Issues of race & race relations – in real life and in literature – are a difficult subject to broach. Depending on perspective, it can evoke trauma, pain, shame, embarrassment. But is race even the right angle with which to discuss some of these burning questions?  My guest today belongs to a new generation of thinkers on the subject and has been an active contributor in the public debate. Thomas Chatterton Williams is an American author and cultural critic and visiting professor at Bard University. He’s written extensively - and some might say provocatively - on the subject of race, in numerous articles for the magazine The Atlantic, as well as a 2019 book “Self-Portrait in Black & White” in which he relates his own relationship with the subject of race I found this book and this interview really enlightening, and I hope you do too. Here are the books Thomas mentioned during the interview:  Great books about the subject of race: Racecraft, by Barbara and Karen Fields Notes of a Native Son, by James Baldwin Favourite book of the last 12 months: The Outline Trilogy, by Rachel Cusk Most disappointing book of the last 12 monthsPure Colour, by Sheila Heti Favourite book I’ve never heard of: The Omni-Americans, by Albert Murray Find Thomas: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chattertonwilliams/ Website: https://www.thomaschattertonwilliams.com/ Follow me @litwithcharles for more book reviews and recommendations!