His Truth is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope
By John Meacham
This book was on my “To Read” list before Lewis’ well-reported death last month. His passing moved this book onto my high-priority list. John Lewis impacted history with his personality like few others in American history. He went from oppressed outcast to respected congressman throughout his life. That type of ascent is something that we all can learn from.
But his tale encompasses more than success: He spewed forth character and integrity like few others have in our nation’s history. His willingness to suffer non-violently has left an impact on history – an impact that I seek to humbly learn from. Meacham is one of our country’s greatest biographers and provides a worthy pen.
My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton
By Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
The figure of Eliza Hamilton has captivated many fans through her depiction in the play Hamilton. She’s been on my radar, too. I read this historical biography in 2018 on Eliza. Much was left up to interpretation, however, because Eliza didn’t have as many writings left behind as her husband.
To fill in those gaps, My Dear Hamilton seeks to write historical fiction about her life. Of course, much of this will be imagined on the basis of the historical record, but I look forward to the venture. Fiction can often be more “real” than history.
Found In Transition: A Mother’s Evolution During Her Child’s Gender Change
By Paria Hassouri
I am more ignorant than I’d like to be on transgender issues. I identified this book as written by a medical doctor about her changing attitudes. Despite increasing public awareness, many still misunderstand the complexities of life transgenders’ lives.
Because it is written by a medical doctor and a mom, I expect this book to be written intelligently and compassionately. This is precisely the angle that I need to grow myself. I look forward to hearing about Hassouri’s journey and developing my own outlook as well.
Diversity in the Workplace: Eye-Opening Interviews to Jumpstart Conversations about Identity, Privilege, and Bias
By Bäri A. Williams
The United States is undergoing a national conversation about our racial structures. I have been a fan of this, but I have not read any books on these matters. This book, published in March before George Floyd’s horrendous death, seems well-poised to contribute to this conversation.
Although my employer has taken a forceful and deliberate lead in addressing racial issues and has held helpful seminars on this specific topic, I want to get better.
Software Engineering at Google: Lessons Learned from Programming Over Time
Edited by Titus Winters, Tom Manshreck, and Hyrum Wright
Of course, I develop software for a living. Google has pushed the ball forward in this new century about how to develop effective software. Their size of their effort is impressive, and their company has met these challenges impressively.
This book tells their tales of how they have learned to develop excellent software in an excellent team environment. The writing is good, the experiences are enlightening, and the potential is powerful. I’m definitely taking notes.
Demystifying Shariah: What it is, How it Works, and Why it’s Not Taking Over Our Country
By Sumbul Ali-Karamali
Although I studied religion in college and graduate school, my education focused on Judaism and Christianity. I live close to an Islamic Center, and I want to get to know my Muslim neighbors better. With this book, I hope to knock down some of the walls of ignorance.
Ali-Karamali presents his information with wit and wisdom. Many fear that Islam desires to impose Sharia law on the world. He tries to take away such fears by reasonably presenting this great religion.
Sinner Saint: A Novel of Francis of Assisi
By Eyre Price
Francs of Assisi is one of my historical heroes. He lived in the 12th century and brought Christianity to the poor and needy – despite being raised in a well-to-do household. He suffered for the to tell others about God. Despite (because of?) causing troubles with the church, he revolutionized how medieval Christianity was practiced.
In this work of historical fiction, Price imagines what his life could have looked like and what kind of person Francis and faithful follower Clare would have looked like. This one should be fun.