It’s hard to comprehend the distance Trevor Noah has traveled from his South African childhood to where he is today. In a series of remarkable accountIt’s hard to comprehend the distance Trevor Noah has traveled from his South African childhood to where he is today. In a series of remarkable accounts, Noah shares stories that range from being funny to poignant to outrageous. He seems to take most of it in stride, though his feelings of horror and shame during some of his most difficult times occasionally emerge. This is well worth the listen, particularly because it is read by Noah himself. I am grateful that he shared so much of his personal history and his perspective on life. He will broaden your world view!...more
Another masterpiece from Isabel Wilkerson. She takes us to a new understanding of America's social construct, beyond racism, clearly demonstrating thaAnother masterpiece from Isabel Wilkerson. She takes us to a new understanding of America's social construct, beyond racism, clearly demonstrating that we are living within a centuries-old caste system. This will be a paradigm shift for many, but a very necessary one if we are going to tackle the crisis of systemic racism and the related social ills in our country. A must-read!...more
An epic novel about the harrowing immigration journey to El Norte and what drives people to do it. It draws you in, deeply, to love its strong charactAn epic novel about the harrowing immigration journey to El Norte and what drives people to do it. It draws you in, deeply, to love its strong characters through all of their challenges and heartbreak. Provides just enough beauty and hope to keep you going. I couldn't wait to keep listening....more
I highly recommend this outstanding book. In a powerful and humane way, Zach Norris shows us how we can build a better, more just nation by creating aI highly recommend this outstanding book. In a powerful and humane way, Zach Norris shows us how we can build a better, more just nation by creating a culture of caring and recognizing our true interdependence. In “We Keep Us Safe,” Zach calls out our framework of fear and shows us how to move beyond it, to a system of restorative justice and a stronger social safety net. And it’s more than words: Zach walks the talk through his own life and the stories he shares. If you are wrestling with 2020’s massive challenges and looking for a path forward, I urge you to read this book. ...more
Closing out Womens History Month with this book recommendation. This was a wonderful and engaging read! I confess that I had never given Melinda GatesClosing out Womens History Month with this book recommendation. This was a wonderful and engaging read! I confess that I had never given Melinda Gates her due until I read this book. She deftly weaves her personal story with the stories of those she serves, and makes great linkages about the universality of the need for female empowerment, whether you are as privileged as she is or a poor woman in a developing country.
I loved the audiobook version which was truly in her own voice!...more
I am a huge fan of Meg Wolitzer’s books, including “The Wife,” and this is one of her best. I did it as an audiobook and couldn’t stop listening! A paI am a huge fan of Meg Wolitzer’s books, including “The Wife,” and this is one of her best. I did it as an audiobook and couldn’t stop listening! A panoramic portrayal of the waves of feminism, how women find their voices, how different generations are affected, and what it all means. Shows our humanity with all of its flaws, and inspires us to keep fighting the good fight. It’s a book for our times....more
Just finished this wonderful memoir by Samantha Power who was President Obama’s ambassador to the United Nations. An inspiring read. Not only is PowerJust finished this wonderful memoir by Samantha Power who was President Obama’s ambassador to the United Nations. An inspiring read. Not only is Power a strong advocate for human rights, she also conveyed how seriously she and her government colleagues took their role as public servants, working hard and honoring the public’s trust. I included one of my favorite excerpts (“Shrink the Change”), about how to tackle really big problems. A bonus was the whole chapter on how the Obama administration led the world in defeating Ebola, thus avoiding a catastrophic pandemic. A phenomenal contrast to how the #coronavirus is being handled by he who shall not be named.
Enjoyed this as an audiobook, with Power herself narrating. Audiobooks like this are one of my favorite ways to connect with strong women leaders!...more
My Black History Month book recommendation is "The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson. It was one of my favorite reads of 2019. I was inspired My Black History Month book recommendation is "The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson. It was one of my favorite reads of 2019. I was inspired by Michelle Obama's story of her own family's migration, and especially the aftermath, in "Becoming." I wanted to learn more about this epic movement and the people who were part of it.
Isabel profiled three black families who migrated out of the South to make new lives in the North and the West, bringing aspirations that were similar to those of immigrants from other countries. The families she profiled faced daunting challenges, including deep-seated racism, yet they persevered, even when their dreams couldn't be fully realized. Her storytelling was very compelling — she was humane and thorough. She left me with a far better understanding of this piece of American history, with all of its hope and pain.
Note: I did it as an audiobook and loved the narration....more
This book is so powerful because of the impactful way that Atul Gawande weaves together stories and data to create a very engaging and compelling messThis book is so powerful because of the impactful way that Atul Gawande weaves together stories and data to create a very engaging and compelling message. He makes the subject of death approachable and opens up the conversation about our tendency in the US to prolong life for as long as possible, even if it means profound suffering....more
This book is great because it really dives into why our health outcomes are so poor, even though we spend a lot on health care. What the book really bThis book is great because it really dives into why our health outcomes are so poor, even though we spend a lot on health care. What the book really boils this down to is our underinvestment in the social determinants of health....more
I really like this book because it gets you out of just a US focused mindset and broadens your thinking to expand upon what you thought was possible fI really like this book because it gets you out of just a US focused mindset and broadens your thinking to expand upon what you thought was possible for health reform in the US context. T.R. Reid does a great job of explaining how different countries operate their health care systems and then ties it back to what the US could borrow from those systems to improve our system. The book is very thought provoking because it grounds different health care systems in a countries unique values and demonstrates that these programs are built around values. This is important when considering health reform in the US and reinforces the need to take a values-based lens....more
“The Hate U Give” is an incredible book and movie - I highly recommend both. Honored to meet author Angie Thomas at the Massachusetts Conference for Wo“The Hate U Give” is an incredible book and movie - I highly recommend both. Honored to meet author Angie Thomas at the Massachusetts Conference for Women! Inspired by her great talk and personal story, plus her call to action. ...more
This book is very inspirational and pushes you to have the courage to stand up for what you think is right and to do the hard things even if you seemiThis book is very inspirational and pushes you to have the courage to stand up for what you think is right and to do the hard things even if you seemingly don’t have enough resources or support....more
Looking for a good read in 2020? This was one of the best books I read in 2019. It truly made me see things differently, and much more clearly. From eLooking for a good read in 2020? This was one of the best books I read in 2019. It truly made me see things differently, and much more clearly. From elite worlds like McKinsey, Davos, and TED talks, the call is rarely for systemic change to improve the lives of others. Their “solutions” are much more individualistic and self-serving. I loved how this book helps to explain our current politics in such an engaging way, and how it ultimately invites us, as elites and non-elites, to do something about it....more