There’s been a lot of conversation about race, discrimination and equality in the past few years. It’s a topic that should be discussed but with a different narrative. In the context of historical accuracy and experiences that have shaped American culture, we need to acknowledge and accept the history that represents this country, the good and the bad. It starts with open dialogue and acknowledgement of the past and present. Until that happens, history will repeat itself.

Unequal, A Story of America, written by Michael Eric Dyson and Marc Favreau shows racial inequality through the eyes of people trying to make a difference. Its plight and resistance permeates through our daily lives, experiences, legislation and government. Their book highlights significant people who have tried to make a difference, many at the expense of their own lives. With a goal to carve a path and be the change they wanted to for not only them but for everyone who didn’t have a voice.

I didn’t know this book was a YA book. To be honest, I feel anyone could enjoy learning from this book. Many people haven’t been exposed to much of what was discussed and it would be a great resource to inspire further learning.

As I sat and listened to the audiobook version, all I could think about is how far we have come yet so far, we must go. As I reflect on the commentary said in the beginning of the book, some people may not want to face the past, but it needs to be talked about to bridge a better future. We need to learn the truth, the good and the bad, because it happened. You can’t change yesterday but we can tomorrow.

What I enjoyed was not just this amazing audio narration, but the accompanied pdf included. It was wonderful not only learning some things that I hadn’t heard about but it was thought provoking to put a person to their experiences. Subjects such as this can be hard to talk about, but they present the book in a way that captures your attention and makes you want to listen. Regardless of how you feel about the subject matter in the book, their commentary is a welcome invitation presenting an opportunity to discuss, educate and inform.

This is one of the few audiobooks that has truly demanded my attention and piqued my thirst to learn more about some of the people that I’d never heard about. Their narration was persuasive for my ears to want to keep listening. The attention to detail and information was wonderful to take in.

I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook and hope that if you get the chance to listen to the audio version you will enjoy the experience.

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