Quiet by Susan Cain
This book explores the role introverts play in society. It’s a thorough investigation into what makes an introvert tick, how they’ve been perceived in society, and the various contributions introverts make. As an introvert, I, of course, loved this book, but really it should be mandatory reading for extroverts who think we’re weird or shy or maladjusted or snooty or any of the other stereotypes people have of introverts. Introversion and shyness are not the same thing, which is important to learn. The books also discusses studies that were done on introverts and extroverts. One study showed that introverts are better leaders in some situations.
War is Not Over When Its Over by Ann Jones
I already discussed this pretty in-depth in my previous post. I highly recommend it for anyone who’d like an eye-opening account of what goes on in the world beyond our suburban American bubbles.
Bossypants by Tina Fey
As much as I appreciated War, I had to take breaks from it because it was so emotionally draining. This is the book I alternated with it, because, who doesn’t like Tina Fey? A memoir of sorts, it’s more proof of Tina’s intelligence and wit. I really enjoyed her answers to “fans” who post things about her on the internet. One “fan” refers to her as an “ugly, pear-shaped, bitchy, overrated troll.” Part of her response is that she prefers the terms “off-beat, business class-assed, and exhausted,” but that she’ll take what she can get because “there’s no such thing as bad press.”
Habibi by Craig Thompson
This is a graphic novel for adults. I read Thompson’s Blankets when I was in Peace Corps and was pretty “meh” about it, but Habibi caught my eye because ‘habibi’ is one of my favorite words. It means “sweetheart” or “dear” in Arabic. I loved it. Definitely not suitable for children, it’s the story of Dodola and Zam, two orphans who escape slavery, are then separated and subsequently reunited. The way Thompson uses Arabic calligraphy throughout is breathtaking.
I also read quite a few books about world religions since my last book post. I was researching for a Sunday school series I was teaching. Here are a few of the books that I found particularly helpful and interesting.
The Wisdom of the Talmud by Madison C. Peters
A collection of gems of wisdom, it’s a great place to find some good proverbs of the kind you might want to hang up around your desk at work or somewhere in your house for inspiration.
Good Question, Good Answer by Ven. S. Dhammika
I wasn’t aware that Buddhists had apologetics, since it’s not typically depicted as a proselytizing religion. But this is a book of straight up apologetics in question and answer format. While I obviously found flaws in some of the arguments, it’s good to read a Buddhist’s responses rather than guess at what their answer would be to certain challenges to their beliefs.
Teaching About Islam and Muslims in the Public School Classroom a Council on Islamic Education publication
Whether you’re a classroom teacher or not, this is a good starting place for learning about Islam and Muslim culture. A lot of misconceptions are addressed and clarified, and, again, you’re getting information straight from the horse’s mouth rather than a third party who is speculating. I’m particularly passionate about dispelling misinformation and stereotypes about Islam, Muslims, Arabs and the Middle East. If you’re only committed to reading one text on the subject, this would be the one I’d recommend as it is a concise yet thorough educational tool.