Category: Social Justice

Categories
Blog Nonfiction Social Justice

What We Owe the Future

by William MacAskill, Book 62 of 2022,

William MacAskill asks a lot more questions than he answers in this lengthy read. This book describes some of the biggest threats to humankind’s long term future including AI, nuclear warfare, environmental catastrophe, and pandemics. It’s a tough journey with a lot of difficult subject matter that ultimately ends with a call to action to consider how our current societal choices will impact the many potential generations beyond the present. I wouldn’t say I enjoyed reading this but I will definitely be thinking about its subject matter for a long time to come. 

Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for this ALC!

Content Warnings: Nuclear War, Pandemics, Extinction, Artificial Intelligence, Animal Cruelty 

Categories
Blog Nonfiction Social Justice

Heal Your Way Forward

by myisha t. hill, book 57 of 2022

A great read for any white person who wants to re-energize their anti-racist practice. During the “Great White Awakening of 2020” many folks recognized the need to act on social justice issues but fell out of practice as time has gone by. This book is for those of us who want to sustain a long term commitment to those values, especially in between episodes of public outcry. Hill’s words and story are inspiring, practical and timely. This is not the book for a person who’s just starting to learn about white privilege and supremacy but instead fulfills a need for those who are committed to a lifelong practice. 

Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for this ALC!

Content Warnings:  Suicide, Racism  

Categories: Nonfiction, Anti-racism 

Categories
Blog Fiction Social Justice

A Prayer for the Crown-Shy

by Becky Chambers, Book 45 of 2022

Cover of the book A Prayer for the Crown-Shy featuring abstract forest scene with orange sky, green hills, white trees, and tea cart traveling down a winding road through it.

A lovely continuation of the story started in “A Psalm for the Wild-Built”. The only thing that’s gotten me through the last few weeks has been my undying love for Mosscap, the sentient robot and his quest to learn about humans and their needs. Would absolutely recommend it to anyone eager for a vision of a better world in these trying times.

Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for this ALC!

Categories
Blog Nonfiction Social Justice

The Altar Within

written by Juliet Diaz, book 15 of 2022

I am definitely not up to date on the spiritual development/growth industry so I’m not sure I understood that aspect of this book (crystals, manifestation, etc). I requested this guide from Netgalley because I know the author is published through Row House, a publishing entity that specifically is working to be an antiracist alternative to the traditional big names. Going into this as a spiritually novice, I personally enjoyed Juliet Diaz’s candor and relaxed and informal tone. In the early audio edition I’m reviewing there were even “mistakes” that I found endearing considering the content. I thought Diaz did a wonderful job explaining the importance of authenticity and caring for oneself and I will definitely put into practice many of her rituals (with my own spin of course). I especially love the community care aspect of this book. Though not something I’d normally choose to listen to, I’m glad I did. 

Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for this ALC.

Recommended for: anyone already invested in spiritually and self help or looking for self care tips.

Categories
Blog Nonfiction Social Justice

The End of Bias: A Beginning

by Jessica Nordell, Book 62 of 2021

This book is packed full of insightful examples of how bias seeps into day to day encounters with profound impacts ranging from the expected (police violence) to more subtle (gendering in preschool classrooms). There are a lot of great actionable takeaways for organizations and leaders who want to improve the environments they influence. For my local friends, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Nordell was raised in Green Bay and many of her examples resonated personally. 

Bonus: The audiobook is read by the author and I could not help but laugh at the thinly veiled disdain she apparently still holds for the late Justice Antonin Scalia. 

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ALC.

Recommended for: those interested in creating a more just society.


Content Warnings: Racism, Sexism, Violence, Police Violence