Diversity Playbook

A plethora of books about diversity have been published in the last two years, so you may wonder why another is needed. Diversity Playbook, written by Michelle R. Lloyd-Paige and Michelle D. Williams and published by ACU Press, brings unique insight into this field and is well-worth your time. Written for and by professionals in the field of Christian Higher Education (CHE), Diversity Playbook is grounded in scripture and first-hand examples illustrating the importance of this topic. While Lloyd-Paige and Williams are diversity professionals, their audience is not limited to those who include diversity in their official job description but includes anyone and everyone in CHE who is interested in this topic as well as other fields. The book is divided into three parts which are For the Diversity Professional, For the Outliers, Allies, and Co-Conspirators, and For the Organization. Everyone is highly encouraged to read all three sections regardless of where you fit in your organization. Each chapter opens with scripture and ends with a summary titled Takeaways. The authors take turns sharing their stories and experiences using Michelle L. or Michelle W. to indicate whose perspective is being shared. Most chapters also include several footnotes. Lloyd-Paige and Williams have a very conversational tone in their writing which provides inviting, "you can do this: encouragement to readers.

Diversity Playbook is highly recommended for any Christian organization not just higher education. While some examples may not be relevant, most information can be applied to any organization. I found the section For the Diversity Professional appropriate for anyone in, or aspiring to, a leadership position. Diversity Playbook is highly recommended for libraries in CHE institutions, has potential to be used as a leadership textbook, and should be required reading for CHE administrators and boards. Beyond CHE, any Christian organization will find this book immensely useful as will Christians in leadership roles who wish to bring a Christian understanding of diversity to their own organizations.

A complementary copy of Diversity Playbook was provided to me from ACU Press via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

On the Spectrum

Professor Daniel Bowman pulls back the curtains and throws open the doors inviting readers into his life as an autistic person. In his recently published collection of essays On the Spectrum, Bowman allows you to view the world from his vantage point. Some essays provide a look into how he as an autistic person handles daily life and offers a glimpse that may help you understand better those in your own life who are autistic. Other essays emphasize that there is not "one size fits all" description and encourages readers to get to know individual people rather than stereotypes. In fact, one of Bowman's stated goals is to demonstrate that autistic people can be creative and artistic and be professors.

On the Spectrum: Autism, Faith, and the Gifts of Neurodiversity is suggested reading for anyone who interacts with anyone who is on the Autism spectrum. If you are a teacher, minister, or anyone who works with the public, you should read this. While none of the essays are lengthy, be prepared to read slowly and thoughtfully.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Brazos Press via NetGalley.