‘I’m Still Here’ Book Club Discussion + My August Pick!
Happy Monday! Can you believe it’s August again?! That crept up so fast, I almost forgot to write my book club post! I’m glad I didn’t though, because we have to talk about this book! It is no secret that 2020 has exposed a lot of racism within our country. I don’t know anyone who wasn’t affected by that video of George Floyd’s death. When you pair that with the protests and the stories of victims like Breonna Taylor and Elijah McClain, this issue has become impossible to ignore.
For me, it became clear that I didn’t (and never truly will) fully understand what it’s like to be Black in America. I knew racism existed, but I honestly thought it was only perpetuated by overtly racist white supremacists. I had no part in that, right? Well, I’ve learned a lot about anti-racism the past few months, and I found Austin’s writing particularly impactful. Listening to the audiobook felt like listening to a brutally honest friend talk about her many experiences with racism throughout her life. I don’t say that to diminish other anti-racism work or tone police. It’s just that her words have struck me and I know that they will stay with me for a very very long time.
“When you believe niceness disproves the presence of racism, it’s easy to start believing bigotry is rare, and that the label racist should be applied only to mean-spirited, intentional acts of discrimination. The problem with this framework—besides being a gross misunderstanding of how racism operates in systems and structures enabled by nice people—is that it obligates me to be nice in return, rather than truthful.”
about the book: ‘i’m still here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness’
I’m Still Here is a memoir written by Austin Channing Brown. She offers a unique perspective on race after growing up in majority-white schools and churches, most of which claim to value diversity despite the fact that she was often the only person of color in the room. Austin explains how she has coped with both micoaggressions and blatant racism within a society and institutions that are rooted in white supremacy. She also brilliantly identifies tools to help her community cope and move forward, while also generously providing people like me with advice to become a better ally.
‘I’m Still Here’ Book Club Questions
In addition to my questions below, I’d definitely recommend checking out Austin’s full Discussion Guide. It is far more comprehensive than my questions, so definitely give it a peek! I’d also love to hear your thoughts in my Lake Shore Lady Community Group on Facebook!
The book begins with a story about why her parents chose the name Austin. This act of protection from her parents was the first time she realized that her race could be used against her. When was the first time you were aware of different races and how they are viewed in America?
What was the racial diversity like in your schools growing up?
When did you have your first Black teacher, coach, pastor, etc?
Austin talks about a college trip that inspired her to do more for racial justice. What event made you decide that “doing nothing is no longer an option”?
There are stories in this book about people who did not respect Austin or her authority, becoming emotional and defensive. What experiences do you have with white fragility like this? Have you ever had to recognize your own fragility?
Have you ever, or have you experienced people, who are more concerned with being called racist, rather than if their actions were in fact racist?
On that same note, Austin talks about how a lot of people want to be viewed as nice, which doesn’t leave room for Black people to be truthful. Have you ever relied on your “niceness” to avoid really listening to and understanding an experience that is different from your own?
In your adult life, have you learned about racism in American history that you didn’t learn about in school? (Example: I never learned about the Tulsa Massacre!)
Have you ever experienced fear when interacting with the police?
How have the events of the ‘Black Lives Matter Era’ impacted you?
Become Austin was pregnant when writing this book, she includes a letter to her son about the difficulties he may face. No matter what race you are, what would you want to say to your children (or any child) about the ways in which you hope America can change for the better?
my book club pick for august
I know you probably thought I was going to pick The Idea of You since I couldn’t stop talking about it this month. (It’s also by an incredible Black author!) But PLOT TWIST! I am currently reading One To Watch and this new debut novel is so good.
On the surface, this book is really light and fun. It’s about a popular plus size fashion blogger who is hung up on her engaged (!!) best friend. One night when she is watching one her favorite shows, Main Squeeze (aka The Bachelor/Bachelorette), she gets frustrated with their lack of diversity. After one too many drinks, she publishes a blog post slamming the show, resulting in a meeting with one of the show runners. On her way to the meeting, she is expecting a criticism of her blog post, only to find out they actually want her to be the next star.
While the premise seems silly and superficial, this book dives into how society views plus size women, what body positivity really means, and so much more. Who wants to read it with me?!?!
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PS. You might also like Untamed Book Club Questions, Our Stop Book Club Questions, Little Fires Everywhere Book Club Questions, and How To Download Library Books to Your Kindle!
