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Between the Lines
The following review appeared in the August 2016 issue of CHOICE. The review is for your internal use only. Please review our Permission and Reprints Guidelines or email permissions@ala-choice.org.
Social & Behavioral Sciences
Psychology
Choudhury provides an open, honest, and plainspoken view of diversity issues. He does not sugarcoat the concepts, and his examples are real. Writing in an engaging, conversational tone, Choudhury discusses national and international issues of diversity, backing his observations with scientific evidence and personal experience. The result is a moving, powerful look at how to address issues of both "head" and "heart” in engaging in diversity conversations that promise real and lasting change. Choudhury frames his discussion in what he calls "the four pillars of deep diversity," a foundation for diversity work that will transcend any disciplinary or professional boundaries. Choudhury does not address just the reality of the “us versus them” mentality responsible for most cases of racism; he provides a simple step-by-step guide for how to counter these feelings. Reminiscent of Milton Bennett’s work on development of intercultural sensitivity, embodied in what is known as the Bennett scale, Choudhury’s approach provides a method by which both sides of any disagreement can be empowered to join the conversation and actually “want” change. A valuable resource for those interacting in diverse academic, professional, or personal settings.
--R. E. Osborne, Texas State University