Seeking truth together
Short, concise opinions pieces
Heather Ann Thompson’s “Blood in the Water” chronicles the 1971 Attica Uprising, highlighting systemic racism and injustice in American prisons. The book details the uprising’s context, violence, and legal aftermath, including a class action lawsuit settled 25 years later for $12 million, illustrating the gap between conviction and true justice.
“Dreams from My Father” is Barack Obama’s autobiographical coming of age story. The former president wrote it after his graduation from Harvard Law School in 1991 and published it in 1995. The book recounts his upbringing in Hawaii and Indonesia, his community work in Chicago, and the search for his paternal roots in Kenya.
In “Sex at Dawn,” authors Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jetha explore human sexuality, citing various researchers and authors. They examine polyamory, polygamy, and monogamy, suggesting that human nature encompasses a wide range of sexual behaviors and relationships. Is the book an antidote to monogamy or sexual repression?
“A Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley challenges the reader to reconsider utopia and the pursuit of happiness. Huxley’s fictional exploration of human civilization and its future sparks thought-provoking questions about the nature of happiness in human society. Do we live for pleasure alone?
The novel “Less” by Andrew Sean Greer, published in 2017, explores the emotional journey of Arthur Less, a middle-aged man seeking security and love. Greer’s portrayal of Less’s complexities and struggles may resonate with those who have faced similar challenges in work and love. Can an insecure person be loved?
“Make Your Bed” by William H. McRaven, 2017, offers three key lessons: cultivate small disciplines, embrace failure for growth, and confront bullies. These lessons emphasize the importance of discipline, resilience, and standing up for oneself.
Bell Hooks’ book “The Will to Change” (2005) highlights cultural sickness and the need for empathy, responsibility, and a will to change to address it. She contrasts domination with partnership, shame with self-esteem, fear with courage, and rage with nonviolence in the context of a patriarchal society. Hooks calls for a shift towards empathy, responsibility, and change.
Emotional intelligence, as described by Daniel Goleman, encompasses self-awareness, self-management, self-motivation, social awareness, and relationship management. It is a complex skill affected by various factors, but can be improved through mindfulness, empathy, and dedication to healthy relationships. Developing empathy is a crucial step towards enhancing emotional intelligence.
Ron Chernow’s 2010 book, “Washington: A Life,” delves into the complexities of George Washington’s character. It explores the tension between his ambition and sense of duty, highlighting his dual nature as a stoic warrior with inner insecurities and hypocrisies. Do we truly know and understand our heroes?
“Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era” by James McPherson explores the concept of freedom and its preservation in America. The Pulitzer Prize-winning book delves into the complexities of individual, regional, and national interests in America in the 1800’s. The book presents an opportunity to learn from history.
Deliberating Truth 