Recommendation by Betty Feser
The First Ladies
by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray (Historical fiction)
This historical novel is about the exceptional relationship between Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune, the daughter of formerly enslaved parents and accomplished civil rights activist. Mrs. Roosevelt invites Mrs. Bethune to a luncheon of renowned white women leaders, but they shun this “colored woman.” Mrs. Roosevelt is mortified and apologetic, to which Mrs. Bethune responds, “You must never apologize for a sin someone else has committed.” When Eleanor invites Mary to join her for lunch, Mary responds, “I was hoping you would. I have a feeling we’ve got lots to talk about.”
Recommendation by Richard Lemons
The Slow Professor: Challenging the Culture of Speed in the Academy
by Maggie Berg and Barbara K. Seeber (Nonfiction)
I was only vaguely familiar with the “slow movement” when I stumbled across this exploration of how to find more balance and fulfillment in higher education. I couldn’t help but see the parallels to the K-12 space, where I believe we could “reclaim time” for deeper thinking, exploration, creativity, and meaningful engagement. With the world feeling so overwhelming and chaotic, having a way of thinking about human connection, presence, and well-being might be what we all need.
Recommendation by Kerry Lord
Ruthless Equity
by Ken Williams (Nonfiction)
The non-fiction book I read this summer (well, one of them) was Ruthless Equity, by Ken Williams. This book has an excellent definition of educational equity and helpful, practical ideas about what matters the most when ruthless equity is your approach to education.
Recommendation by Kelly Lyman
Frozen River
by Ariel Lawhon (Fiction)
This is a wonderful novel set in the late 1700s. The main character is Martha Ballard, a real-life 18th-century midwife from Maine. It is an enjoyable read that imparts upon the reader a well-researched glimpse into life at that time. Although I learned a good deal about colonial era midwifery and home life while reading this book, the novel’s story focuses on issues of inequality and the desire to obtain power at all costs that are still with us today.
Recommendation by Bridget Nahabedian
State of Wonder
by Ann Patchett (Fiction)
I found this contemporary novel particularly captivating due to its exploration of motherhood, grief, and self-discovery. The vivid imagery made me feel immersed in Dr. Singh’s journey through the rainforest, with Ann Patchett skillfully portraying a world and culture so different from my own.
Recommendation by Elizabeth Osga
The Women
by Kristin Hannah (Fiction)
This well-written historical fiction invites the reader to pluck lessons from the past and reframe them in the context of the present. Set in the Vietnam era, the protagonist challenges the role, the ceiling, and the regard of military nurses who served in the war. The Women explores a slow journey towards equity; it is non-linear and incomplete, yet progress is achieved. The Women does not end with true equity, but it does end with milestones of progress. How similar to where we find ourselves right now in the pursuit of educational equity!
Recommendation by Kath Serino
Community: The Structure of Belonging
by Peter Block (Nonfiction)
I love this book because it helps me think about convening and facilitating in a different way. Block looks at bringing people together in small groups and having conversations about possibilities, rather than focusing on problems, as the transformational unit of change. He uses questions to start transformational conversations, such as: What is the “no” or “refusal” you keep postponing? What gratitude do you hold that has gone unexpressed? What have others in this gathering done that has touched you?
