Reviews

Disorientation: Being Black in the World by Ian Williams

victoria_sedgwick's review

4.0

Great content, I found myself nodding along in agreement throughout. As a POC, the author incited self reflection on past experiences with racism and the concept of disorientation really resonated with me. However, the writing style was a bit hard to follow at times. Nevertheless I’d recommend this book to friends and family.

lowercasepoet's review

emotional informative reflective fast-paced

3.5

christie_esau's review

5.0

An excellent book; the style may not work for everyone but I really loved Williams' often creative approach. Great also for speaking to the specifics of Black identity in Canada as well as mixed race marriages. Highly recommend.

justabean_reads's review against another edition

4.0

I generally liked this: the essays were thoughtful, and gave me a couple of new ways to look at the world. Williams is a great humour writer, as well, and my favourite section was a long bit about lost furniture and Margaret Atwood. Nice to have a Canadian perspective.

marisatn's review

challenging emotional funny informative reflective sad medium-paced

4.25

This was an interesting essay collection. 

msnreynolds's review against another edition

5.0

An important read on the experience of being Black, written by a former PDSB student!

benrogerswpg's review

4.0

I enjoyed this book.

I found it a strong read on social justice, race, and social issues.

Would recommend!

Ian is an impressive author, I would keep a close eye on his career.

3.9/5

nigel_hakeem's review

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

Amazing book. At first, I was a little hesitant because of Williams' liberal politics, but jeez, these essays were amazing. I found countless points that I could relate to, and that inspired my own writing. Williams is able to describe the Black experience in a white world so succinctly and powerfully that the whole book feels like one big gut punch.

The essays Disorientation, Ten Bullets on Whiteness, Four to Eighteen Days, Between Us, and Sighting especially stood out to me. Please pick up this book and give it a good read. Both you and Williams deserve it. 

melaniebf's review

challenging informative reflective medium-paced

albatrossonhalfpointe's review

challenging funny informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

Definitely read this book. Some interesting observations, some that are straight-up hilarious, and some that will probably feel uncomfortable. Those are the ones to sit with for a bit.

More at https://kingshearte.blogspot.com/2023/07/disorientation-being-black-in-world-ian.html