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Book Review: The Grace of Silence by Michele Norris

Technically, this is an audio book review. I highly recommend listening to this one if you can. You will recognize her voice if you have listened to All Things Considered on NPR between 2002 and 2011, when she was one of the hosts. In this, her first book, she applies her award-winning journalistic skill and engaging storytelling toward uncovering the sometimes-uncomfortable truths in her own family. As a memoir, she takes us on this journey of discovery and shares with us her inner emotions along with the facts. Ms. Norris originally set out to write about the changing conversations around race in the Obama era, but changed course when she realized there was so much to learn, hear and talk...

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YA Book review roundup!

What do you say when your son wants to check out a very sexist graphic novel from the library? * “No way, not on my card, kiddo.” That is in fact what I said: a first reaction that just came flying out of my mouth. This, of course, put him on the defense. When you are dealing with a teen, that is no way to have an influence. Actually, that is no way to convince anyone to consider another point of view, regardless of their age. So here goes parenting, take two. When he objected, I made a deal. I said. “If I check this out for you, I will also check out feminist books that you will be required...

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Book Review: A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry

I recently read the play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, a play written in 1958. It recounts a critical moment for an African American family received a large sum of money from the father’s life insurance after his death. The hopes and dreams of each family member awakens and their perseverance in the face of adversity. The trailblazing Broadway production depicts an authentic view of African American culture. As a white person reading this, I found the introduction by Robert Nemiroff helpful in that it places the play in its historical and cultural context, and explains the significance of a couple of scenes which probably would have gone over my head otherwise. The story is highly relatable...

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Book Review: Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk

Since many of you on my email list are also small business owners, or are somewhat involved in the marketing aspect of your job, I thought it would be apropos to include a review of one of the business books I’ve read. One of the challenges for us small business owners is keeping up with social media and really “getting it” when it comes to each one. And of course, there are always new ones popping up. This book is a good intro to the basics of social media marketing, with great examples and explanations of some of the most popular current ones. Since these platforms are in constant flux, some of the specific tips are no longer current, but...

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Book Review: Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis by Barbara Leaming

Before going on a trip to NY to visit family for the holidays, I made a stop at the library to pick up something to read on the plane or during down time. With nothing in mind, I meandered over to the biography section, as I haven’t read that genre in a long time. I have to admit that this caught my eye because I had just seen a preview for the movie, Jackie, and thought I would get more out of it if I read about her first. And so now I have read her biography and just saw the movie this weekend, and I’m glad I read this. I can’t say I knew much about her life or...

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