Do Better by Rachel Ricketts (ARC Review)

Title: Do Better
Author: Rachel Ricketts
Type: Nonfiction
Publisher: Atria Books (Simon & Schuster Publishing)
Date published: February 2, 2021

A complimentary physical copy of this book was kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Do Better is a revolutionary offering that addresses anti-racism from a comprehensive, intersectional, and spiritually-aligned perspective. This actionable guidebook illustrates how to engage in the heart-centered and mindfulness-based practices that racial justice educator and healer Rachel Ricketts has developed to fight white supremacy from the inside out, in our personal lives and communities alike. It is a loving and assertive call to do the deep—and often uncomfortable—inner work that precipitates much-needed external and global change.

Radical racial justice includes daily, intentional, and informed action. It demands addressing the emotional violence we have perpetuated on ourselves and others (most notably toward Black and Indigenous women and femmes), both as individuals and as a society. Do Better provides the missing pieces to manifest practicable, sustainable solutions such as identifying where we most get stuck, mitigating the harm we inflict on others, and mending our hearts from our most painful race and gender-based experiences, plus much more.

This inspirational and eye-opening handbook is filled with carefully curated soulcare activities for getting into our bodies and better withstanding the grief, rage, and conflicting emotions that naturally arise when we fight against injustice. Culturally informed, secular spiritual exercises, such as guided meditations, transformative breathwork, and journaling prompt unpack our privilege, and take up the ongoing fight against oppression, while transforming our own lives along the way.

⤖ My Review ⬻

This book was difficult to read, as I’m sure it was meant to be! As a Caucasian reader, it really made me face and examine all of the ways in which our society here is built to benefit those of my skin colour. There is really no holding back in Do Better, as it unapologetically lays out all of the problems and ways in which white supremacy affects the lives and freedom of BIPOC people. I like that while it doesn’t hold the hand of the reader while discussing the issues at hand, Do Better also presents numerous solutions to each of the focus issues.

There were numerous times that I wanted to leave sticky notes in the book in order to return to some of the solutions that Rachel Ricketts presents, I held off because I knew that I would donate the book. I donate all of my ARCs once I read them, but regarding this book specifically, I wanted it to make the rounds in my community and touch as many people’s lives as possible. I will save the sticky-noteing for when I purchase a finished copy of this book or myself.

I also think that it’s important to note that Rachel Ricketts points out that she does not speak for everyone and I also think that the personal experiences that she delves into add a different dynamic to the book. In a way, Rachel Ricketts’ personal experiences work as almost case studies for the issues at hand. They exemplify how the issues affect real people–like Rachel Ricketts–in the real world.

Do Better, and books like it, are so important in reforming our society and in making equality for all an actual reality. There were times while reading Do Better where I physically flinched from the pain being imparted, as well as when white people are being called out as a race for participating in white supremacy that is so deeply ingrained in our society. This book really changed the way in which I view a lot of things, and really added fire to my already-existing need to do better.

Like I said, I will be purchasing a finished copy and will definitely return to this book and its lessons as I try to grow as a human being while also fighting for the society that I live in to change for the better.

⤖ About the Author ⬻

Rachel Ricketts is a queer, multi-racial Black woman. As a global thought leader, racial justice educator, healer, speaker, and writer, she hosts intersectional racial justice workshops worldwide, including her renowned Spiritual Activism series. Rachel cultivates change by fusing her experiences as an attorney, trained anti-racism educator, and grief coach with her spiritual certifications in breathwork, yoga, mindfulness, and Reiki. She has helped numerous global brands with anti-racism efforts, including Google, WeWork, and Lululemon. Rachel was named one of well+good’s 2020 Changemakers and has been featured in international media such as The New York Times, Cosmopolitan, Goop, and The Atlantic. She loves donuts, dancing, disruption and all things metaphysical (ideally all at once). Learn more about Rachel at RachelRicketts.com and @IAmRachelRicketts.