The Sunday Paper Book Rx: 7 Books Offering Civic Inspiration
“I have a book for you.” You may have heard that sentence before, perhaps from a caring colleague or friend. If not, we’re saying it now: We have a book for you!
So often, a book holds the answers we need. It offers a prescription for what ails, excites, intrigues, or mystifies us. Fortunately, the last century has been stellar for literature, creating a colossal inventory for learning and discovery. But this raises the question: Which book to choose?
Enter The Sunday Paper’s Book Rx. This new offering will help link you to the best read for what you’re seeking. Whether you’re looking to grow your civics knowledge, unlearn trauma, heal a broken heart, or more, we’ll gather our bookish minds to offer you a title to meet your needs.
This week, we’re focusing on books that offer civic hope, healing, clarity, and inspiration in the face of divisiveness. Because as these titles prove, the essence of a memorable book is how it helps you better understand yourself and the good you’re capable of.
YOUR BOOK Rx
If You’re Seeking… Inspiration from a True Government Leader
Your Book Rx: Where We Keep the Light: Stories from a Life of Service by Josh Shapiro
The current Governor of Pennsylvania takes us on a journey, revealing the keys to building stronger community and hope in America. His insightful storytelling proves that powerful leadership and government must be steeped in values and trust.
If You’re Seeking… to Make a Difference In the World
Your Book Rx: The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement by Sharon McMahon
Deemed “America’s Government Teacher,” Sharon McMahon has an unparalleled way of replacing fear and confusion with hope, understanding, and motivation. In The Small and the Mighty, she sheds light on how some of America’s most critical champions were actually ordinary people, offering each of us proof that we can make a difference.
If You’re Seeking… to Fight for a Democracy Under Siege
Your Book Rx: Renegade: Defending Democracy and Liberty in Our Divided Country by Adam Kinzinger
US veteran and former congressman Adam Kinzinger offers a clear look at the rise of extremism, the unfolding of major events over the last decade, including January 6th, and our need to restore civic unity.
If You’re Seeking… Guidance to Find Your Voice and Start a Movement
Your Book Rx: Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age by Shannon Watts
A world movement can start with one individual and one idea—and Shannon Watts knows this firsthand. The founder of Moms Demand Action, the nation’s largest grassroots organization against gun violence, she has changed policy and lives. In her latest book, the activist and mother reveals what it takes to start listening to the flame inside you and ignite a movement—big or small—toward something great.
If You’re Seeking… to Stand Up for a Better Government
Your Book Rx: On Freedom by Timothy Snyder
Freedom is a word we often use, but do we truly understand what it means? Historian Timothy Snyder weaves together philosophy, history, and political discourse to offer a picture of what freedom means in the context of our government today and how we can build a civic world that offers everyone the freedom to thrive.
If You’re Seeking… to Become a More Engaged Citizen
Your Book Rx: Giving Up Is Unforgivable: A Manual for Keeping a Democracy by Joyce Vance
Joyce Vance, a law professor, MSNBC legal analyst, and former US Attorney, pours her intellect into keeping American citizens enlivened and informed. On each page, she offers words to help each of us stay civically engaged and offers a roadmap for where we can go together, as informed and involved citizens.
If You’re Seeking… Proof that Empathy, Power, and Leadership Can Coexist
Your Book Rx: A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern
Heads around the globe turned when 37-year-old Jacinda Ardern became Prime Minister of New Zealand, but it wasn’t her age that kept everyone’s attention; it was her mix of clarity, wit, and compassion in the face of massive challenge. Her memoir maps out how she’s proven that leadership thrives when centered on the values of empathy, care, and people.
Also in this week’s issue of Be Lit:
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