2018: a year in books (January – March)
Megan is the founder and moderator of the Pantsuit Politics book club and is humbled by the enthusiastic response of this community to read together. She is an engineer who is passionate about fighting for education and gender equality. Hermione Granger is her guiding light: “When in doubt, go to the library.”
The morning after the 2016 election, I knew I needed to make a change. I had woken up in a country that I did not recognize and I had no one to blame but myself. I had not been politically engaged. I had not been challenging myself and others through dialogue. I had assumed that others would do the necessary work.
Enter Sarah and Beth. Driving to work that morning, I listened to Pantsuit Politics for the first time and realized that I didn’t need to wait for others to make this country and world better. I could learn how to make an impact myself. I did not yet know how but I was going to try.
I subscribed to The Washington Post, picked up a handful of political books, and queued up the Pantsuit Politics archive. Over the past year, I have learned so much – both about myself and the world around me. Through engaging with Pantsuit Politics via Twitter, a book club was suggested and I jumped into action. As a bookworm, I wanted to learn and share alongside those in the Pantsuit Politics community I had found – the community that was challenging me to be a better person each day.
I thought I would be lucky to get 20 people to join. 400 Goodreads members later, the book club is entering the second year and I am thrilled. Following the announcement of the 2018 books, I thought it would be helpful for others to read how I had picked the selections for this year. A summary of the January – March selections are below. I will be back each quarter to detail the upcoming book selections and check in with fellow readers.
I hope you will join us for a book or two (or twelve) this year. I would love to hear from you on Facebook and/or Goodreads (search Pantsuit Politics book club). You can also email the book club (bookclub@pantsuitpoliticsshow.com) with book suggestions / thoughts on books you are reading / ideas for the book club.
Happy Reading!
Megan
Q1 (Jan - Mar): Autobiographies/Memoirs
As a new year begins, with the focus on goals and resolutions, I think it is important to ground yourself and set your intention. As a political book club, the words of others seemed like a great place to start. We can learn immeasurable amounts from those with different experiences and life circumstances.
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates is a moving narrative that offers inspiration on every page. I read this book last year and knew it would be a great start to 2018. The reality depicted in this book is heartbreaking but moves you to action.
Personal History by Katharine Graham was Sarah’s idea with the upcoming movie The Post. I do not know much about the author’s story and am looking forward to discussing the book and movie with all of you. With the #MeToo movement, it also seemed fitting to read an autobiography by one of the biggest female journalism names.
Decision Points by George W. Bush was an idea I had after I heard for the nth time from those of the older generation: George W. Bush was my Trump. I am not equating the characters of these two US Presidents nor the actions. My understanding of these comments is that these individuals were remembering a time that the country seemed divided by the President himself. It seemed fitting to read a book about how George W. Bush made decisions as President as we struggle today to hold our current President accountable while giving him space to do this complex and demanding job.