Reads
I’m Still Here-Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness (audio) by Austin Channing Brown: I’m so glad I listened to this in the voice of the author. It is part memoir, part call to action, and for me as a white person working for peace, justice, and equity, very convicting. Chapter six was the perfect listen before attending a three day intensive in DEI.
Forward by Abby Wambach (audio): After listening and reading the short manifesto, Wolfpack, I decided to listen to Abby’s full memoir. Her brutal and intense honesty surrounding her life and work and her addiction and brokenness was so powerful. My favorite quote: “I long for criticism and yet I’m reluctant to commit to what it asks of me.”
Failing Up by Leslie Odom, Jr. (audio): What a charming and inspiring memoir of Odom’s journey to Queens to Aaron Burr. I particularly enjoyed the vignette’s about his work with his father-in-law. Now, if only he’d sung a few bars in the audio.
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult: Since reading my first JP book last year, I’ve immersed myself in her fiction. This was interesting to read as it was written before school shootings became an almost weekly occurrence. At the time of this, there were only three, so the perspective felt very historical. Oh, how much has changed in twelve years. I particularly enjoyed the way that characters crossed over from a previous book to this one.
The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis: Can CPC write anything that isn’t amazing? I so enjoyed following the adventures of the Mighty Miss Malone. For those that study Bud, Not Buddy, the corollaries are neat to point out.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris: This is on the list for my church book club in a few months. I bought it in the airport and read it in about four hours. It was riveting. Beautiful, horrible, and real. To think that this sort of love could flourish in the midst of the most gruesome horrors just proves its providential power.
Nuance: Why Some Leaders Succeed and Others Fail by Michael Fullan: Meh. I’m a student of Fullan, but this one felt like this was written for the sake of publishing a book. The precepts were reasonable and made sense, but the whole book took a weird turn in the last chapter. This one was fine, but I would suggest other options.
The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile: I’m finally growing into my understanding of the enneagram. Based on a whole bunch of different measurements, I feel pretty compelled that I am 4w3. Not sure what that means? This book can really walk through each of the different characteristics within the enneagram as well as strengths and areas for growth within and around your type. I find this to be the most spot-on of the personality inventories I have taken, and I feel like I’ve taken them all. In terms of leadership, I find that knowing these might offer a window into strengthening communication and workflow, as well as tapping into the strengths of teammates.
Listens
Experts on Experts with Dax Shepard podcast-Todd Rose: I really enjoyed Rose’s book, The End of Average and it’s exploration of personalization. His new work, Dark Horse, explores profiles of people who have become unconventionally successful by following their passions and purpose. I’ve added it to my wish list.
Every Little Thing podcast-Baseball and Organ Music: I’ve listened to several episodes of the ELT podcast and it is such a hoot. 30 minutes of learning for sheer delight. In the spirit of baseball season, this episode was particularly delightful. (The Nats and the Royals play the Braves down the street this week, so I’ll be at the park at least twice!)
That Sounds Fun (Annie F. Downs) podcast-EnneaSummer 2019: I listen to this sweet podcast frequently and have enjoyed some of the Enneagram podcasts of this summer. This link is the primer. And of course, I listened to the episode on Fours. (See above.)
Gangster Capitalism podcast: This short series was recommended to me by a colleague at the National Diversity Practitioners Institute. It is an investigative series on the College Admissions Scandal (“Operation Varsity Blues”.) At times, it was very challenging to listen and think about the way that some uber-wealthy parents use their privilege to circumvent the system. And, in the process, hurt others. Oh, Aunt Becky, not only did you buy your daughter’s way into USC, you’ve raised a child that is so vapid, she doesn’t even want to go for learning.
What are you reading/watching/listening to these days??
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