The Good Ally: The indispensable guide to anti-racism

Wow! Nova is an incredibly skilled writer to make such a huge and heavy topic so accessible and easy to read. She makes reference to how harmful superficial lip service to anti racism work can be so I took my time on this book to really think and digest the content, which does not come easily to me and my busy brain, but is absolutely necessary to do the work justice. Nova also preaches self care in anti racism work, and encourages the reader to be self aware of their bodily reactions as they read. I noted feelings and a face of disgust at many points and was struck by my ignorance of British history, which the education system is currently failing to address, thus perpetuating institutional racism. I was also struck by the recognition that a barrier to my engagement in this work up until now has been a fear of what my white friends will think, and how that has made me complicit in allowing racism to continue. Now my eyes have been opened to this I will no longer sit back, and have been equipped by Nova to go forward and make a real difference. It will be a learning curve to get the balance right in doing as much as I can without burning out, but I now have a solid resource to check back in with on my journey- thanks Nova.

This book has been on my list for a while but I knew I needed to give it the space that Nova and the work she promotes deserves. And it definitely did not disappoint.Nova skilfully and sensitively gets you questioning your own relationship with race and the unconscious (& sometimes uncomfortably conscious) bias we carry around whilst also giving you the confidence to start to challenge the inherent racism within our society.The book is so accessible and in no way shames the reader but instead guides them through a journey of self discovery to advocacy and action. An absolute must-read for all…

This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to learn about and unlearn their racism and make a difference for Black and brown people in the world. It’s educational, historical, personal, passionate and empathetic with action points and journaling questions along the way. This book doesn’t just explain, but involves you as the reader and encourages you to first look inward at your own shame and racism, then explains how you can make a difference with children, in workplaces, institutions and more. I could not recommend this book more highly.

Highly recommend. Pace yourself as it is intense and does go into some dark personal stuff but each chapter is also healing, provides a wealth of enlightening knowledge with a personal touch like being in Nova’s classes and taught by her herself. The conclusion as well is truly powerful. I hope to look more into her works and her ted talks as well. A worthy addition to one’s anti-racism literature and knowledge base in the journey to help make this world better for our children.

Nova’s book is an incredible work of art and compassion. She writes about the history of racism and it’s one of few currently released books that dives deep into British history and relates to the current culture of racism that is very present, even though we so easily deny it. Racism beyond overt acts of race hate. Nova unpacks the subtle and not so subtle racism and anti-blackness that Black and brown people face on a daily basis Nova’s passion for collective healing and her many gifts of working across different platforms of the arts, mental health, the wedding industry and her existence as a Black British woman invite the reader to get curious. It’s a book I will read again and again. I listened to the audio first which I highly recommend as well. I prefer listening and I wanted the paper version too so I can read it slowly, refer to the many learnings throughout. It’s a book to highlight and fold corners and write notes in, like never before. It teaches me to peel back my layers of racism, get comfortable with discomfort and commit to disrupting racism on a daily basis. In her own words "racism is a public health issue" - This book is teaching me to see it, recognise it in my self and my environment and act. It's a golden bidder book for me. I've never gifted a book so many times in my life 💜 Big love and respect to Nova and gratitude for the sacrifice it took to write it.

'The Good Ally' is heavy, heart-holding, challenging and encouraging.Not a book to whizz through but to sit and reflect with.I love how Nova has approached building knowledge and self-reflection before asking readers to participate in further engagement with effective anti-racism practices.The book is written with empathy for a learning reader whilst also offering substantial challenge and asking readers to be accountable for their own actions.Nova makes a dedicated effort in explaining racism within the British context and experience. This alongside her use of data, case studies, empathy, reflective questions and inspirational quotes makes this book stand out to me.The book has chapters dedicated to Black women, racism at work, racism in education and raising children in addition to a number of chapters providing knowledge on both racism and reflections around trans-formative social justice.I have underscored line after line and bent a significant number of corners because there is so much I want to come back to and revisit.I highly recommend this book. It is in my opinion for everyone, regardless of where they are on their anti-racism journey - You will, without doubt, find this book valuable.

The Good Ally is informative, emotional and transformative. It is beautiful to read and in some places it is therapy. You will be educated, you will be challenged, you will search your soul, and you will want to do better after reading it. If you are white and you want to unlearn your racism (the racism that you think you don't have), start with this book. I will be forever grateful to Nova for her energy and labour in writing this book, it has changed my life. The Good Ally should be on the national curriculum, everyone should read it.