No One Ever Asked, (Paperback)

Everyone in America needs to read this book. Not just because it was exceedingly well written, with short chapters that kept you turning the pages. Not because of the Twitter conversations, emails, online chats, or news articles interspersed throughout the book, which brought in more perspective to the story. Not because of the characters, so well written that you wanted to weep with them in their distress. Not because of the surprises that you never expected in the plot. Everyone needs to read this story because every person will find himself or herself in this story. And it's not pretty. This is a story about racism, which may or may not be reflected in how you act, and it may not be reflected in the words you speak. But it may be in your thoughts and in your heart, even if you don't recognize it. Read this book. It is convicting. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, Waterbrook, for review purposes. The thoughts expressed here are my own.

Community. Compassion. Empathy. Love. This world needs more yet can these things truly be achieved without understanding (or at the very least, a desire to understand)? I think not. No One Ever Asked glows with rich, multi-layered authenticity and diversity. I found myself relating to each of the three main characters in at least a small way yet also learning from each struggle, situation, and background. We don't understand one another's struggles because we don't ask. We assume. We label. We circle the wagons when we should be opening doors and tearing down walls, ceilings, and stereotypes. I highly recommend this story to everyone!  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.