meg reads and reads

Title: Bad Mormon Author: Heather Gay Heather Gay's Bad Mormon isn't just a juicy tell-all about the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City; it's a raw and honest explanation of faith, family, and the enduring impact of religious trauma.  Bad Mormon pulls no punches. Gay bravely dissects the complexities of Mormon culture, exposing its contradictions and the often-unspoken pressures placed upon its members, particularly women. She doesn't shy away from the pain of her divorce, the challenges of single motherhood within a judgmental community, or the struggle to reconcile her desire for authenticity with the expectations of her former faith. What struck me most was the vulnerability with which she shares her journey. It's not a simple narrative of good versus evil, or believer versus apostate. Instead, Gay paints a nuanced portrait of a woman grappling with the fallout of leaving a deeply ingrained belief system, even when that departure was, in some ways, a relief. While...

Title: Educated Author: Tara Westover Tara Westover's Educated is a captivating memoir that chronicles her extraordinary journey from a secluded, isolated upbringing to a world of academia and intellectual exploration. Raised in a survivalist family in rural Idaho, Westover's childhood was marked by a lack of formal education and a deep-seated distrust of mainstream institutions. Despite these challenges, Westover's innate curiosity and thirst for knowledge propelled her to defy societal expectations. She taught herself mathematics, physics, and chemistry, and eventually earned a scholarship to Brigham Young University. Her determination and resilience led her to Cambridge University, where she earned a Ph.D. in intellectual history. Educated is more than just a personal narrative. It is a poignant exploration of the power of education to transform lives and challenge deeply held beliefs. Westover's honest and unflinching portrayal of her family's unconventional lif...

Title: Talking to Strangers Author: Malcolm Gladwell Malcolm Gladwell's Talking to Strangers is a thought-provoking book that grabs you and doesn't let go, even if it doesn't necessarily convince you. The text explores a variety of intriguing topics, weaving together psychology, anthropology, and even true crime. One of the book's most fascinating sections explores how we misinterpret facial expressions, especially across cultures. The idea that a machine can assess criminal risk more accurately than a human judge is downright shocking. These sections spark curiosity and raise interesting questions. However, the book falters when Gladwell attempts to draw grand conclusions from these disparate examples. For instance, the parallels he draws between police misunderstandings and political miscalculations feel like a stretch. Similarly, the discussion of the Stanford rape case as a "misunderstanding" is rightfully met with skepticism. Despite these weaknesses, Tal...

Title: The Five Author: Hallie Rubenhold Hallie Rubenhold's The Five offers a powerful and corrective lens through which to view the Jack the Ripper murders. It dismantles the long-held narrative that casts the victims as mere prostitutes, revealing instead the tragic stories of real women. Rubenhold's meticulous research exposes a crucial detail: the victims were likely killed while sleeping, not during sex work. This, along with the widespread poverty forcing women to sleep "rough," paints a grim picture of vulnerability. The sensationalist Victorian press, hungry for sales, labeled the victims as "fallen women," forever tainting their reputations and deflecting attention from the true horror of their deaths. The book shines a light on the societal double standard of the time. These women, struggling with poverty and societal constraints, were ostracized for behaviors tolerated in men. Rubenhold emphasizes their roles as daughters, wives, mothers, and sist...

Title: Five Flying Penguins Author: Barbara Barbieri McGrath Looking for a vibrantly illustrated counting book with a twist? Five Flying Penguins might surprise you! While the title might spark questions from astute young readers (after all, penguins are flightless, and no penguins in this book fly!), this book delivers a pleasant story with adorable artwork. The rhyming text incorporates counting, adding a layer of learning to the narrative. The meter and rhythm may not be perfect, but it's still easy to read aloud. What truly shines are the illustrations. The artist brings a diverse group of penguins to life, showcasing their colorful plumage against a backdrop that goes beyond the typical snowy white. This creative choice adds visual interest and avoids monotony. If you're searching for a cute counting book with a touch more story and stunning artwork, Five Flying Penguins might just take flight on your bookshelf. Be prepared, however, for some potential scientific correctio...

Title: Mrs. Fletcher Author: Tom Perrotta Tom Perrotta's Mrs. Fletcher is a delightful surprise. The story of a middle-aged woman embarking on a sexual reawakening resonated deeply, even though the premise seemed familiar. Eve Fletcher, a divorcee facing an empty nest, grapples with a newfound freedom. A community college class becomes a springboard for self-discovery, leading her to explore romantic possibilities and a renewed sense of purpose. The concept of an older woman's sexual awakening isn't new, but Perrotta breathes fresh air into it. Like Something's Gotta Give , the story celebrates the vibrancy of women beyond their youth. Perrotta's writing is a winning combination of humor and insightful social commentary. He tackles themes of dating failure, feminism, and the pervasiveness of pornography with a sharp wit that entertains and provokes thought. The chapters following Eve's son, Brendan, felt like a drag on the narrative. His self-absorption and lack...