1. Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne
I think I saw this recommended by Sherry of Young House Love, when she said this is a book she has re-read several times over the years, and I was compelled by the subtitle, "using the extraordinary power of less to raise calmer, happier, and more secure kids" to read it immediately. It has great tips and suggestions, as well as reasons why to simplify, and while many of them I already knew of and try to practice already, it was wonderful to get that affirmation and gain further insight into why it is so important to parent (and live!) in this way.
2. The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene
This is another one that was recommended to me, and I had never heard of the title or author before. The book is set in the 1930's during the height of the Mexican anti-clerical purge, and is indeed a parable of the dualities within us; full of the despair and worst parts of human nature, but also the redemption. The writing is remarkable, vivid, and the scenes roll out like a play. It reminded me in ways of Endo's "Silence" and has provided for many thoughts and conversation thereafter.
3. Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
This was a short "read" (which I listened to on audiobook) and found it fascinating, a little disconcerting and unique in tone. It's about a woman who is very content working at a convenience store and does not understand why the societal pressures of progressing in career or getting married an having a family should apply to her. The book seems like a commentary on social norms and conformist culture; while it doesn't necessarily declare a philosophy either way, it notes the peculiarities of it from the point of view from a rather detached narrator, who has a different set of values and norms.
4. Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik
I listened to this one via Hoopla - and found it to be such a delight. I didn't know what to expect, but it is basically an ode to Ginsburg, based on some history and interviews over time. I only had a vague sense of who she was (one of the female justices of the Supreme court) and that she was more in the public eye recently (there were two movies made about her last year!) but didn't know much else, so I really enjoyed learning. For one, I didn't know how instrumental she was in women's rights over the past 50 years, and found her determination, passion and strategies over her career to be so inspirational. I found her story especially compelling as a working mom, who like all other working moms, had to figure out a balance and forge this path for herself as well as for her kids. I really liked one of the appendices, that was titled, "How to be like RBG". It attempted to summarize her philosophy in a list form, which is not the best format necessarily, but I found it helpful enough that I transcribed it and will include it here:
How to be like RBG
1. Work hard for what you believe in.
2. ....but pick your battles. (anger, resentment, envy - these are emotions that just zap your energy. they aren't productive and don't get you any place, so get over it.)
3. To be like RBG in dissent, save your public anger for when there's lots at stake and you've tried everything else.
4. ....and don't burn your bridges. Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you. Paint the other side's arguments in the best light, avoiding personal insults. She is painstaking in presenting facts, on the theory that the truth is weapon enough.
5. Don't be afraid to take charge.
6. Think about what you want and then do the work! Do I want this or not? If I do, I'll do it.
7. Enjoy what makes you happy.
8. Bring along your crew.
9. Have a sense of humor. A little goes a long way.
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