Publishers Weekly
USA Today correspondent Jones and psychologist Shorter-Gooden initiated the African American Women's Voices Project and recorded the experiences of 333 survey respondents and 71 interviewees. The results are here compiled to form an urgent narrative, doggedly chasing the hypothesis of the book's title: that the twin bigotries of race and gender force black women to constantly "shift" between identities in order to accommodate the expectations thrust upon them by black men and white America. "From one moment to the next, they change their outward behavior, attitude, or tone, shifting `white,' then shifting `Black' again, shifting `corporate,' shifting `cool.' " The authors argue that the contemporary survival tactic of shifting is rooted in slavery, but history does not figure strongly, with the bulk of the book composed of quoted testimonies from the research subjects, tracking their shifting experiences in the realms of communication, mental health, beauty standards, romance, child-rearing and religion. Compelling and educational tribulations are piled on, but the authors rarely pause to reflect on the contradictions or solutions the stories present. Yet the book makes a real contribution, as men and women of all races will find it an illuminating if sometimes shocking record of life between two "isms." (Sept. 2) Forecast: Comparable to recent titles like Having It All by Veronica Chambers and Longing to Tell by Tricia Rose, this book should find its way to reading groups, and "shifting" is a ripe coinage for broader journalistic discussions of race and gender. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Library Journal
Jones, a USA Today correspondent, and Shorter-Gooden, a clinical psychologist (Alliant International Univ.), present the results of their extensive and fascinating two-year research project: the African American Women's Voices Project. Through their interviews with and surveys of 400 black women, they gained great insight into the phenomenon of "shifting." Many African American women, they found, feel compelled to lead double lives in order to fit in to American society, moving between who they are and who they feel they must be in order to succeed personally and professionally. The book reveals the daily challenges, joys, pressures, and passions experienced by black women in America. In their own "voices," they reveal intimate details about their struggles with such vital aspects of their lives as language, depression, careers, beauty, relationships, mothering, and religion. An insightful and deeply moving book, this belongs in all public and academic libraries.-Melody Ballard, Washoe Cty. Lib. Syst., Reno, NV Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Harriet Lerner
"A deeply moving, intimate and important book about the emotional costs for Black women in white America."
Bebe Moore Campbell
"Always moving, at times haunting, and often inspirational, Shifting provides a richly textured look at the lives of Black women."
Gwen Ifill
"Searing...as I read Shifting... I wanted to rip out chapters and send them to nearly everyone I know."
Mary Pipher
"Jones and Shorter-Gooden are wise, warm and candid, breaking new ground.... An important and powerful book for us all.
William Pollack
"Meaningful and poignant...this well researched and beautifully written book is a must read."
Essence
"Stress is a common theme...the authors found good news...’We’re learning that we don’t have to lose ourselves.’"
Booklist
"Poignant…based on research garnered from the African American Women’s Voices Project, the largest study to date of black women."
