Talking to Strangers

One of my favorite authors, Malcolm Gladwell covers relevant topics that make me think and discuss these topics with others. This book focuses on the judgements that we make of strangers and decide if they are telling the truth or not. Bookending the book is a black woman who is stopped in Texas with out of state plates by a white cop. You can guess the ending from here, but the book goes through the process of how people judge and if we side on trust or not. I wish this was required reading for all police officers. There are many stories that weave through the book, Part 1 highlights a few sexual assault cases with very graphic content. Though the information helps the story, I had difficulty listening to it all.

The Call of the Wild - Jack London

I'm in a book club. I committed to reading the books. I would not read again, nor will I watch the movie. For me, reading is for enjoyment or information. This book was not enjoyable.

To Stop A Warlord

Also recommended off a podcast, this book piqued my interest as I first hear about this subject back in undergrad. The LRA, highlighted by Invisible Children puts so many people at risk in Africa. Davis has taken the last few years of her life to find a way to stop or reduce the impact of the LRA. Davis takes the readers through the journey she embarks on of private sector meeting public sector to create a change. Davis brings investors into the game and demonstrates real action against the LRA. This eye opening book is recommended and not easily forgettable. There is harshness and reality that Davis clearly conveys to the reader. 

Hamlet - for High School

Ahhh Hamlet, how I did well to avoid Shakespeare for most of my reading adventures. I knew my students needed to be exposed to more literature and British Lit. So Hamlet was recommended on various websites. There was more vulgarity in the book, but overall the students connected with work at did well. There are quite a few lines from Hamlet that are used today, in particular, "To Be or Not To Be." I appreciate that I read this, thankful for the No Fear translation, and probably will not read it again.

Rising Strong by Brene Brown

I first heard of this author on a podcast, where I receive a lot of my recommendations. However, I didn't pick up one of her books till I watched her special on Netflix. It was a great reminder to think about how I need to think from other's perspectives and think about the story they are hearing in their head at that moment of interaction.

I am interested in reading more of her work.