Five Non-Educational Books I Read This Winter

Spring Break Post

I am on spring break this week. Instead of an article, here are five non-educational books I read this past winter. (This seasonal list was inspired by Austin Kleon.) I hope you devote some time to yourself as well!

Take care, Matt

Bag Man: The Wild Crimes, Audacious Cover-Up, and Spectacular Downfall of a Brazen Crook in the White House by Rachel Maddow, Michael Yarvitz

The parellels between Spiro Agnew and our 45th president are uncanny. I wish all historical accounts read like this. Bag Man is an engaging nonfiction narrative that offers a helpful perspective to our recent situation. Also, a theory: the voice of the writing is strong because the authors first presented their story as a podcast. "If you can speak it, then you can write it..."

Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy

Amazingly descriptive writing and big ideas. As another reviewer described, you "feel" this book, especially around the theme of loss. What makes this novel disturbing in its own way is we can see nature is falling apart (animals are disappearing), we know what to do, and yet society cannot bring itself to collectively act. Yet not total despair; the author’s ending offers hope for the main character and for the world.

Firefight (The Reckoners #2) by Brandon Sanderson

A worthy 2nd book in the series, about people “gifted” with superhuman powers and the toll it takes on them and everyone else. The goofy humor and creative plot points help keep this dystopian novel from being too depressing. My 8th grade son is itching to read this series and I think he is probably mature enough.

The Fiddler in the Subway: The Story of the World-Class Violinist Who Played for Handouts…And Other Virtuoso Performances by America's Foremost Feature Writer by Gene Weingarten

I received this book as a gift from a colleague. Essays full of warmth, rich description, and focused on topics we should be aware of as citizens. The author cares about his subjects while still telling the truth. Not an easy task which speaks well for Weingarten’s skills as a journalist.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

How do you review a book as unique as this one? I see why English teachers rave about it and why others might feel lukewarm toward it. My take: how the author positions Death as the narrator is appropriate. Odd at first, then you come to appreciate the objective point of view in the wake of all the horror of the Holocaust. Focusing on the specific lives of Liesel, Rudy and the rest of Himmel Street humanizes a point of history that is too often a list of facts and dates learned about in a textbook.

What books did you enjoy these past three months, just for yourself?