Best for: Anyone who wants to get the conversation about death going. I know, probably not many folks want to, but the book makes a good case for it. In a nutshell: UK palliative care physician Dr. Kathryn Mannix shares stories from her 40 years working with individuals to manage their symptoms and help with their end of life. Worth quoting: “This conspiracy of silence is so common, and so heartbreaking. The elderly expect death, and many try to talk to others about their hopes […]
Probably Helpful But Not Great
Best for: People who like Time Out guides, I’m guessing. In a nutshell: Mostly your standard travel guide, but with really tiny print. Worth quoting: Not so much a quote, but apparently the women didn’t get the vote in Belgium didn’t get it until 1949? Why I chose it: We’re going to Brussels this weekend, and this looked to be one of the better options for guidebooks at the shop I went to. Review: I don’t think I’ve ever purchased a Time Out guide, and […]
Transport Trivia
Best for: People who enjoy trivia, transportation, and / or London In a nutshell: Author Professor David Long provides a sweeping overview of the London Underground, including fun facts, trivia, and more in-depth stories about the people behind it. Worth quoting: “Holden was a Quaker … he too declined a knighthood, maintaining that because successful architecture was the result of good teamwork it would be inappropriate for him to profit from the work of others.” Why I chose it: I went to the Museum of […]
Practical Advice That We Need Now
Best for: Everyone interested in combating white supremacy. In a nutshell: Author Ijeoma Oluo offers practical advice for ways to engage in conversations — and actions — to combat systemic racism. Worth quoting: SO MUCH. But some of my favorites include: “White Supremacy is this nation’s oldest pyramid scheme. Even those how have lost everything to the scheme are still hanging in there, waiting for their turn to cash out.” “I think about every black and brown person, every queer person, every disabled person, who […]