The weather is starting to turn cooler, and it does not quite feel like the southern rainforest I have been living in for the past few months. The cooler weather sparks my energy levels, does not make me want to sit still and makes want to take on the world.
But this still leaves me time at night to enjoy some good reads. This month’s wrap-up of books is diverse and should give you some great options to fill your downtime. So here are the best and worst books for September 2021.
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
What’s it about?
Two of my friends said this book significantly influenced them, and it has changed how they think. So, based on this, I had to buy it. I gave this book a great review because it was well written, packed with historical information, flowed well and I stayed engaged with the reading. And, I believe that even if I disagree with the author’s arguments, it doesn’t mean it wasn’t a well-written book.
Wilkerson’s purpose in writing this book is to show how America is not too different from a caste system. She argues that a caste system has developed through historical mistreatment of blacks and is in use today in America.
What did I think?
Wilkerson makes sound arguments that influenced me to see America differently. She also does a fantastic job of illustrating the hidden and disturbing mistreatment of blacks in America throughout history that has influenced the development of a caste system.
I agree with these arguments:
- The majority should make an extra effort to stand up for the rights and equality of black Americans based on the past injustices against them.
- The ill-treatment of blacks in America could be considered one of the worst mistreatments of human beings in history, even worse than the Holocaust.
- These past injustices led to a caste system for blacks in America, similar to the caste system in India.
But I didn’t agree with all of the examples she used to back her claims. This book would be better served if she did not choose random acts to prove her points. These random acts sounded quite similar to things I’ve experienced.
For example, at one point, she meets a white friend for dinner. They were the only table not served, and the waiter never acted on any of their requests. I can’t count the times this has happened to me. In another example, Wilkerson states that solicitors knocking on her door assume she is not the owner of the house. I’ve also answered the door of my own home several times where the person was asking for the homeowner (maybe I look young). And, there are always jerks on airplanes who steal your space and complain about me leaning the seat back.
I also strongly disagree that racism lives in the subconscious mind of whites. If we can’t even explain the subconscious mind, then why even go there?
Food for thought, Wilkerson never uses the word black or African American in the book blurb. So I may have missed the book’s big picture. But until I have a chance to discuss this book with my friends, I’ll be honest that I had a hard time overcoming the weak arguments Wilkerson made. I would only recommend this book if you could discuss this among a group of people with diverse viewpoints on racism in America.
Fantastic Female Adventurers: Truly amazing tales of women exploring the world by Lily Dyu
What’s it about?
The title fits this book to a T. Aimed at a younger audience, this book delves into the stories of several extraordinary women and their amazing outdoor feats. From sailing oceans, running the Himalayans, swimming the Oceans Seven, skiing the North and South Poles and more, you do not have to be a kid to appreciate the remarkable, and most of the time, ordinary women who take on these amazing outdoor challenges.
This book’s collection of short stories keeps young readers engaged, and I bet this would make a great and positive audiobook to play on the drive to and from school. If you are a fan of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, you will love this book. This nonfiction book will also make the perfect gift for young fans of outdoor adventure.
What did I think?
I was introduced to this book through the book’s editor, Jane Hammett, who graciously offered mentoring time to me this month. It was a pleasure to read about these remarkable women.
My favorite quote that sums up the book well is from Beth French, whose goal was to complete the Oceans Seven Challenge (swimming across seven ocean channels across the world). “I hope that anyone who hears my story will write a wish list and try to do the scariest thing on it because you never know where it might lead you.”
How to Stop Time by Matt Haig
What’s it about?
After polling several avid reader friends of mine, you either like books with time travel or you don’t. I used to be in the “don’t like” category until I read “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig. It gave me enough time travel to enjoy and not cross into fantasy. So, I decided to read his 2019 book “How to Stop Time” to enjoy a little escapism.
The main character Tom Hazard wants to live a normal life. However, he is trapped in a body and soul that never ages. Tom is part of a secret group, the Albatross Society, which protects others like him. But, Tom is stuck between his duty to the society and saving others like him, and his desire to fall in love and live his life in peace. “The aim of the society is to provide a structure, a system, which enables us to enhance our lives. You do the occasional favour, a spot of recruitment, and you get to live a good life.”
What did I think?
Haig nimbly changes his dialogue and scenery to match the different periods he describes. He shows off his knowledge of history in scenes depicting historical figures like Shakespeare and Tchaikovsky, transporting the reader to scenes of the time. The characters and settings are diverse, and the characters are interesting.
Haig also doesn’t just stop at a compelling fictional story. He sprinkles in life lessons and statements that make you stop and think hard about life’s purposes. For example, “You simply can’t fall in love and not think there is something bigger ruling us. Something, you know, not quite us.”
If you are looking for a fun, slightly different fictional story, this one is a win.
Contagious: Why Things Catch on by Johan Berger
What’s it about?
This book is an easy read that quickly sums up brands and companies to help their messaging catch fire among a consumer group. For content writers or brand marketers, it’s a handy book to keep close by to keep focused on the company’s message to achieve fast brand appeal.
Berger is a marketing professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, but do not expect to get an MBA-level course in return for reading this book. It’s way too superficial for that purpose.
Contagious details six steps (STEPPS) companies can do to get their product or idea in the top of the minds of consumers. STEPPS stands for:
- Social currency
- Triggers
- Emotion
- Public
- Practical Value
- Stories
What did I think?
Berger illustrates his steps with fun and engaging real-life success stories, such as the New York hot dog restaurant, which has a secret restaurant only advertised by word of mouth. The examples Berger uses are more concise than other nonfiction business books or case studies I’ve read, which makes the book more interesting. However, this does mean that the concepts Berger presents are a bit superficial, and more evidence and detail would better explain his ideas.
The only issue with Contagious is the publication date of 2013, which makes some stories feel outdated. But, of course, Berger was limited in finding current-feeling examples of companies that have proven sustainable contagious success.
Overall, the book is entertaining and would serve someone working in marketing as a good, quick reference to make sure their brands, products, services and ideas’ messaging was on target to achieve contagious effects.
If you have read any of the books listed above, let me know what you think of my reviews. If you are an author looking for a book review, please reach out to me via my contact page: https://rivetservice.com/contact-rivet-service/ to talk about what you need.
photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/hudsoncrafted/
