The Week in Review: 01.17.2020

Between the Covers

Finished last week:

WINNERS TAKE ALL: THE ELITE CHARADE OF CHANGING THE WORLD by Anand Giridharadas explores why the divide between the wealthy and the poor is getting larger and larger.   In a thirty four year period (1980 to 2014), Giridharadas says, the income of the top ten percent doubled and that of the top one percent tripled.  During the same time period, the bottom half of earners went from earning $16,000 to $16,200 annually.

According to Giridharadas, the private sector has taken over many social programs the government used to implement.  The problem with that, though, is they don’t separate their interest from that of those they’re supposed to be helping and in the end, they benefit more than those in need.  He also dissects companies like Uber and Airbnb and says they take advantage of the lower socioeconomic class.

This book wasn’t an easy read – much of it is dense and almost text book like – but I think it was worth the effort.  Giridharadas has done a lot of research and provides notes on his sources in the back.  For the most part, I found his reasoning solid and, to be honest, quite disturbing.  Since reading the book, I’ve noticed how right he is in many ways.  This is a must read for those interested in equality.

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THE SERIOUS GOOSE is a picture book written and illustrated by late night host Jimmy Kimmel.   He’s dedicated it to his children and all proceeds go to children’s hospitals.  The book is the story of a goose who won’t smile, no matter what.  Others have tried to get him to smile but have had no luck.  Children are encouraged to be silly to see if they can make the goose smile, making this a fun book to share with little ones.  I listened to the audio version which is narrated by Kimmel and he does a fine job.  I’ve seen him read the print version and think the illustrations would make it more fun for youngsters.  This is a terrific book to read when you want to encourage silliness.  (Review copy provided by Penguin Random House.)

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HOW WE FIGHT FOR OUR LIVES is the highly promoted memoir of poet and Buzzfeed editor, Saeed Jones.  A gay black man, Jones was raised in Texas, knowing both things made him a target.  With raw emotion and heartfelt writing, Jones shares what it’s like to be an outsider in a society when you long for acceptance and shows how that longing can lead to destructive behavior.  He didn’t always make good decisions and doesn’t shy away from his mistakes.

I found this book to be well written and informative.  It’s heartbreaking at times and uplifting at others.  It made me realize society really hasn’t made as much progress as it should have.  Jones is very graphic at times so this book may offend some readers.  I can’t say that I loved it but I did appreciate it and am glad I read it.  (Review copy provided by Simon & Schuster.)

Currently reading:

• ONE OF US IS NEXT by Karen M. McManus
• HIDDEN AMERICA by Jeanne Marie Laskas

On the Screen

Since LITTLE WOMEN is one of my all time favorite books, I was excited to see the latest movie interpretation of it and I was not disappointed.  There are some changes to the story but it mostly stays true to the spirit of the book.  I thought the casting and acting were terrific and enjoyed the scenery as well.  I cried several times throughout the movie and was sad when it ended.  I’d love to see it in the theater again.  It’s appropriate for the whole family and seeing it would make a wonderful mother-daughter outing.

Off the blog

• After far too long, Carl and I went to take my aunt out to lunch.  Visiting her is always so much fun!
• I walked at least three miles every morning (even in the rain one day) and averaged just over 16,125 Fitbit steps a day.

What’s going on in your corner of the world?