I did not finish this book, as I found it to be hard to follow. Of course, there's much to unpack when exploring concepts of white privilege, and how our skin color impacts our lives and choices, but I couldn't understand the way McMillan decided to organize the book. When you begin the book, it seems that the structure will be portioned by 6 main accounts/family narratives, but other societal inequalities are peppered in at various times, and I was losing sight of the overall organization. I had trouble remembering names, people and their identities, their initial introductions in the narrative. That being said, this is a book that I would probably come back to (especially in audiobook format) - I know it has important tidbits inside; I was not in the headspace to commit to it.
Of course, I had to ask the question to myself; do we truly need a white woman writing this book about race in America? I did appreciate how often she cited other important works by black creators. The book, even though I only got a fourth of the way through, is clearly well-researched. McMillan's empathy and curiosity is on display, and that's worth noting.

“The White Bonus: Five Families and the Cash Value of Racism in America" by Tracie McMillan is a compelling and eye-opening examination of the economic impact of racism on American society. McMillan skillfully dissects the concept of the 'white bonus,' revealing how systemic racism has led to financial advantages for certain families while perpetuating inequality for others. Through meticulous research and personal narratives, the book illuminates the intergenerational effects of racial disparities, challenging readers to confront the deeply ingrained structures that contribute to these inequalities. McMillan's storytelling is both powerful and accessible, making complex economic concepts understandable and relatable. "The White Bonus" is a thought-provoking exploration that prompts important conversations about race, wealth, and the urgent need for systemic change in America. It is an essential read for those seeking a deeper understanding of the economic dimensions of racial injustice.

As I focus a lot of my perinatal quality initiatives on the maternal and infant mortality rates for black and Hispanic women, I was drawn to this book instantly. Unfortunately, it did not offer much insight that I didn't already know or experienced or witnessed myself growing up in a biracial family. This would be a decent book for someone who is just starting to understand and learn what white privilege is, but it was hard for the author's experiences to resonate with me.

Thank you to NetGalley and (publisher) for an advanced copy of The White Bonus for review. All opinions are my own.

In this book, the author shows that being white in America has privileges that are often overlooked, undervalued, and dismissed. From a journalist’s perspective, the reader is shown the high cost of racism and how there are not only privileges but even bonuses from being white. Interestingly enough, for the author to grapple with her own privilege, she uses her family as an example of how far reaching white privilege goes for generations. Considering that the author is a journalist and not a social scientist, this is a good attempt at making the point of her case. This book is food for thought and shows that racial privileges impact everyone in some manner.

I was so intrigued by this book. What does being "white" buy you? what does being "white" cost a society.

Through the lens of the authors own life, we delve into the cost of white privilege,
The author divided up the book into sections, mainly: Real estate, schooling, criminal justice, medical, and rent control.

The author focused most of her attention upon the first two. The rest were after thoughts.
She dived headfirst into racial convents and how the school system works only on property taxes.
These two were almost half of the book.
They were thoroughly researched and ponderous.

Then the book slides.
She talks about a juvenile who was caught with Acid. The judge let him go with community supervision and community service.

Then medical. Poor Barb. Yet there was no tie in to realize what did Barb's "whiteness" get her for medical care? I was completely confused as to this chapter and the things that were left out.
For instance the author could have stated that Barb would have been treated better via hospital staff if she had gone, the mortality rates of whites and other races, etc.
The author doesn't even touch it.

Then the shocker at the end...she might not be white?! What?! I was confused. Did this just negate everything that I read?

Bottom line, I think that the book does a great job with the first two subjects of real property ownership and segregated schooling.

Everything else was just thrown into the book, not caring if it stuck or not.