The cohost of National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" set out, through original reporting, to write a book about "the hidden conversation on race" that is going on in this country. Along the way she unearthed painful family secrets that compelled her to question her own self-understanding; she traveled extensively to explore her own complex racial legacy. Her exploration is informed by hundreds of interviews with ordinary Americans and their observations about evolving attitudes toward race in America.

"A memoir"--- dust jacket.

Daddy -- Block busters -- Aunt Jemimas -- The garden -- Alabama -- A secret -- The docket -- Service -- The shooting -- The war at home -- A date with justice -- Home.