Good afternoon, everyone! The weather is turning, Daylight Savings Time is almost upon us, and college basketball season starts in 12 days. (MIZ-! Can’t wait!)
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about one of my favorite quotes, from the classic To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view – until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
Here are some books, documentaries and a podcast that helped me attempt to do just that:
The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie — This collection of short stories about life on the Spokane Indian Reservation is for grown ups willing to revisit American history and culture, and the promise it holds for those we call “Indians.”
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates — Because you may not have noticed this book in last month’s recommendations, I’m including it again this month. Just to reiterate, this book is worth reading.
“A River Between Us” — A 2014 documentary on the Klamath River (California) water controversy that pitted First Nation people and environmentalists against farmers and ranchers. Wait, though — in the face of drought and bitter disputes, opposing sides actually got together on this one. In the process they’ve created a model for river restoration efforts worldwide. Hint: The key is listening to each other and getting to know each other as people!
“I’ll Push You” — A podcast about a documentary (a “podmentary”?) friendship, pilgrimage and pain, all set in the magnificent setting of El Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain.
“Raising Bertie” — This documentary follows the emotional lives of three boys as they attempt to grow up in rural North Carolina.
