If you read one non-fiction book this year, please read This Book Will Make You Kinder by Henry James Garrett! 

 

I’m not usually in the habit of reviewing non-fiction books as I read them so infrequently, but I have started reading more and more self-help books occasionally. 

 

This book systematically and gently explores the ways we can show empathy and the ways our empathy can be blocked (termed in the book as “empathy-limiting” mistakes). I’ve always considered myself a relatively kind person, but I also come from a privileged background, being a white women with an upper middle-class background. This, as the book discusses, often can blind people’s empathy (i.e. white Australians who claim that racism isn’t an issue in Australia, where in fact they are the least likely group of people to experience racism therefore often don’t acknowledge it). 

 

The book neither blames nor attacks those from majority groups; the author himself admits he comes from a privileged background. It simply states that we have more to learn from other minority groups and the best thing we can do is listen to people when they say there is an issue. 

 

This book is an absolute gem and made even more engaging by Henry’s iconic illustrated cartoons throughout the book. Do yourself a favour and find a copy!