College football season is in full swing, and if you watch a game you can't help but notice that black players are everywhere. A generation or two ago, this was not the case. In the living memory of the elders among us, black players could not play with white players in college or professional football. When Chester Pierce attended Harvard in the 1940s, he was one of a very few black students. When the football team went to play an away game against the University of Virginia, many thought he wouldn't be a part, as no black player had played at Virginia.
In Gloria Respress-Churchwell's charming picture book, Follow Chester!: A College Football Team Fights Racism and Makes History, she tells Chester's story. His teammates banded together and supported Chester on and off the field. When a restaurant said Chester had to use the back entrance, the whole team used the back entrance. When the University of Virginia said Chester couldn't stay at the team hotel, the whole team joined Chester at alternative accommodations.
For the 60 or 70 and under crowd, the reality of Jim Crow is hard to imagine. For Chester and his generation it was all too real. He was brave to step out and cross that color line. His teammates were brave to support him. Follow Chester, with Laura Freeman's cute illustrations to support Resress-Churchwell's text, will remind kids, black and white, of these ugly days and the heroes that helped our nation overcome.
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Friday, September 6, 2019
Mad Politics, by Gina Loudon
It seems like there's no end to political books published by media personalities and journalists, as well as current and former political office holders and appointees, on either side of the political spectrum. Gina Loudon's Mad Politics: Keeping Your Sanity in a World Gone Crazy is one among many, with lots of familiar talking points in defense of President Trump and conservative politics.
Loudon's book stands apart on a couple of points. First of all, she was an early organizer in the Tea Party movement, when her husband was a state senator in Missouri. That movement set the stage for Trump's ascendency to the presidency, and Loudon has certainly been a vocal and active Trump supporter. She writes as somewhat of an insider, shedding some light on the movement.
One of the major themes of Mad Politics is a psychological look at politics. Loudon looks at the abuses of the psychological profession, representatives of which have diagnosed Trump with mental illness. They violate their own rules, issuing diagnoses without personally examining him, collectively published a book to that effect, and are happy to talk about it to anyone in the press. The press, with a confirmation bias that Trump is a loose cannon and too mentally unstable and/or intellectually deficient to be president, repeats their smears.
This is the condition of madness that Loudon criticizes, the hatred of Trump that causes not only professional political commentators and partisan politicians but also medical professionals to rage against the president. Sometimes the simplest explanation is the best one available: the only reason some people irrationally rage against President Trump is that they are completely unhinged lunatics. Loudon doesn't put it in such harsh terms, but her perspective and insights are worth a read.
Loudon's book stands apart on a couple of points. First of all, she was an early organizer in the Tea Party movement, when her husband was a state senator in Missouri. That movement set the stage for Trump's ascendency to the presidency, and Loudon has certainly been a vocal and active Trump supporter. She writes as somewhat of an insider, shedding some light on the movement.
One of the major themes of Mad Politics is a psychological look at politics. Loudon looks at the abuses of the psychological profession, representatives of which have diagnosed Trump with mental illness. They violate their own rules, issuing diagnoses without personally examining him, collectively published a book to that effect, and are happy to talk about it to anyone in the press. The press, with a confirmation bias that Trump is a loose cannon and too mentally unstable and/or intellectually deficient to be president, repeats their smears.
This is the condition of madness that Loudon criticizes, the hatred of Trump that causes not only professional political commentators and partisan politicians but also medical professionals to rage against the president. Sometimes the simplest explanation is the best one available: the only reason some people irrationally rage against President Trump is that they are completely unhinged lunatics. Loudon doesn't put it in such harsh terms, but her perspective and insights are worth a read.
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Eyes on the Prize, by Juan WIlliams
If you watched PBS in the late 1980s, you might remember a 14-part documentary series called Eyes on the Prize. Political commentator Juan Williams wrote a companion volume to the series, Eyes on the Prize: America's Civil Rights Years, 1954-1965. There are plenty of histories of the Civil Rights Movement, most of which I haven't read. I don't know if this one is the best, but it is definitely readable, relatable, and thorough.
As you might expect, due to its origin as a companion to the films, this book is set apart by two things. First of all, there are great pictures from the period throughout. Second, the best thing about the book is the large number of extended first-person accounts of key events. The book's coverage of the Montgomery bus boycott, the integration of Little Rock Central High School, the Selma march, and other events includes the basic historical account, but it really brings these events to life with the personal accounts by people on the front lines, not just the official voices.
This is a valuable volume that is worth revisiting even now, more than thirty years after its original publication. Some of these events may be familiar to readers, but, unless you were living during that time or have read widely on the era, you will probably read about events that were previously unknown to you. May we never stop appreciating the strides our culture has made since that time.
As you might expect, due to its origin as a companion to the films, this book is set apart by two things. First of all, there are great pictures from the period throughout. Second, the best thing about the book is the large number of extended first-person accounts of key events. The book's coverage of the Montgomery bus boycott, the integration of Little Rock Central High School, the Selma march, and other events includes the basic historical account, but it really brings these events to life with the personal accounts by people on the front lines, not just the official voices.
This is a valuable volume that is worth revisiting even now, more than thirty years after its original publication. Some of these events may be familiar to readers, but, unless you were living during that time or have read widely on the era, you will probably read about events that were previously unknown to you. May we never stop appreciating the strides our culture has made since that time.
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
Grace Will Lead Us Home, by Jennifer Berry Hawes
Most Americans remember all to well the news reports of the young white man who attended a Bible study at an historic black church and, after sitting through the study, opened fire, killing nine of the attendees. We were all inspired by the response of some of the church members, who, just days after this young man killed their family members, told him they forgave him, and invited him to repent and give his life to Jesus.
Jennifer Berry Hawes's Grace Will Lead Us Home: The Charleston Church Massacre and the Hard, Inspiring Journey to Forgiveness thoroughly describes the massacre itself and the aftermath and impact on the surviving family members, church, and community. The strongest part of the book is the detailed description of the attack at the Bible study. It's heart-wrenching, tear-jerking. And the grace and forgiveness displayed by the survivors is inspiring.
Not so inspiring is the ugliness of church politics and greed that arose in the aftermath. The senior pastor and several other pastors and lay pastors were in attendance at the Bible study. The church was left without much pastoral leadership in place. The church, an important congregation regionally, in the denomination, and in African-American history, is a prime pulpit, so the denomination's bishop took over pastoral duties. When money came rolling in from well-wishers around the world, this pastor was evasive and secretive about the money, which amounted to millions of dollars, and ended up keeping a good chunk of it for facility improvements at church--and who knows what else.
Berry Hawes personalizes this story and its aftermath with a high degree of detail and depth. One of the surprising elements, at least to me, is the sympathetic treatment she gives the shooter's family. Apparently his deep racism came not from family tradition, but from his solitary explorations of the dark reaches of the internet. (By the way, he says he was concerned about black people murdering and raping white people. So why target a bunch of church ladies at a Bible study? This is evidence of his illogical idiocy.) His parents and grandparents were rightly devastated by his actions.
This is not an easy book to read, as it shows such an ugly episode up close and personal. But the theme of redemption and healing is strong, as is the recognition that the race war this shooter wanted to start did not take root. When hate could have taken the headlines, grace and forgiveness took center stage.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!
Jennifer Berry Hawes's Grace Will Lead Us Home: The Charleston Church Massacre and the Hard, Inspiring Journey to Forgiveness thoroughly describes the massacre itself and the aftermath and impact on the surviving family members, church, and community. The strongest part of the book is the detailed description of the attack at the Bible study. It's heart-wrenching, tear-jerking. And the grace and forgiveness displayed by the survivors is inspiring.
Not so inspiring is the ugliness of church politics and greed that arose in the aftermath. The senior pastor and several other pastors and lay pastors were in attendance at the Bible study. The church was left without much pastoral leadership in place. The church, an important congregation regionally, in the denomination, and in African-American history, is a prime pulpit, so the denomination's bishop took over pastoral duties. When money came rolling in from well-wishers around the world, this pastor was evasive and secretive about the money, which amounted to millions of dollars, and ended up keeping a good chunk of it for facility improvements at church--and who knows what else.
Berry Hawes personalizes this story and its aftermath with a high degree of detail and depth. One of the surprising elements, at least to me, is the sympathetic treatment she gives the shooter's family. Apparently his deep racism came not from family tradition, but from his solitary explorations of the dark reaches of the internet. (By the way, he says he was concerned about black people murdering and raping white people. So why target a bunch of church ladies at a Bible study? This is evidence of his illogical idiocy.) His parents and grandparents were rightly devastated by his actions.
This is not an easy book to read, as it shows such an ugly episode up close and personal. But the theme of redemption and healing is strong, as is the recognition that the race war this shooter wanted to start did not take root. When hate could have taken the headlines, grace and forgiveness took center stage.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Irreparable Harm, by Randy Singer
Ethical dilemmas and hot social-political topics are common fodder for plots in Randy Singer's legal fiction. His second novel, Irreparable Harm, explores the ethics of surrogate parenting, abortion, and stem-cell research, along with a touch of immigration policy and disability rights.
In a way, the circumstances and plot are a bit to convoluted for their own good. An immigrant with questionable status is surrogate mother for a first-time mother who is now a widow. The baby is diagnosed with Down syndrome. The mother has a few more frozen embryos which may be available for research due to the timing of laws regarding human stem cell research. The mother wants the baby aborted; the surrogate mother wants to keep the child with Down syndrome. The young lawyer is falling in love with the immigrant/surrogate mother. Yes, it's convoluted, but still enjoyable.
Singer treats the issues behind the story thoughtfully, but doesn't beat the reader of the head with a particular perspective, nor does he let controversial topics get in the way of the story. Also, fans will be amused by the cameo appearances of characters from Singer's earlier novel, Directed Verdict. (Maybe some more careful reader with a better memory than me can catalog the characters that show up in multiple novels.) Singer's fans, as well as any fans of legal fiction with a dose of ethical questions, will enjoy Irreparable Harm.
In a way, the circumstances and plot are a bit to convoluted for their own good. An immigrant with questionable status is surrogate mother for a first-time mother who is now a widow. The baby is diagnosed with Down syndrome. The mother has a few more frozen embryos which may be available for research due to the timing of laws regarding human stem cell research. The mother wants the baby aborted; the surrogate mother wants to keep the child with Down syndrome. The young lawyer is falling in love with the immigrant/surrogate mother. Yes, it's convoluted, but still enjoyable.
Singer treats the issues behind the story thoughtfully, but doesn't beat the reader of the head with a particular perspective, nor does he let controversial topics get in the way of the story. Also, fans will be amused by the cameo appearances of characters from Singer's earlier novel, Directed Verdict. (Maybe some more careful reader with a better memory than me can catalog the characters that show up in multiple novels.) Singer's fans, as well as any fans of legal fiction with a dose of ethical questions, will enjoy Irreparable Harm.
Monday, September 2, 2019
How to Raise a Reader, by Pamela Paul and Maria Russo
For people who love to read, one of the joys of parenthood is seeing one's children read. New York Times Book Review children's books editors Pamela Paul and Maria Russo published an article in 2017 called "How to Raise a Reader" that was so well-received and widely read that they have expanded it into a book. How to Raise a Reader is a great resource for parents and caregivers of children of all ages.
Some of their advice is so basic that you think everyone knows it. But it's the kind of advice that is worth repeating and constantly reminding ourselves of. They are not huge fans of forcing early reading, but they are fans of exposing children to books, even before the children are born. Reading for oneself sets a pattern; "If you want to raise a reader, be a reader." School is important, but that is "where children learn that they have to read. Home is where kids lear to read because they want to. It's where they learn to love to read."
Paul and Russo spend time at each developmental stage, encouraging habits and practices that build readers. Don't be afraid to introduce even small children to "subjects for which they don't have any context." Through every stage, parents can introduce books and topics that might spur the young reader's interest, but, especially as children mature, "you're not barreling in through the front door of your teenager's reading life" to dictate what they read. Helpful suggestions and strategically placed books around the house are nice, though.
I love this idea: "Give your child one special book for every birthday in his life, to be kept in a special place on his shelf." More than that, though, always make sure to have plenty of books available throughout the house, and not simply as keepsakes. "Books are meant to be read, and well worn books are like living artifacts, their curled or worn or even marked up pages the record of many happy readers."
For each age level, Paul and Russo give lots of recommendations, including classics that were classic when I was a kid as well as books that were published in the last few years. You'll find plenty of titles that will inspire you to run out to the bookstore to stock up for your kids (or for you!) And of course you'll be inspired to pick up a book to read to or read with your kids. Read on!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!
The article that started it all:
https://www.nytimes.com/guides/books/how-to-raise-a-reader?searchResultPosition=2&redirect=true
Some of their advice is so basic that you think everyone knows it. But it's the kind of advice that is worth repeating and constantly reminding ourselves of. They are not huge fans of forcing early reading, but they are fans of exposing children to books, even before the children are born. Reading for oneself sets a pattern; "If you want to raise a reader, be a reader." School is important, but that is "where children learn that they have to read. Home is where kids lear to read because they want to. It's where they learn to love to read."
Paul and Russo spend time at each developmental stage, encouraging habits and practices that build readers. Don't be afraid to introduce even small children to "subjects for which they don't have any context." Through every stage, parents can introduce books and topics that might spur the young reader's interest, but, especially as children mature, "you're not barreling in through the front door of your teenager's reading life" to dictate what they read. Helpful suggestions and strategically placed books around the house are nice, though.
I love this idea: "Give your child one special book for every birthday in his life, to be kept in a special place on his shelf." More than that, though, always make sure to have plenty of books available throughout the house, and not simply as keepsakes. "Books are meant to be read, and well worn books are like living artifacts, their curled or worn or even marked up pages the record of many happy readers."
For each age level, Paul and Russo give lots of recommendations, including classics that were classic when I was a kid as well as books that were published in the last few years. You'll find plenty of titles that will inspire you to run out to the bookstore to stock up for your kids (or for you!) And of course you'll be inspired to pick up a book to read to or read with your kids. Read on!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!
The article that started it all:
https://www.nytimes.com/guides/books/how-to-raise-a-reader?searchResultPosition=2&redirect=true
Sunday, September 1, 2019
A Second Shot of Coffee with Jesus, by David Wilkie
I am not a coffee drinker, but I can't get enough of Coffee with Jesus! David Wilkie's second collection of the online comic strip, A Second Shot of Coffee with Jesus, is even better than the first. The comics in this new book hit deeper and more profoundly, as a whole, than Coffee with Jesus.
With good humor and a solid theological perspective, Wilkie challenges readers to engage with Jesus and to evaluate their devotional life and habits of service and worship. When we pray, maybe we shouldn't be asking for stuff, but should be trying to align our needs with what we ask of him. . . .
And when we spend time in prayer, Jesus reminds us that the focus should be on just being with him, whether or not we feel his presence. We want to know, not just trust, that he is with us. Jesus says, "The knowing is the trusting."
When we struggle with the basic Christian discipline of memorizing scripture, Jesus might remind us that we don't have any problem remembering the witty lines of our favorite movies.
He also reminds us that we should get the focus off of ourselves. "You wanna be blessed? . . . Be a blessing." His advice for those times when we get a bit too self-centered: "Empty yourself."
Sometimes the things we believe about Jesus are not quite on target. Do we have to choose between Jesus being our Lord or our buddy? Jesus says, "I"m fine being both."
Wilkie doesn't have much patience for attributing partisan politics to Jesus, and provides some reminders that Christians have many different perspectives on political matters.
Wilkie uses the simplest of art to communicate some profound theological truths. Spend some time having coffee with Jesus. You'll want to come back for more.
With good humor and a solid theological perspective, Wilkie challenges readers to engage with Jesus and to evaluate their devotional life and habits of service and worship. When we pray, maybe we shouldn't be asking for stuff, but should be trying to align our needs with what we ask of him. . . .
And when we spend time in prayer, Jesus reminds us that the focus should be on just being with him, whether or not we feel his presence. We want to know, not just trust, that he is with us. Jesus says, "The knowing is the trusting."
When we struggle with the basic Christian discipline of memorizing scripture, Jesus might remind us that we don't have any problem remembering the witty lines of our favorite movies.
He also reminds us that we should get the focus off of ourselves. "You wanna be blessed? . . . Be a blessing." His advice for those times when we get a bit too self-centered: "Empty yourself."
Sometimes the things we believe about Jesus are not quite on target. Do we have to choose between Jesus being our Lord or our buddy? Jesus says, "I"m fine being both."
We also tend to believe things like "God will never give us more than we can handle." Jesus calmly reminds us that it can sometimes feel like we have more than we can handle--"until you let me handle it."
Wilkie doesn't have much patience for attributing partisan politics to Jesus, and provides some reminders that Christians have many different perspectives on political matters.
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