I'm not quite sure how to rate this book. It's a heavy one but I didn't exactly love the book. I do like that this book acknowledges that white people and police have trauma and are mostly acting from a traumatized reptilian brain. ( )

Finished chapter one ( )

About the author, quoting from the book's back cover, "Resmaa Menakem, MSW, LICSW, SEP. . .[is] an expert on conflict and violence. He has served as director of counseling services for the Tubman Family Alliance, [and multiple similar agencies]." The reviewer for "Library Journal" said of this work, "[It is] an exceptionally thought-provoking and important account that looks at race in a radical new way. For all readers." This was starred review.

My Grandmother's Hands is a book that really makes one think about generational trauma and the history it came from. It talks about the effects of it and how to recognize it especially in direct connection with one's self and their body. It describes different techniques for regulating one's self and body when the triggering events are occurring.

By understanding the events that took place in the past, one would be able to view a people's actions, attitudes, and beliefs in an empathetic way. It also helps to comprehend where a person/people are mentally in times of violence and racism. It is believed to be a step towards healing internally over time. It is by far an emotional book to read. ( )

The body is where our instincts reside and where we fight, flee, or freeze. This book is a call to action for Americans to recognize that racism is not only about the head, but also about the body. The author introduces an alternative view of what we can do to grow beyond our entrenched radicalized divide and takes readers through a step-by-step process based on the latest neuroscience and somatic healing methods.