
π π π π π
SEE NO STRANGER
Valarie Kaur
One World
June 16, 2020
384 Pages
I had never heard of Valarie Kaur before reading this memoir, but she is a renowned Sikh activist, filmmaker, and civil rights lawyer. She’s also incredibly thoughtful, insightful, and impressively understanding toward people who are different from her. It took me a while to finish See No Stranger because it is heavy—beautifully written and straight up breathtaking, no exaggeration—but, good grief, she covers some tough subjects. Not only does she discuss her personal experiences with racism and sexual assault (she grew up with her Sikh family in the farmland of white-washed central California). But she also describes her years as a law student observing “life” at GuantΓ‘namo Bay and later fighting for prison reform, as well as her years as an activist helping communities recover from brutal acts of violence fueled by xenophobic prejudice.
The deep level of hate she describes in this book is damn near unbearable to read, especially given our current political climate. But her message to stay open, to commit to an attitude of “wonder,” especially when interacting with people who are (often extremely) different from us is powerful. When she describes speaking to the guards at GuantΓ‘namo Bay (specifically to one guard who inconceivably complains that the prisoners have more freedom than he has) and then forcing herself to not shut down and judge, but instead ask questions to understand his point of view, it’s incredible. Inspirational.
“You are a part of me that I don’t yet know” is a common refrain in this book. It’s a powerful reminder that hate only breeds more hate, but love and understanding are what make us feel light, connected, and free. With 38 days until the election, this is exactly what I needed to read right now.
Big thank you to One World and Net Galley for the ARC!
This sounds incredibly important, and lovely despite the experiences of hate you mention. Like an especially important one to read right now. Great review!
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Thank you! Yes, 100% agree. I consider myself a pretty open-minded person, but this book helped me see that I’m carrying around a lot of resentment and, honestly, hate toward people who I disagree with. I needed to hear this message to stay open and curious. We are living through such a crazy time, but I think she’s right to say that we can’t emotionally shut down and shut people out. π
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Oh that’s so good to know! I definitely need to pick this one up… I think I’m in the same mental state and it’s not good.
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I’m right there with you. I’m just trying to survive every day… Sending good vibes your way β€
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Same; and thank you!! Right back to you as well…we’ll get through it. We are getting through it, day by day…β€
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