I am always drawn to these remarkable books because they illuminate the intricacies of the human experience and the power of resilience. Sparrow in the Razor Wire captivates you with its message of hope and redemption, demonstrating that the human spirit can thrive even in adversity. The Power Elite challenges you to critically examine societal structures, igniting your passion for social justice and change. The 33 Strategies of War empowers you with strategic insights to navigate life's challenges and turn obstacles into opportunities. The Color Purple celebrates love and self-discovery, while Becoming Ms. Burton inspires you with stories of overcoming adversity and personal growth.
I wrote...
California Soul: An American Epic of Cooking and Survival
I loved this book because it is a poignant exploration of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. It tells the story of individuals navigating the harsh realities of life, symbolized by the razor wire that confines them. Yet, like a sparrow that finds a way to soar despite its circumstances, the narrative emphasizes the power of the human spirit to rise above challenges.
Through perseverance, connection, and the pursuit of freedom, the characters inspire us to embrace our own struggles and strive for a brighter future. It's a reminder that even in the toughest environments, hope can flourish and transformation is possible.
In 1999, Quan Huynh shot and killed another man in a gang-related incident in Hollywood, California. He received a prison sentence of fifteen years to life in a state that, at the time, did not parole prisoners with life sentences. Behind bars, Quan continued his downward spiral.
This could have been the end of the story for Quan, as it is for many prisoners. But somewhere along the way, he discovered a new path—one that prompted him to commit to self-reflection, truth, and personal responsibility.
Sparrow in the Razor Wire is Quan’s story of transformation inside a place many see…
One of my favorite groundbreaking explorations of the interwoven structures of power in American society. Mills posits that a small, cohesive group of elites—comprising leaders from the military, corporate, and political spheres—wields disproportionate influence over the nation’s decisions and direction. He challenges the notion of a democratic society, arguing that this elite class operates independently of the masses, shaping policies that often serve their interests rather than the common good.
Mills calls for awareness and engagement from the public, urging individuals to recognize the forces that govern their lives. By illuminating the dynamics of power, he inspires a collective consciousness that can lead to a more equitable society. Ultimately, it serves as a clarion call for empowerment and action, reminding us that understanding the structures of power is the first step toward meaningful change.
First published in 1956, The Power Elite stands as a contemporary classic of social science and social criticism. C. Wright Mills examines and critiques the organization of power in the United States, calling attention to three firmly interlocked prongs of power: the military, corporate, and political elite. The Power Elite can be read as a good account of what was taking place in America at the time it was written, but its underlying question of whether America is as democratic in practice as it is in theory continues to matter very much today. What The Power Elite informed readers of…
Truly one of my favorites. I’ve read this book more than three times. Robert Green does a great job distilling timeless principles for achieving success and influence in various aspects of life. Each law serves as a guiding beacon, encouraging individuals to harness their potential and navigate the complexities of human interactions.
From mastering the art of persuasion to cultivating an aura of mystery, these laws inspire strategic thinking and resilience. Embrace the wisdom of these principles, and empower yourself to rise above challenges, forge meaningful connections, and leave a lasting impact on the world around you.
Your journey to mastery begins with understanding and applying these foundational truths.
Brilliant distillations of the strategies of war-and the subtle social game of everyday life-by the bestselling author of The 48 Laws of Power and The Laws of Human Nature
Robert Greene's groundbreaking guides, The 48 Laws of Power, The Art of Seduction, and Mastery, espouse profound, timeless lessons from the events of history to help readers vanquish an enemy, ensnare an unsuspecting victim, or become the greatest in your field. In The 33 Strategies of War, Greene has crafted an important addition to this ruthless and unique series.
Spanning world civilizations, synthesizing dozens of political, philosophical, and religious texts and…
For me, this is a powerful memoir that chronicles her remarkable journey from a life marked by trauma and incarceration to one of empowerment and activism. After experiencing profound loss and systemic injustices, Susan transforms her pain into purpose, advocating for the rights of women affected by the criminal justice system.
Through resilience and determination, she not only rebuilds her own life but also inspires countless others to break free from cycles of despair. This inspirational narrative highlights the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of hope, reminding us that change is possible, even in the face of adversity.
One woman's remarkable odyssey from tragedy to prison to recovery'and recognition as a leading figure in the national justice reform movement. Susan Burton's world changed in an instant when her five-year-old son was killed by a van on their street in South Los Angeles. Consumed by grief and without access to professional help, Susan self-medicated, becoming addicted first to cocaine, then crack. As a resident of South L.A., an impoverished black community under siege by the War on Drugs, it was but a matter of time before Susan was arrested. She cycled in and out of prison for fifteen years;…
This is a powerful and moving novel that tells the story of Celie, an African American woman in the early 20th century who overcomes tremendous adversity. Through letters addressed to God and later to her sister, Celie shares her experiences of abuse, oppression, and isolation. However, her journey transforms as she discovers her own strength, resilience, and voice.
The relationships she forms with other women, particularly with the bold and independent Shug Avery, empower her to reclaim her identity and embrace her sexuality. Ultimately, it is a celebration of sisterhood, self-discovery, and the indomitable spirit of women, reminding us that love and hope can flourish even in the darkest of circumstances.
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. Alice Walker's iconic modern classic is now a Penguin Book.
A powerful cultural touchstone of modern American literature, The Color Purple depicts the lives of African American women in early twentieth-century rural Georgia. Separated as girls, sisters Celie and Nettie sustain their loyalty to and hope in each other across time, distance and silence. Through a series of letters spanning twenty years, first from Celie to God, then the sisters to each other despite the unknown, the novel draws readers into its rich and memorable portrayals of Celie, Nettie, Shug…
My book is an inspiring memoir that weaves together the rich tapestry of food, culture, and personal resilience. Through my journey from the streets of Los Angeles to the culinary spotlight, I highlight the transformative power of cooking as a means of survival and self-discovery.
My vibrant storytelling captures the essence of California's diverse culinary landscape, celebrating the flavors and traditions that shaped my identity. With passion and heart, I invite readers to embrace their own journeys, reminding them that through adversity, they can find their true purpose and nourish not just their bodies but their souls.
I once saw a play at the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Theatre. A play about Sor Juana. It was a good play, but it felt like something was missing like jalapenos left out of enchiladas. The play kept nudging me to look further to find Sor Juana, and so for the next five years, I did so. I read and read more. I listened for her voice, and that is where I heard her life come alive. This isn’t the only possibility for Sor Juana’s life; it is just the one I heard.
Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, this brilliant 17th century nun flew through Mexico City on the breeze of poetry and philosophy. She met with princes of the Church, and with the royalty of Spain and Mexico. Then she met a stunning, powerful woman with lavender eyes, la Vicereine Maria Louisa, and her life changed forever. As her fame grew, she dared to challenge the diabolical Archbishop once too often, and he threw her in front of the Inquisition, where she stood, alone.
Sor Juana's work is studied still today, and justifiably so. Scholars study her months on end; mystics…
This astonishingly brilliant 17th century poet and dramatist, this nun, flew through Mexico City on wings of inspiration. Having no dowry, she chose the life of a nun so that she might learn, so that she might write, so that she might meet the most fascinating people of the western world. She accomplished all of that, and more.
One day a woman with violet eyes, eyes the color of passion flowers, entered her life. It was the new Vicereine, Maria Luisa. As the two most powerful women in Mexico City, the bond between them crossed politics and wound them in…
