"Lawton's discussion of racial passing, transracial adoption, mixed-race identity and the health implications of being misidentified are freshly fascinating. She is a particularly astute observer of the psychological dislocation caused by growing up mixed race in a white family who never acknowledged her racial identity, and she writes beautifully about questions of identity and belonging, so central to each of us in finding our particular place in the world." -- New York Times Book Review "Eloquent. Lawton writes about her journey with passion, erudition and more than a touch of sass. Most of all, she writes with searing honesty--about herself, her family and our society. Beautifully and movingly written, Raceless is an important book about the cost of deception and the value of identity." -- BookPage, starred review "Incredibly moving. Raceless is a gripping and poignant examination of love, family, race, identity, and grief framed by this era of racial awakening we find ourselves in.

Lawton writes a love-letter to imperfect parents, a ballad to supportive friends and she paints for us so vividly the vitality of knowing who you really are and where you want to fit in in the world" -- Clever-ish "A candid, engrossing and important exploration into identity, family, race and how we understand the formation and evolution of our selves throughout our lives." -- Ms. Magazine "Journalist Lawton explores questions of belonging, racial identity, and family secrets in her shattering debut. revelatory and profound, this memoir sings" -- Publishers Weekly "Raceless is sure to resonate with those who have had to negotiate their existence in the 'in-between' or who possess identities that defy old-fashioned, traditional norms. A timely, engaging exploration of family and racial belonging featuring many valuable lessons." -- Kirkus "A Black woman raised in a white family, Lawton embarks on a journey to discover her identity, and in doing so confronts centuries-old systems of global white supremacy and oppression. A frank examination of one woman's search for identity that will satisfy readers of personal narratives and Black history alike." -- Library Journal "Lawton's examination of identity and family is a compelling account that will resonate with many readers.

" -- Booklist.