When it comes to the topic of diversity it can honestly go in so many directions. What I would say about Daralyse Lyons’ new book Demystifying Diversity: Embracing our Shared Humanity is that she strives to break it down to more than a US against THEM and see the why.
Through the interviews and her own personal observations we see how being singled out or labeled as impacted others. It also does something I wasn’t expecting. It turns the tables repeatedly on the reader, forcing us to ask what would we do or who would we be. In horrific events in history would be the one who was the oppressed or would we be the oppressor? Would we stand up for what is right or will be stay by? These questions are difficult but necessary if we are going to see things really move forward in a positive (and productive) way.
There’s another thing that Daralyse discusses in the book that is sure to step on some toes. I know it did mine. That being the words we use to categorize things, like being “good” for eating a salad or “bad” for not. The impact of what we say as well as what we do can impact the way people see themselves and feel about themselves.
Bottom line is we’re ALL a work in progress. This book challenges us to identify the work we ALL have to do and get about doing it.
Amy Wilinski-Lyman
Amy Wilinski-Lyman lives in Michigan with her three awesome children: Zach, Drew, and Kendall; and her big fluffy orange cat, Marshall. Lucky G and the Melancholy Quokka is her second book. The first, Lucky G and the Sunbeam Girl, was published in 2019. Amy became a mental health warrior in 2016 after she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Through her books and online presence (www.facebook.com/luckygbookseries), she wants to show parents and children living with mental illness that there is hope. A good treatment plan can be game changing. A fantastic support system is also extremely helpful. Amy credits her family’s love, encouragement, and patience with helping her to reach her goals. Readers can email the author at amylynnlyman@gmail.com.
![Lucky G and the Melancholy Quokka [HC]](https://i0.wp.com/d2j6dbq0eux0bg.cloudfront.net/images/11280610/1760671316.jpg?w=900&ssl=1 "Lucky G and the Melancholy Quokka [HC]")
