Pages of the Past, A Nonfiction Bookclub

You’re invited to our next book club discussion featuring “Warriors Don’t Cry” by Melba Pattillo Beals. Dive into this essential autobiographical account that sheds light on the Civil Rights Movement, the integration of Little Rock’s Central High School, and the courage of young people to challenge racial injustice.

We are excited to announce our November 2024 book club event, where we will delve into “The Wolves of K Street: The Secret History of How Big Money Took Over Big Government” by Brody Mullins and Luke Mullins. This captivating book by two veteran investigative journalists takes us on a journey through the rise of the modern lobbying industry, tracing its impact on American politics and democracy.

About the Book:

• Synopsis: The book examines the evolution of lobbying in Washington, D.C., from the 1970s to the present day. It highlights the three political dynasties—one Republican and two Democratic—that facilitated the infiltration of corporate interests into government. The authors explore the lives and careers of influential lobbyists who shifted the power dynamics in the city.
• Key Themes: The transformation of lobbying practices, the influence of money in politics, and the ethical implications of “shadow lobbying.”

Discussion Points:

1. The historical context of lobbying in Washington, D.C., and its evolution over four decades.
2. The profiles of key figures in the lobbying industry and their strategies for wielding influence.
3. The impact of corporate money on political decisions and democratic processes.
4. Ethical considerations and potential reforms for lobbying practices.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of money, power, and politics.

We are thrilled to announce our December book club pick featuring the profound and beautifully written "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer. This book not only explores our relationship with nature through the lenses of science and indigenous wisdom but also provides deep insights into the history of indigenous peoples and their sustainable practices.

About the Book:

As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers. In "Braiding Sweetgrass," Kimmerer brings these lenses of knowledge together to show that the awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgment and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. For only when we can hear the languages of other beings are we capable of understanding the generosity of the earth, and learning to give our own gifts in return.

Why Join Us?

• Engage in thoughtful discussions about the themes of gratitude, reciprocity, and ecological harmony.
• Learn how the book provides insights into history through indigenous knowledge, traditions, and perspectives, offering lessons on sustainable living and land stewardship.
• Explore the impact of colonization on indigenous peoples and their lands, and how the revival of indigenous languages is integral to cultural identity and historical continuity.
• Enjoy a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where book enthusiasts can connect and inspire one another.

We look forward to an enriching conversation and the opportunity to delve into the wisdom, beauty, and historical insights of "Braiding Sweetgrass" together.

Happy Reading!

In "A Foreign Affairs Best Book of 2023” — “The Rise and Fall of the East” — MIT professor Yasheng Huang examines China's historical balance between stability, diversity, and prosperity, highlighting how current leadership threatens this delicate equilibrium. From the ancient civil service exam to the modern Chinese Communist Party's personnel management system, autocracies have wielded tools to enforce uniformity but at the cost of stifled creativity. Huang illustrates how China's most prosperous periods occurred when scale (bureaucratic size) was balanced with scope (idea diversity), emphasizing the importance of this balance for sustained dynamism.