Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book, “Braiding Sweetgrass,” has a healing effect that I was not expecting. It is a necessary blending of indigenous and scientific knowledge about plant life on this earth. Her writing style is warm and inviting, even when she is discussing the more technical side of botany and nature observation. This book is…
Tag: Advanced reading
The future of baby-making
The majority of people I know that are having babies are doing so late into their thirties. It’s an obvious trend, in my opinion. Work-life balance, for the most part, doesn’t make it easy for any parent. In addition, life in general has simply gotten more expensive. And lastly, maybe more people are actually sitting…
A modern-day apprenticeship of a centuries-old tradition: bonsai horticulture
The New Yorker is infamous for publishing eloquent and engaging profiles. This one is dedicated to a young Californian who dedicates his life, freedom, and sometimes happiness, to the study of bonsais. The writing takes you on the young man’s journey to Japan and his gruelling 6-year apprenticeship under one of bonsai’s greatest masters. It…
Adult supremacy: the belief that adults know best
Is it fair to say that most of us adults are guilty of feeling superior to children? I think so. But, how can we not? Aren’t children the most vulnerable part of our society? Is it not true that adults know what’s best for them? Don’t they need our protection/instruction? Here we have a series…
A feminist feud: is sex work work?
I recently had a discussion with a friend about her staunch stance against sex work and pornography. I was surprised by how conservative her thoughts were. Then I came across this article that, for me, gave me more clarity and understanding about what it means to be a sex worker. Wherever you stand on the…
Let’s start the academic year off with a bang by reading and discussing The Tragedy of Heterosexuality!
Get ready because I have a feeling this book will spark some (much needed) debate. This is for advanced readers who want to step out of their comfort zone for a little while. The author, Jane Ward, has done a deep dive into what it means to be “straight” and I’m ready to analyze it…