March 2016

Black Man in a White Coat: A Doctor’s Reflections on Race and Medicine

By Damon Tweedy, MD

Black Man in a White Coat was the March choice for our local library book club.  It actually moved me to join the group for the discussion.  Earlier in the year, I decided to read a more diverse selection of books and authors.  This book and several others on the book club list fit very well into that plan.  I appreciated the honesty and vulnerability of Damon Tweedy’s writing.  Many of his reflections about race and medicine could be also be considered class issues… poverty and lack of education affect how the medical system treats people, regardless of race.  The book was easy to read and understand.  Medical terms and situations were clearly and simply explained, to the extent needed to support Tweedy’s experiences and reflections.  The book is a memoir, not a medical book, and is one that is definitely worth reading. 

A House of My Own

By Sandra Cisneros

Sandra Cisneros is one of my favorite authors, and A House of My Own is one of her best books.  It’s a collection of essays that she wrote over many years, all with the theme of owning a house.  Cisneros’ life has been as interesting as her books.  This memoir, of sorts, chronicled her unique journey through relationships, houses and writing.  (I think that she probably would have reversed the order of importance on that list.)  I listened to the Audible version, which was read by Cisneros.  This is one case where I would recommend listening to the audio version.  Cisneros brings all of the Spanish names and quotes to life in a way that can’t be duplicated by reading alone.  I’m sure it would be a good read, but it’s a great listen!

Spark Joy

By Marie Kondo

Spark Joy is Marie Kondo’s follow up to The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, which I loved.  It was inspirational and provided motivation for my never-ending downsizing project.  I have to admit that after a few chapters, I just skimmed Spark Joy.  The first section of the book was basically a rehash of Kondo’s first book.  It was inspirational and motivating, but not as much this second time round.  The second section of the book was basically a “how to do” everything from folding to organizing.  This was the section I skimmed.  The brief epilogue was perhaps my favorite section of the book.  Again, it was filled with inspiration and words of wisdom.  Although I’m not sure which book they are from, here are two of my favorite Marie Kondo quotes: 

“The important thing in tidying is not deciding what to discard but rather what you want to keep in your life.”

And

“The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to life your life.”

I’m definitely a Marie Kondo fan, but not so much a fan of Spark Joy.  Perhaps it serves a purpose, if continuing support on a tidying quest is needed.  However, I was glad that I had borrowed a library copy and did not have to discard it.  It definitely did not spark joy for me.

Three Wishes

By Liane Moriarty

Three Wishes was the first novel that was written by Liane Moriarty, who happens to be one of my guilty pleasures.  I love her books and this was no exception.  Three Wishes contained many of my favorite elements… quarreling sisters, love on the rocks, a quirky extended family and a semi-exotic setting in Australia. Each chapter is told from a different sister’s point of view.  Their names were great: Lyn, Cat and Gemma Kettle.  A quote from a stranger begins each chapter, giving a different perspective and a little twist to the plot.  Emails between the sisters add a current tone, and humor keeps things light.  I listened to an audio version of the book and felt that all the different elements flowed together very nicely.  Heather Wilds did a great job narrating.  Definitely an awesome listen!