Ask a bookseller: “The racism of people who love you”

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Andrea King of Left Bank Books in St. Louis, Mo., recommends the non-fiction reading The Racism of People Who Love You: Essays on Mixed Race Belonging by Samira K. Mehta. Part memoir, part cultural critique, with a dash of theory, these essays draw on Mehta’s experience growing up with a white parent and a South Asian parent.

“The Racism of People Who Love You”, by Samira K. Mehta.

Courtesy Image

I absolutely loved this book, King said. It kind of put into words a lot of the experiences, thoughts and feelings that I’ve had as a biracial person, [that I] didn’t really know how to articulate or didn’t really know if they were like, valid. So it made me feel really seen and then also kind of analyze my close relationships with people.

King says Mehta’s essays are a valuable conversation starter that draws a tough line: they examine complex issues with understanding and generosity, aiming to develop ongoing relationships with loved ones.

I’m not going to say it’s an easy read,” King added. “I will say it’s a really thought-provoking read. And I think [it’s] really important, if people are looking to feel seen by this book or want to have more insight [in]what it does for their family and friends to forge a biracial identity.

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