"[Headlee] lowers the temperature around conversations about race in this edifying work. . . . Written for those who are tired of arguing, debating, and still getting nowhere on the issue of race, Headlee’s personal-yet-proficient approach to potentially heated parlays is sure to inspire constructive, and perhaps life-changing, conversations." — Publishers Weekly
"Award-winning journalist and professional speaker Headlee offers tips on doing something she’s an expert at: speaking to and understanding others. This timely book comes at a moment of particular attention to racial tension; Headlee’s book promises to help us have fruitful conversations about it." — Boston Globe
"A thoughtful, enlightening guide." — Kirkus Reviews
“Celeste Headlee says we cannot go around, over, or under the subject of race in this country. We must go through it—and the way forward is to have conversations. This is simply the best book I’ve read on how to have those conversations. Unflinchingly honest, exceptionally well-reasoned and researched, there is so much to admire about Speaking of Race. But my very favorite element is the conversations in each chapter, excerpts from Celeste’s interviews in which you can glimpse the perspective-changing power of dialogue.” — Angela Duckworth, founder and CEO of Character Lab and New York Times bestselling author of Grit
“This is what America needs: an evidence-based book on race that doesn’t divide or polarize. Whether you’ve been avoiding conversations about race altogether or stumbling your way through them, Celeste Headlee is the ideal teacher. Her goal isn’t to make you more comfortable—it’s to make you more thoughtful.” — Adam Grant, number one New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and host of the TED podcast WorkLife
"Nobody feels entirely comfortable talking about the potentially explosive subject of race, but public radio journalist Celeste Headlee is here to help everyone have open, respectful conversations on the subject. . . . Headlee brings the receipts throughout, diving deep into science and sociology to help explain the best ways to think about race and prejudice—and she fully owns up that step one, acknowledging your own biases, is probably the hardest. . . . Speaking of Race won’t give you all the answers, but it will help you learn how to ask the right questions." — Apple Books
“Powerful and actionable. If you want a less racist world, you must read this excellent book—every page is packed with tools, inspiration, and insight." — Dolly Chugh, author of The Person You Mean to Be
"Headlee has created an informative, enjoyable book that functions as part-memoir, part-guidebook to having conversations about racism. A must-read for everyone." — Library Journal
“Celeste Headlee is perhaps the greatest evangelist for the power of conversation and Speaking of Race is an accessible, carefully researched, and refreshingly personal exploration into how to have better, more honest discussions about race and racism. An exercise in courage and honesty, this book offers readers an understanding companion as they do the work of facing their biases.” — Lindsay Foster Thomas, journalist and host of The ARC of Justice podcast
“Celeste Headlee knows that conversations about racism are hard and that many, perhaps most, will fail to change hearts and minds. But in Speaking of Race, she makes a powerful case that those of us who want an antiracist world must make the attempt, and she offers wise, evidence-based guidance for how to go about it.” — John Biewen, host of the Peabody Award–nominated podcast Scene on Radio
“As we continue to reckon with America’s painful racial history, Celeste Headlee gives us important insight into our past and present as well as wisdom for navigating meaningful conversations for a better future.” — Christian McBride, seven-time Grammy Award–winning jazz bassist