Library Journal
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Here, Wilkerson reframes the United States' history of racial disparities and racism as a classic caste system, and compares America's caste system with those operating in India and Nazi-era Germany. She identifies the eight "pillars of caste" that can be clearly observed in all three systems. In one very memorable and disturbing passage, she describes how the Jim Crow laws of the American South served as inspiration and model for the anti-Semitic, racist Nuremberg laws enacted in 1935 Germany. Narrator Robin Miles is a perfect choice to read this work. She amplifies and grounds the content with a steady, calm, and clear voice, even when the material is especially chilling and ugly. VERDICT Caste should be required listening/reading for every engaged American. Recommended for all libraries in multiple formats.—Kristen L. Smith, Loras Coll. Lib., Dubuque, IAAn enchanting debut romance; Wilkerson's powerful examination of American societyvideo COMINGATTRACTIONSForthcoming Releases on DVD/Blu-ray By Jeff T. Dick, Davenport, IA