Poor excuse, I know, but let me update with a recap of some good stuff I've read lately:
1. Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpan
This is an AMAZING collection of short stories set in Africa, and told from the view point of children. Akpan's writing is wonderful, and the choice to tell children's stories was perfect. Their voices give hope that an adult narrator couldn't, but it's also literally heartbreaking to realize that you know what is happening around the characters when they can't even see the looming danger. The stories deal with family, poverty, immigration, religion, and ethnicity issues. Be forewarned that there are disturbing scenes.
2. A Return to Modesty: Discovering the Lost Virtue by Wendy Shallit
Philosopher-journalist Wendy Shallit writes a very readable and often humorous book detailing the ways gender roles have changed over the last few centuries. Her research takes a look at these questions and more:
Has women's liberation freed us? Why do we have so much to fear now (date rape, sexual harrassment, eating disorders, rampant sexually transmitted disease, depression, and other ailments)? Why am I always so embarrassed? Why am I so clingy when it comes to men and relationships? What's wrong with me?
Of course, this won't appeal to everyone, and she openly admits that.
3. The Color of Water by James McBride
I just finished this one today. It's a wonderful memoir with one chapter in McBride's mother's voice, and the next in his own. Through this stepping stone format he tells the dual stories of his childhood and of his polish jewish immigrant mother who fled her family, married a black man, and raised twelve children. Amazing.
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