In September, another ‘books and more’ discussion took place. From empowerment to mystery and ultimate truth. Check out our latest recommendations below, and let us know if you have read, watched or listened to anything good recently. We hope you find something you like!
Reading 📖:
Who’s Afraid of Gender? by Judith Butler
Judith Butler’s Who’s Afraid of Gender? addresses the persistent misunderstandings and fears surrounding gender identity, particularly the backlash against trans and gender-diverse people. Butler emphasizes that gender is a social construct shaped by norms, not a voluntary performance or denial of the reality of sex. The book critiques how right-wing and religious leaders weaponize anxieties about gender to undermine LGBTQ+ rights, using examples like Pope Francis and Italian PM Georgia Meloni. Butler calls for solidarity among marginalized groups to resist these authoritarian forces, stressing the need for collective action against rising gender conservatism.
Butler’s Mainstream Impact: Despite initially being an academic figure, Butler has become a central figure in debates on gender, partly due to backlash against the rights and visibility of trans and gender-diverse people.
Misinterpretation of Gender Performativity: Butler’s concept of gender performativity has often been misrepresented as gender being a choice or costume, rather than an involuntary societal construct that is policed by norms and institutions.
Defense of Gender Diversity: Butler challenges claims that recognizing gender diversity undermines the reality of sex, noting they never said sex doesn’t matter. Instead, they explore how society defines the “reality” of sex.
Political Manipulation of Gender Anxieties: Butler discusses how right-wing figures, such as Pope Francis, Italian PM Georgia Meloni, and Vladimir Putin, use gender as a “phantasm” to stir up fear and justify policies that strip rights from LGBTQ+ individuals, especially parents.
Call for Solidarity: Butler stresses the need for an “axis of resistance” among marginalized groups, arguing that those targeted by anti-gender movements must unite to defend their rights against rising authoritarianism.
Critical Question: Butler repeatedly asks why so many people willingly cede their power to authoritarian forces, seemingly confident that this power won’t turn against them eventually.
Poor by Katriona O’Sullivan
A memoir that chronicles the author’s journey from growing up in extreme poverty in Ireland to achieving academic and personal success. O’Sullivan recounts her childhood experiences of neglect, addiction, homelessness, and the impact of intergenerational poverty. Despite the odds, she manages to overcome these obstacles and eventually becomes a university lecturer, defying societal expectations and the limitations of her background.
Main Takeaways
Impact of Poverty on Identity: O’Sullivan illustrates how growing up in poverty shapes self-perception, ambition, and opportunities. She highlights how societal systems often reinforce cycles of deprivation.
Education as a Lifeline: One of the central themes is the transformative power of education. Despite numerous setbacks, education becomes the key to her breaking free from poverty.
Resilience and Hope: The memoir emphasizes resilience, showing how perseverance and support can help individuals transcend even the most challenging circumstances.
Systemic Failures: O’Sullivan critiques the social systems that fail the poor, particularly in education and welfare, exposing how they often perpetuate inequality rather than alleviate it.
Importance of Support Networks: Throughout her story, O’Sullivan demonstrates how crucial personal relationships and mentors were to her success, underscoring the importance of community and solidarity in overcoming hardship.
Poor is both an inspiring personal story and a critical look at the structural barriers that keep people trapped in poverty.
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
A historical fiction novel that weaves together two timelines: 1915 and 1947. The story follows two women: Eve Gardiner, a former spy in World War I who was part of a secret network of female operatives known as the Alice Network, and Charlie St. Clair, an American searching for her missing cousin after World War II. Their lives intersect as they embark on a journey to uncover the truth, delving into themes of courage, betrayal, and redemption. The novel explores the impact of war on women’s lives, blending suspense and emotional depth.
The Alice Network is based on real-life events and people, particularly the women who served as spies during World War I. The novel draws inspiration from the actual “Alice Network,” a real-life espionage ring led by Louise de Bettignies, a French woman who operated under the code name “Alice Dubois.” She and her network of female spies worked behind enemy lines, gathering intelligence for the Allies.
While the characters and plot are fictional, many of the spy activities and historical details in the book are rooted in the real experiences of female spies who played critical roles during the war. Louise de Bettignies, like her fictional counterpart Eve Gardiner, displayed immense bravery and resourcefulness, making significant contributions to wartime intelligence efforts.
Thursday Murder Club book series by Richard Osman
The Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman consists of several novels centered around a group of elderly friends who solve murders in their retirement village. Here’s an overview of the series so far:
The Thursday Murder Club (2020)
The first book introduces the main characters—Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron—who form the Thursday Murder Club to investigate cold cases. When a local developer is murdered, the group takes on the case, blending humour, friendship, and suspense as they navigate the challenges of ageing while pursuing justice.
In the sequel, the Club faces a new mystery when a member from Elizabeth’s past reappears, leading to a murder investigation involving secrets from her history. The characters delve deeper into their pasts, and their camaraderie continues to shine amid new challenges.
The third installment features another intriguing case, this time revolving around a decades-old murder that resurfaces. The characters confront their personal lives and the implications of their investigations, all while delivering the series’ characteristic wit and charm.
The fourth book sees the Club tackling a new mystery related to the murder of a friend. As they uncover layers of deception, the characters’ relationships deepen, and they confront the realities of their lives.
The series is known for its engaging blend of mystery, humour, and heartwarming moments. It explores themes such as friendship, ageing, and the complexity of human relationships. Osman’s writing style is accessible and witty, often featuring humorous dialogues and clever plot twists. Also being made into a TV adaptation, so look out for that!
Becoming by Michelle Obama
A deeply personal memoir that chronicles the former First Lady’s journey from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her role in the White House. In this inspiring narrative, Michelle reflects on her upbringing, her education at Princeton and Harvard, and her experiences as a mother, wife, and public figure.
With honesty and warmth, she shares the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way, including her commitment to health, education, and military families during her time as First Lady. Becoming is not just a story about her life; it’s an exploration of identity, purpose, and the power of resilience. Through her candid and heartfelt storytelling, Michelle Obama encourages readers to embrace their own journeys and find their voices.
Love in Colour: Mythical Tales from Around the World Retold by Bolu Babalola
A vibrant and enchanting collection of reimagined love stories inspired by mythology, folklore, and history from various cultures. Each tale is infused with rich imagery and emotional depth, capturing the essence of love in its many forms—passionate, unrequited, and transformative.
Babalola draws from diverse traditions, including African, Asian, and European narratives, weaving contemporary themes with timeless romantic ideals. The stories celebrate love’s complexities and the characters’ journeys, showcasing the beauty of relationships across different backgrounds and eras.
With lyrical prose and a fresh perspective, Love in Colour invites readers to explore the universal nature of love while honouring the cultural nuances that shape our experiences. It’s a tribute to love’s power and its ability to connect us all, making it a must-read for anyone who believes in the magic of romance.
Material World: A Toxic History of the Modern Home by Ed Conway
Material World: A Toxic History of the Modern Home by Ed ConwayAn insightful exploration of the hidden impacts of everyday materials on our lives and the environment. In this thought-provoking book, Conway takes readers on a journey through the history of various materials – such as plastics, metals, and textiles – that have shaped modern living.
Through a blend of personal anecdotes, scientific research, and historical context, Conway examines how the choices we make about the materials in our homes have consequences far beyond aesthetics and functionality. He highlights the environmental challenges posed by these materials, from pollution to health risks, and encourages readers to consider the broader implications of consumerism in the modern world.
Conway’s engaging narrative style makes complex topics accessible, while his critical perspective prompts reflection on sustainability and the legacy of our material choices. Ultimately, the Material World serves as a call to action, urging us to rethink our relationship with the objects we bring into our lives and to strive for a more responsible approach to consumption.
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
A contemporary novel that explores themes of cultural appropriation, identity, and the complexities of the publishing industry. The story follows the character of June Hayward, a struggling white author who steals the manuscript of her deceased Asian American friend, Athena Liu, after Athena dies unexpectedly.
As June publishes the book under Athena’s name, it becomes a bestseller, garnering acclaim and attention. The novel delves into the moral and ethical dilemmas that arise from her actions, as well as the backlash she faces when the truth comes to light. Through June’s journey, Kuang critiques issues of representation, privilege, and the often fraught dynamics of race in literature and culture.
With sharp wit and a compelling narrative, Yellowface challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about authenticity and the pressures of the literary world. Kuang’s exploration of these themes makes the book a thought-provoking and timely commentary on the intersections of race, identity, and art in contemporary society.
Watch📺:
Clarkson’s Farm
A popular documentary series featuring Jeremy Clarkson as he embarks on the challenging journey of running a farm in the Cotswolds. After purchasing the property, Clarkson trades in his television career for the unpredictability of rural life, tackling various farming tasks himself.
The show highlights his humorous attempts at crop management, animal husbandry, and dealing with the trials of nature, all while showcasing the stark realities of farming. With the help of his local friends and expert advisors, Clarkson navigates the ups and downs of farm life, revealing both the comedic mishaps and the heartfelt moments that come with his new endeavour.
The series is not only an entertaining exploration of agriculture but also a poignant look at the hard work and dedication required to run a farm, all delivered with Clarkson’s signature humour and candid style. It has been praised for its authenticity, charm, and the unique perspective it offers on modern farming challenges.
LEE
LEE is a biographical drama film directed by Ellen Kuras. It is inspired by the life of the renowned artist and photographer Lee Miller. The film stars Kate Winslet as Miller, portraying her incredible journey from a successful model to a groundbreaking war correspondent during World War II.
The narrative delves into Miller’s multifaceted life, exploring her complex relationships, her work in the surrealist art movement, and her fearless coverage of the war. It highlights her struggle for recognition in a male-dominated field, alongside her personal battles with trauma and identity.
As the story unfolds, viewers witness Miller’s artistic brilliance and her contributions to photography, capturing the horrors and realities of war through her lens. The film blends historical events with Miller’s personal life, showcasing her resilience and creativity amid the chaos of the world around her.
LEE not only celebrates Miller’s achievements but also raises important questions about the role of women in art and journalism, making it a compelling watch for those interested in history, art, and feminism.
Einstein and the bomb
Einstein and the Bomb is a historical drama film that delves into the life of Albert Einstein during a pivotal moment in history – the development of the atomic bomb. The film explores the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by Einstein as he navigates the implications of his scientific discoveries and their potential use in warfare.
The narrative typically focuses on Einstein’s relationship with fellow scientists, his involvement in the Manhattan Project, and the tensions between his scientific ambitions and his personal beliefs regarding the destruction that nuclear weapons could cause. The film highlights the conflict between scientific progress and the responsibility that comes with it, showcasing Einstein as a complex figure torn between his contributions to physics and the consequences of those contributions.
With a blend of historical facts and dramatization, Einstein and the Bomb sheds light on a significant chapter in history, providing insight into Einstein’s character and the profound impact of the atomic bomb on the world. The film serves as a poignant reminder of the ethical considerations that scientists face in their work, particularly when their discoveries have the potential for both innovation and destruction.
Don’t forget to share what things you’ve loved recently, we’d love to hear!
