review against another edition

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4.0

This book looks at, and tries to explain aspects of, racism, and bias (both intrinsic, and extrinsic).

It’s an interesting read, addressing the aspects of racism being discussed at the moment. It’s largely American based, but still interesting/of use, if you’re not from there.

It works best when she has stats and facts front and centre, as part of her argument. Her discussion of education avoided affirmative action (which is something that’s regularly discussed), but spent a long time describing Charlottesville, and student responses to it. I’d have liked more of a call to arms about that, because even the dumb can see “Yup, they’re racist.”

The other issue I had was that while the book is well cited, but the hyperlinks in the Kindle version weren’t obvious, so it was hard to check on the claim (of the research) that were being made,

Other than that, it’s a good book. A lot of the stronger anti-bias arguments are made by youngsters, who mean well, but don’t have the stats to back claims up. This does, and that’s a good thing.

jenmangler's review

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4.0

Powerful read. Implicit bias is something we ALL need to learn about and talk about and deal with. It is shaped by our world and shapes our world simultaneously. We can do something about it, and the work starts with each one of us. This is a great place to start.

natalie_mcw's review

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4.0

Listened on Audible. She is a great reader. Great book. Thank you, Dr Eberhardt

lillianviolinist's review against another edition

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4.25

I really enjoyed Eberhardt's grounded and data-informed perspective on bias and discrimination so deeply ingrained within ourselves and our society. The anecdotes she includes from her life added immensely to the academic nature of Biased. I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by her and through her words you can just tell the depth of compassion and understanding she has. I especially appreciated her perspective as someone who has worked for many years with police departments. She has a lot to say about the efficacy of bias training and about how dynamics that play out in police interactions reflect larger societal trends. Biased is a nuanced take on an issue that is still at the heart of who we are and want to be as Americans. While it is a few years out of date, I enjoyed applying the information she conveys to situations that have happened more recently in our collective zeitgeist. Very worth the read and a nonfiction book that translated well to narration. 

tom_caldarera's review

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

kate_neverwhere's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative

4.25

issianne's review against another edition

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5.0

This was truly spectacular. And I don’t say that about non-fiction very often. I *highly* recommend both this book and reading it as an audiobook. Eberhardt presents a lot of data and statistics, and the audiobook makes it easy to digest and understand. I loved the psychology of it all with the bits of sociology and even brain circuitry. Eberhardt feels very objective without being apathetic and gave personal experiences when it was necessary (sometimes both of these points get muddled in non-fiction that’s not a memoir). Anyway, I loved it and will be recommending this one from now on!

ambularf's review

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3.0

Very insightful book about all different biases we face without even realizing it. It was written in a more textbook style, which isn't always my favorite. However it was an important read, that will make me take a further look at why I do the things I do.

gracieknowles's review

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informative reflective medium-paced

4.75