If you’ve found yourself confused or daunted by understanding race and racism, Mixed Up: Confessions of an Interracial Relationship—available only as an audiobook—is a great place to start. In it the authors, Tineka Smith and Alex Court, explain the complexities of their relationship and, in doing so, shed light on the complexities of race and racism in the 21st century. It’s like having two friends sharing their experiences and wisdom, and that’s incredibly helpful. What’s also really empowering about the book is the fact that relationships are hard for everyone, with lots of things to disagree, argue and be angry about. Race adds another, really tough dimension, but the basic thread of the story, how to get on with another human being, comes from a place that we all grapple with. Like any really good book, Mixed Up increases your understanding not only of the world around you, but also of yourself.
Sophie Roell, Five Books Editor
Five Books review