November Reads… It was a good month for reading! About half these titles were read thanks to my new noise-cancelling headphones and the Libby app where you can borrow audiobooks from the library.
Caste by Isabel Wilkerson — I actually didn’t know what this book was about before I started it. I vaguely assumed it was about the Indian caste system, perhaps explaining how the system kept its structure even after immigration to the US (maybe a good idea for a book?). Instead, it was about how racism in America is actually a caste system. Consider this quote: “Caste is the granting or withholding of respect, status, honor, attention, privileges, resources, benefit of the doubt, and human kindness to someone on the basis of their perceived rank or standing in the hierarchy.” It was definitely eye-opening and was a further course in my education on issues of race in our country.
American Sherlock by Kate Winkler Dawson — A fascinating history of the origin of forensics. It was mostly about Edward Oscar Heinrich, a brilliant and obsessive scientist at The University of Berkeley. I found myself equal parts in awe at his genius, but also a bit sad for his neglected family.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Horse and His Boy, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis — I’ve so enjoyed rereading the Narnia books. I read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe as a young child, and then the whole series in college fifteen years ago. My experience with reading childhood books over again is that you never really grow out of them, but rather grow into them. I’m amazed at how richer they are after reading them as an adult. I hope to finish the series in this upcoming year.
What Happened to You by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce D. Perry — I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the brain science behind trauma. It’s been so helpful in understanding my kids with trauma backgrounds. But anyone with abuse, neglect, and trauma in their childhood will benefit.
The Bomber Mafia by Malcolm Gladwell — I absolutely love learning about things I know nothing about. I’ve loved every Gladwell books I’ve read. I knew absolutely nothing about the air bombing campaign of World War II, and I learned a lot about it. There are some critical reviews for this book, saying it’s long-winded, or pointless. I think it’s an enjoyable read if you don’t take it as seriously as a history textbook.
Autumn's Writing 