I am... It is the answer to a question we ask daily, the question of identity. For 30 Days, this book explores an idea that has become pivotal in answering that question. The Idea of Race. ____ The author engaged in genuine conversations with strangers on the topic of race. He delineated a 30 day time period, to get a broad sampling of opinions. The conversations contained in this journal took place in a metropolitan area. The author did not carry any recording device, so he wrote down the information he received immediately after each conversation.