By I have heard several interesting interviews which have led me to order three books. All the interviews are archived on the Democracy Now website. First, I heard Timothy Snyder talk about his book On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons From the Twentieth Century. He makes succinct connections between today and the totalitarianism of the Twentieth Century. It’s a concise handbook on how to stand up for democracy. It’s a very quick read, so it can be easily completed in a busy week!
The rest of the books have not arrived yet, but I hope to read them over the summer. Naomi Klein is one of my favorite investigative journalists. She wrote No Is Not Enough. Here’s a quote from the introduction: “This is one attempt to uncover how we got to this surreal political moment. It is also an attempt to predict how, under cover of shocks and crises, it could get a lot worse. And it’s a plan for how, if we keep our heads, we might just be able to flip the script and arrive at a radically better future.” Her interview on Democracy Now was very thought provoking.
The third interview on Democracy Now was with Arundahti Roy. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness.is her first novel since she won the Booker Prize for The God of Small Things (which I highly recommend) in 1997. She is a political activist in India, and has been fighting for justice for the last twenty years. Her new novel is just out, and it has already been translated into 30 languages.
Finally, I joined a group in town working on the issue of gerrymandering. Pennsylvania, where I live, is one of the most gerrymandered states in the country. My congressional district has not had a democratic representative since 1973. The group is gathering together to discuss Rat F**ked: The True Story Behind the Secret Plan to Steal America’s Democracy. That book is also on it’s way to my doorstep.
I really am a lover of storytelling, so, while I am trying to figure out the world we currently live in, I am also listening to Moth stories online. I recommend the site for a wonderful reality check on the love, compassion, humor, and resilience of the human spirit. For me, balance is all important, especially now. I’ll definitely be ordering David Sedaris‘ new book Theft By Finding.
I wish everyone a great summer of reading!
Open Arts Spring 2023 
I’ll be very interested in reading what you think of The Ministry of Utmost Happiness. I haven’t read Arundhati Roy’s work–her first book from so long ago, the Man Booker prize winner–but she’s been on my radar especially with her political activism (and not that much writing) over the past decade. And the Moth has gotten me through many interminable drives across New York State, and your state, Pennsylvania, too. I really hope your CD senses a change in the wind for 2018–what a story that is unfolding now in our country and for our future–
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Hi B, Sounds like you are diving into some good stuff! I can’t wait to see some of your reviews. It is wonderful to have you here. /A
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Your book choices are so appealing. I also look forward to your reviews…
And, your post inspired me to download several Moth episodes on a recent long drive- the story-telling was wonderful, and made several hours being stuck in traffic go by so quickly- such a great find, thank you!
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