January - Educated, Tara Westover
I couldn't put this book down. As I read this book I also referenced google a number of times to watch Tara's interviews and to look for responses to the book from her family. A day after reading, I am haunted by one particular theme in the book: manipulation. There were many instances of it, including by her father, mother, brother, sister and even professors; her reality was constantly shifting and it was so unnerving to watch. I was also especially disturbed by her relationship to her brother. Even though he was physically violent towards her, she had stockholm syndrome and kept returning for more. I love how her writing makes you inhabit the same space with her. Many times, upon feeling uncomfortable, I wanted to stop reading (I knew how the book ended because I love googling spoilers) but I didn't want to miss her account of it so I pushed on. Having finished the book, I am inspired to revisit my thoughts around furthering my own education. I do think, however, that going to graduate school is a huge mistake unless you already have a plan for what comes after. It's a lot of money and I'm not exceptional enough to win scholarships in the way Tara did. This is what I mean by exceptional: it seems like she was at the right place at the right time with her professor at BYU, who took an interest in her uncommon upbringing, and then she was referred to her MA program by her mentor at Cambridge. Was she tokenized by her BYU professor when she was chosen for the summer program at Cambridge? As for her Cambridge MA, getting professor referrals for MA/PhD programs are the equivalent of job referrals; access is easier when you know someone who knows someone. Of course, I believe Tara is an inspiring individual; not everyone gets to go to Cambridge/Harvard with"normal" qualifications and then write an international bestseller. She is also a motivated learner, putting herself through school when her family, finances and educational background disallowed it. I am just not sure if this could ever happen to me, who had the privilege of growing up to be quite boring.
February - Range, David Epstein
I really pushed myself to finish this book. It's not a bad book, it's just a very long book. The book reveals its thesis in the first chapter and then follows with 280 pages of case study after case study. I believe the take away is incredibly valuable, especially for people like me, a generalist with flexibility to mould into any industry or role. My greatest take away was to experiment quickly and widely as I like. I shouldn't feel guilty about having so many interests, albeit superficial. I won't know if I'd like to pursue something further if I force myself into early specialization and miss the chance at discovering what I truly love.
March - Calypso, David Sedaris
I raced through Calypso in two days on my depart/return flight from Hawai'i. Fun, heartwarming, insightful and humorous. A collection of short stories covering family and aging. Nothing major to takeaway except that it was a breath of fresh air from my heavier read (Caste and its Discontents, Isabel Wilkerson) which I just can't seem to get through without falling asleep. But that is a review for another time.
March - The Moment of Lift, Melinda Gates
I loved this book; I started reading it without much expectations however I've always been interested in the Foundation's work so I was curious to read about it from Melinda's perspective. I loved that she spent a lot of time talking about female contraception, which is a topic I'm also very passionate about. The book didn't cover male contraception which is curious, since a huge focus of hers is on gender equity. I also loved that she covered other important facets of life like splitting up domestic labor and unpaid work. Sadly I don't see many men picking up a book that is so heavily focused on women; I wonder how she would apply her own belief that "change happens from within" with her own book. How does she intend to get her book in the hands of men, because both genders have to buy into her overarching concept to do the work? I might have to look up some interviews to see how she covers this. For myself, the book has inspired me to continue work on my HPV learning series. I've finished the writing and done my research on potential partners. Now, I just need to reach out to see how to make an impact. Sadly we've had a bout of Covid at home so my plans will have to wait just a bit longer!
April - The New Tsar, Steven Lee Myers
I finished the first half of this book in April which covered the nascent beginnings of Mr P. and his fortuitous ascent to power.
May - The New Tsar, Steven Lee Myers
The latter half of the book covered a ton about corruption within the K, how business transactions are made to the benefit of the economy, priorities of Mr P., how the constitution was changed to dictate the outcome of elections, and the future of the country. An exhaustive book which ends its recording in 2014.
June - Nobody Will Tell You This, Bess Kalb
Sped read this one on a flight to LA. Loved it, it was so nuanced, nourishing and funny.
July - Crying in H Mart, Michelle Zauner
Heartwrenchingly beautiful. Cried endlessly, but also hungry to discover more of Korean cuisine.
July - I Remember Nothing, and Other Reflections, Nora Ephron
I needed a short read, something humorous. Nora Ephron always delivers.
August - People We Meet On Vacation, Emily Henry
Weird plot line, seems like there are some holes in the narrative but forgivable. Still enjoyable nonetheless as I always prefer a happy ending.
September - Hunger, Roxane Gay
Brutally honest, uncomfortable and eyeopening. It's like reliving her trauma on every page. Kind of a difficult read if you're mentally in a bad space. Had to read in small chunks of time.
October - The Best of Me, David Sedaris
November - A Drip, A Drop, A Deluge (Advanced copy)
