Malaprop's Bookstore (Asheville, NC)

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Watch book talk and conversation with Rob Shrode, University of North Carolina-Asheville political scientist.

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Cardinal News: "New book gives behind-the-scenes account of former Governor Northam's tumultuous term."

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"Fascinating for the behind-the-scenes account of how the scandal unfolded and then what happened for the rest of Northam's term. . . .The real value is in the last five words of the subtitle: 'a racial reckoning in Virginia.' Those will be the hardest part of the book for many white readers. . . ."

Richmond Times Dispatch Column:  "Blinded by What We Can't See" by Margaret Edds

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Critical race theory emerged as the bête noire of the 2021 Virginia gubernatorial campaign. The concept ought not to be taught, candidate Glenn Youngkin said to loud applause, because it is inherently divisive. It also might make children (white) feel badly about themselves.

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That’s possibly true, though not necessarily — just as it also is true that Americans are almost daily assaulted with evidence that critical race theory is more than theoretical. . . .As former Governor Ralph Northam was fond of saying, “the eyes can’t see what the mind doesn’t know.” Because many Americans have not paid attention to systemic racism or experienced it themselves, it is easy to conclude that it does not exist. Yet, recent headlines are rife with examples. . . . . .

Style Weekly:  "Edds provides a lot of detailed reporting about the Northam administration that had been missing."   

AP News: What the Eyes Can’t See “offers new details about the 2019 scandal and the former governor’s remarkable political survival. . . .The book details Northam’s decision to remain in office despite tremendous pressure, as well as the steps he took to become better informed about the legacy of racism, redeem his reputation and work with Black leaders to sharpen his administration’s focus on racial justice.