February Booklist
Three books I’m reading to counter the angry headlines.
The news headlines can be buffeting. Ukraine, Musk, DOGE, A.I., the F.B.I. and on and on. I don’t recommend ignoring them, but there are two things you can do to ensure that they don’t control you. First, read less of them on social media, which is designed to activate your amygdala and keep your thumb scrolling. (Choose one or two credible news sources offering sharp coverage without the slashing of knives. I recommend The Economist and BBC). Second, read a book. Not a social media post; not even an ebook (which can be another form of sensory overload) but a good old fashioned book with which you can truly connect - feeling the pages and jotting notes. A book that makes you think rather than react. Here are my three top choices for February.
The Pardon: The Politics of Presidential Mercy
Jeff Toobin’s gripping history is centered on President Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon. Toobin takes you inside White House offices, in vivid and meticulous detail. Far from a partisan screed, this is a balanced and insightful view of an unchecked presidential power. Includes every President since Richard Nixon.
Even before serving in Congress, I’ve been fascinated by how Germans living in a liberal democracy so rapidly surrendered their fundamental rights to Hitler. The Berlin Stories by Christopher Isherwood contains two related novels written in the 1930’s and based on the author’s life in Berlin from 1929 to 1933. It’s recognized today as a classic of modern fiction. (P.S.: The best recent television drama I’ve watched about Weimar Germany is Babylon, Berlin, based on the book series by Volker Kutscher. Email me at steve@theodoresbooks if you’d like to order it.
I keep a philosophy book on my reading table at all times. It helps relieve the instant gratification/outrage of social media, and exercise my mind for deeper explorations. Donald J. Robertson’s book introduces us to Socrates, one of the greatest thinkers in history. Events were more volatile and uncertain in Socrates’ world as they are in our own; and his teachings are vitally relevant.
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Thank you Steve. You want to be informed and “do something” but often the fear is overwhelming. I’m a senior I poor health. I was a child of the sixties. I’m Jewish. I could be running out of money eventually and feel I can’t think about that every day because none of us really know. I don’t recognize this country any more. Im hanging on to good friends who are not consumed by greed, who still believe in mitzvot. So I’m trying . My name is Lynn to keep the faith in humanity, not just empty words,but communicating and reaching out. And finally your suggestion to read. Yes! I love to read.I love to read and dabble at writing. My name is Lynn.
Great pics!