I have no idea who put this on their best of 2023 list, but thank you so much because it was a hard book that still meant a lot to hear.
Also, academics, PLEASE record audiobooks of your works! I know it's asking a lot, but it's such an amazing experience to get to hear people I probably would not get the chance to hear lecture and speak passionately about the things that matter to them.
The world needs more books about positive change and, while this book absolutely does not shy away from the problems, Benjamin is committed to also talking about the individuals who are making a difference by caring and showing that it's possible to make things better by spreading goodness and caring and flapping butterfly wings.
It cannot just be racism and injustice and cruelty that seeps and inches through the world and spreads through little acts. It must also be restoration and justice and kindness that can move in the same way. This is a book about believing in that and believing in a community's power to make that happen.
It's not a feel good book, but it is a book that makes you want to put more good into the world.