book cover. Brian Broome as a child, overlaid with the title of the book PUNCH ME UP TO THE GODS

REVIEW: Punch Me Up to the Gods

We learn, slowly, how to gather the people around us who will care for us and who will give us some space in their own lives.

THE TSAR’S LOCKET, by Ken Czech

Nations must ally themselves against external enemies, but what of enemies within?

Fieldnotes on Allyship: Now in Print

It is a truth universally acknowledged that America is centered on the success, promotion, pleasure, and whims of white people.

THE CHRISTMAS EVE PROMISE, by Elyse Douglas

What if you could return to the past to correct a mistake in the present?

white man with gray hair faces away from camera, sitting in empty stone church.

Making the Past the Past

“The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” ~ Wm. Faulkner It is a difficult thing to think that … More

13 BILLION TO ONE, by Randy Rush

I was given an advance reader’s copy of the book 13 Billion to One, by Randy Rush, and asked to … More

Interview with Jamie Lisa Forbes

I agreed to read and review Eden, by Jamie Lisa Forbes. I found the book fascinating and deep (you can … More

EDEN, by Jamie Lisa Forbes

WHAT IS EDEN AND WHERE CAN WE FIND IT, we sometimes ask. A place of creation for some. A place … More

A white coffee mug with coffee in it. It has the word "BEGIN" on it, and sits on a wooden table.

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 46: Whole Again

I’ve been blogging with friends as I read through “Waking Up White,” by Debby Irving. We’re committed to reading, thinking, … More

Two women, one white, one Black, are having a conversation with each other. They're seated facing each other at a table next to a large window overlooking an urban setting.

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 45: Normalizing Race Talk

Blogging with friends as I read “Waking Up White” by Debby Irving, committed to read and think and write about … More

Four toddlers forming a circle of friendship

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 44: Listening

Still blogging with my friends as I read “Waking Up White” by Debby Irving, committing ourselves to read and think … More

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 43: From Tolerance to Engagement

I’m blogging, along with several other writers, as I read the book by Debby Irving “Waking Up White.” We’ve committed … More

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 42: Solidarity and Accountability

I’m blogging, along with several others, as I read the book by Debby Irving “Waking Up White.” We’ve committed to … More

A child stands at the bottom of stone steps, considering how to overcome a seemingly impossible challenge.

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 41: From Bystander to Ally

Still reading chapters from Waking Up White, by Debbie Irving, and blogging my responses as I read. Quotes are from … More

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 40: Bull in a China Shop

I’m reading chapters from Waking Up White, by Debbie Irving, and blogging my responses. Quotes are from the book, and … More

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 39: Equality Starts with Equity

I’m going through Debbie Irving’s book Waking Up White, along with several friends, blogging about each chapter as I read … More

A man is checking a map to see where he goes next

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 38: The Rugged Individual

I’m blogging my way through Waking Up White, by Debbie Irving. Along with a few other writers, we’re reading and … More

The Quarantine of Emotions

If you haven’t been paying attention, there’s a play running right now in New York City that’s controversial and provoking. … More

Boxes and cups and bottles all stacked on shelves

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 37: Boxes and Labels

This is another post in the series Waking Up White, exploring the book by Debby Irving of the same name. … More

People standing and walking down the corridor of a brightly lighted shiny conference hallway

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 36: The Dominant White Culture

Continuing the series of examining whiteness while working through Waking Up White, by Debbie Irving. I’m utterly intrigued by the … More

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 35: If Only You’d Be More Like Me

I’m reading & simultaneously commenting on Debby Irving’s book Waking Up White. Jesus. I mean that in reverence not as … More

White Jesus, Bible Jesus: Pick One

Yes, this is deliberately provocative for a blog title, chosen to shake up people settled in their ways like the … More

My Dear White People

This is a love letter. Really. And it comes from someone who has committed every sin that’s listed here—and many … More

Multicolored connector plugs inserted into a control panel.

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 34: Becoming Multicultural

Once again, I’m reading & simultaneously commenting on Debby Irving’s book Waking Up White. This chapter is fire. Creating a … More

Pride and Prejudice, Staged

Last week we went to see a production of the new musical AUSTEN’S PRIDE, the story of Jane Austen‘s creation … More

The Purpose-Driven Lie

“The purpose of racism is to control the behavior of white people, not Black people. For Blacks, guns and tanks … More

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 33: Perception and Fear

Once again, a reminder that this series (“Waking Up White”) is from the book by Debby Irving. I read the … More