I seldom get to come across books specifically tailored to my past training and work in ethnography, so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read Racial Justice for the Long Haul. Though I'm not necessarily the book's intended audience of white Christians, this is without a doubt one of the most comprehensive ethnographic volumes I've had the pleasure of encountering. Diving right into the heart of racial justice, it is astonishing to hear the first-hand accounts of over 70 people spanning more than five years on various continents. This impressive treatment on hope and all that it entails is a book for all Christians, regardless of their ethnic background; it is truly deeper reading that is transformative .

Combining racial justice advocacy with the Gospel, it's an intimate look into the very feelings and thoughts of believers who have experienced racism and fought to overcome it for themselves and for others. Filled with relatable illustrations and stories, this is a profoundly helpful book that addresses systematic racism in a clear manner, painting an undeniable reality for many Christians around the world. Furthermore, what sets this book apart is that it moves from awareness and resistance to a long-term hope that can only be fueled by the Holy Spirit. If you're looking for a thought-provoking and convicting book on why racial justice matters and what Christians can do to address it without burning out, the qualitative data and analysis that Christine Jeske provides is not to miss.

The author begins by traveling through some of the familiar landscape of discussions on racial relationships. As a professor, she has experience guiding her students into historical and experiential terrain that is often unfamiliar. In the same way, she establishes a foundation for readers less versed in these discussions. Then, through dozens of interviews with a diverse group of people recommended as valuable resources, she provides practical guidance and arrives at an honest assessment of how individuals continue to work toward racial reconciliation with joy and courage. The methodology establishes scholarly authenticity and contributes to developing insight. The deeply personal "Afterword" situates the author herself firmly in the ongoing saga.

The titles of each section offer an overview. Part 1 asks, "Is Perseverance Possible?" Part 2 follows with the question, "Dare We Hope?" Part 3 describes the often painful cultural "Collisions," which became important episodes in the lives of those she interviewed. Part 4 introduces a key response that leads to growth, "Asking a Lot of Why," Parts 5 and 6, "Responding to Grace," and "Abiding Hope," show that relationships full of grace offer hope, and that honesty about challenges can co-exist with leaning into joy.

"Questions for Reflection and Discussion" in the appendix are suitable for individuals or groups. The extensive "Notes" that follow provide additional comments and references to other resources.

Thank you, Christine Jeske, for this well-researched book that tells a compelling story. It offers realistic hop and a thought-provoking perspective on how real people have developed skills that contribute to societal flourishing.

Racial Justice for the Long Haul is a unique and inspiring book. Intensive interviews with both Black and White racial justice workers serve as the empirical base, but reflections of the author’s own personal experience in response to the interviews are an important addition to the insights of the book. As a social scientist, she is aware of how our own life circumstances shape the way we interpret the world around us, including how we incorporate “hope” into our lives. Hope is fundamental to our Christian worldview but hope without a meaningful follow-up to move us forward to racial justice serves little purpose. She weaves expertly between the personal and the systemic issues that both encourage and constrain this hope for the long haul. An excellent book to be read by all Christians concerned about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the world today.