Update: OK, I finished it. The last ten pages, his analogy and vision, those were good. The rest, I stand by what I wrote earlier (below) with one addition: I think I have a better sense for what bothers me. He comes off as a hothead and a bully. I'm not going to rate this book, because I don't want to skew ratings and besides, what the heck do I know anyway? People I trust rave about it. So make up your own mind - take my copy, please.

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So much for my cred as an ally: I can't read this. I tried once, months ago, and abandoned it silently. This week I picked it up again, gritted my teeth, and set a goal of 100 pages. I made it -- to 103! -- then put it down to start on [b:The Hate U Give|32075671|The Hate U Give (The Hate U Give, #1)|Angie Thomas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1476284759l/32075671.SY75.jpg|49638190] instead.

Not all books reach everyone; each of us is attuned to different voices. Kendi's debate-team background influences his writing: I found it pedantic and tiresome. "The dictionary defines X as Y"; "So-and-so once wrote". I grew up with someone whose only way of engaging was to lecture - I don't need more speeches in my life.

But screw my opinion. This is an important book, many people love it, so give it a try. My hope in writing this is to remind you that, should it not speak to you, it's OK to try other sources.