Review
"The Inside Scoop: Must-Read Political Memoirs Offering Exclusive Insights Part II"
1. "From the Hood to the Holler: A Story of Separate Worlds, Shared Dreams, and the Fight for America’s Future" by Charles Booker is a poignant memoir that offers a deeply personal account of the author's journey from poverty and adversity to political leadership and activism. As a Kentucky State Representative, Booker reflects on his humble beginnings in one of the poorest neighborhoods in the state and the challenges he faced growing up in a family with few material comforts.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
"Embrace the Pause: Books to Help You Reconsider the Grind and Prioritize Balance III"
1. "Pause, Rest, Be: Stillness Practices for Courage in Times of Change" by Octavia F. Raheem offers a profound exploration of the transformative power of stillness and restorative yoga practices in navigating life's inevitable changes and challenges. Drawing from her extensive experience as a yoga teacher and practitioner, Raheem guides readers on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, inviting them to embrace moments of pause and reflection as opportunities for growth and renewal.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
OTHELLO
Othello is undoubtedly a brilliant piece of literature and theatre; it’s a riveting story about the worst parts of human nature that culminate in a satisfyingly tragic conclusion. And Iago is undeniably a brilliant character; his master class in manipulation is mesmerizing to watch. But it was also a particularly interesting play to read amidst the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement, as discussions about Black representation in the media are currently in our cultural foreground.
By Catherine Nyomenda2 years ago in BookClub
“The Common Good” and Necessarily Lukewarm Left-Politics
Robert Reich’s The Common Good is a good book, and a great book to recommend. It’s nothing revolutionary itself, but for someone who’s attached to some big names in politics (Presidents Clinton, Ford, and Carter), he’s surprisingly more left than center-left. I first noticed him from his Netflix documentary Saving Capitalism, named after his book of the same name. It was a bipartisanish approach at exposing lobbying. It looked at a real problem both sides should be able to agree on, and said, “Shouldn’t something be done about this?’
By R.J. Sikes2 years ago in BookClub
"Embrace the Pause: Books to Help You Reconsider the Grind and Prioritize Balance Part II"
1. "Better Living Through Birding: Notes from a Black Man in the Natural World" by Christian Cooper offers readers a refreshing and deeply personal exploration of the joys of birding and the profound connection between nature and self-discovery. While Cooper may be known for a viral moment that thrust him into the public eye, his memoir transcends this singular event, delving into his life story and personal philosophy with remarkable depth and insight.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
[Book Review] "The Rise of Kyoshi" by F.C. Yee (with Michael Dante DiMartino)
SYNOPSIS: The longest-living Avatar in this beloved world’s history, Avatar Kyoshi established the brave and respected Kyoshi Warriors, but she also founded the secretive Dai Li, which led to the corruption, decline, and fall of her own nation. The first of two novels based on Avatar Kyoshi in the Chronicles of the Avatar series, The Rise of Kyoshi maps her journey from a girl of humble origins to the merciless pursuer of justice who is still feared and admired centuries after she became the Avatar.
By Meg Ilsley2 years ago in BookClub
"Hidden Gems: Award-Winning Memoirs Flying Under the Radar"
1. "Nine Continents: A Memoir In and Out of China" by Xiaolu Guo, recipient of the prestigious 2017 National Book Critics Circle Award for Memoir and Autobiography, is a poignant and evocative exploration of identity, belonging, and the transformative power of storytelling. Through a series of vividly rendered vignettes, Guo invites readers on a sweeping journey through the landscapes of her life, from the rural villages of China to the bustling streets of Beijing, and ultimately to the shores of Europe.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
"Hidden Gems: Award-Winning Memoirs Flying Under the Radar Part II"
1. "The Grave on the Wall" by Brandon Shimoda, honored with the prestigious 2020 PEN Open Book Award, emerges as a luminous testament to the intersection of poetry, memoir, and historical inquiry. Shimoda's poignant exploration of his Japanese grandfather's life serves as a captivating lens through which to examine the complex tapestry of 20th-century Japanese American history, while also offering a profound meditation on the nature of memory and identity.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
"Discover the Best Science Books Released Last Summer You Simply Can't Miss"
1. "Is Math Real?: How Simple Questions Lead Us to Mathematics’ Deepest Truths" by Eugenia Cheng, set to release on August 15th, promises to challenge perceptions of mathematics and ignite curiosity even in those who may shy away from the subject. As someone who confesses to feeling anxious about math, delving into Cheng's work might initially seem daunting. However, upon receiving an advanced copy, the reviewer found themselves pleasantly surprised by the experience.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
"Discover the Best Science Books Released Last Summer You Simply Can't Miss Part II"
1. "The Quickening: Creation and Community at the Ends of the Earth" by Elizabeth Rush is a compelling narrative that unfolds against the backdrop of one of Earth's most remote and foreboding landscapes—the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica. In 2019, a team of intrepid scientists embarked on an unprecedented expedition to this icy realm, known ominously as the Doomsday Glacier, in a quest to unravel its mysteries before it's too late. With the specter of climate change looming large, the stakes couldn't be higher.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
