A Promised Land

By Barack Obama

This book focuses on Obama's years more or less since he started getting involved in politics, first through community organizing, then at the state level, and finally his presidential campaign and the first couple of years of his presidency. 

It made me understand better why he made the choices that he made. Basically, I hadn't realized how much power Republicans had even before the 2010 midterm elections. 

His thoughts as things transpired are also telling. For example, after the successful operation that involved the killing of Osama bin Laden proved to be acceptable to pretty much everyone--even, begrudgingly--the Republicans, he wished such unity could stand behind more meaningful achievements and goals, like better healthcare for all and eliminating poverty. [non fiction, 750pp., including notes and index]

 

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Normal Rules Don't Apply

By Kate Atkinson

A collection of short stories, some of them connected. Some of them more interesting than others. The first one that got me psyched was Spellbound. There were some other ones that were especially intriguing and surprising. In general, I liked the writing style and the ideas. [fiction, 206 pp.] 

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My Death

By Lisa Tuttle

A story about a woman who writes the biography of an older writer and painter, her interactions with her, and her weird discoveries about who they both are. [fiction, 105pp. + introduction]

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Literary Cats

By Judith Robinson & Scott Pack

A wonderful compilation of literary cats. Was happy to find here the Tomcat Murr, Dewey Readmore Books, and Bob of A Street Cat Named Bob (who I've seen in the movie based on the book, and in which Bob played himself). There are many other cat characters in many different kinds of books [Non-fiction; 200pp including notes and index]

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Filthy Animals

By Brandon Taylor

I must admit that I chose this book based on the title, thinking it said "Fifty Animals." Also because I saw the praise from Roxane Gay. It's an interesting collection of short stories, some of them relate to each other. Most of the protagonists are young college students and the running theme is sex, sexual orientation and power dynamics. [Fiction, 276pp.]

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Cassandra In Reverse

By Holly Smale

An interesting story from the perspective of a neurodivergent person who, at a time of trouble, gets a limited capability to travel back in time. [fiction, 359pp.]

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Feed the People

Why Industrial Food is Good and How to Make It Even Better

By Jan Dutkiewicz and Gabriel N. Rosenberg

The answers to all our problems are right here in this book. We could easily help the environment, the workers, and the whole society's health by changing the way we look at the industrialized food system and agriculture. If only we had the political will. It's called Democratic Hedonism. We should all enjoy our food and have it nutritious and affordable too. Main takes: SNAP and universal school lunches are a great way to get a lot of people to eat nutritious food. Improve the processed food through regulation and investment. Reduce meat production and consumption by focusing on plant-based and cellular innovations. Allow workers in agriculture and food system fair wages and safe working conditions. [non-fiction, 277pp., including notes and index]

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