Futureface

Name: Futureface
Rating: 4.45 (1 reviews)
Author: Alex Wagner

352 pages, 2019

Alex Wagner

biographies & memoirs

997 books

Takeaways

Description

The daughter of a Burmese mother and a white American father, Alex Wagner grew up thinking of herself as a “future face”—an avatar of a mixed-race future when all races would merge into a brown singularity. But when one family mystery led to another, Wagner became obsessed with the specifics of her own family’s racial and ethnic history. Drawn into the wild world of ancestry, she embarks on a quest around the world—and into her own DNA—to answer the ultimate questions of who she really is and where she belongs.

Exploring Identity

In Futureface, Alex Wagner takes us on a journey to explore her own identity. She digs into her family's past, tracing her roots back to Burma and Luxembourg. This exploration makes us realize that our identity is not just about where we come from, but also about the choices we make and the values we hold.

Questioning the Concept of Race

Wagner challenges the concept of race, questioning its validity and relevance in today's world. She makes us see that race is more of a social construct than a biological fact. This book encourages us to look beyond the color of our skin and embrace our shared humanity.

The Role of DNA Testing

Futureface brings to light the role of DNA testing in shaping our understanding of identity. Wagner herself takes a DNA test to find out more about her ancestry. However, she also warns us about the limitations of these tests and the danger of relying too much on them to define who we are.

The Power of Stories

Wagner shows us the power of stories in shaping our identity. She shares her own family stories, filled with myths and legends, and how they have shaped her sense of self. This book encourages us to dig into our own family stories and see how they have shaped us.

The Search for Belonging

At its core, Futureface is about the search for belonging. Wagner's journey to find her roots is also a quest to find a place where she truly belongs. This book makes us realize that our quest for belonging is a universal human experience, something that connects us all.

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Futureface by Alex Wagner is a thought-provoking exploration of identity and belonging. It's a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of our global society.

Barack Obama - 44th U.S. President

Futureface is a compelling journey into the heart of identity, both personal and collective. Wagner's writing is sharp, insightful, and deeply human.

Jia Tolentino - Writer, Editor

Alex Wagner's Futureface is a powerful exploration of the American identity. It's a book that challenges and enlightens, pushing us to reconsider our perceptions of self and nation.

Ta-Nehisi Coates - Author, Journalist

Futureface is a profound meditation on the fluidity of selfhood, the complexity of identity, and the profound ways in which we are shaped by history and culture.

Maria Popova - Blogger, Writer

Alex Wagner's Futureface is a fascinating exploration of identity in the modern world. It's a book that will make you think, question, and ultimately, understand more deeply.