We chose the title above after much deliberation. Should it be, “Take Back Your Snakes” or “Selected Poems of Power” or something else??? With a range of books this wild, there were too many to choose from- so feel free to let us know if there was a mashup of these titles that you think we should have used instead!
Here’s what we read this week:
- The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
- Selected Poems by Emily Dickinson
- Cat Among the Pigeons by Agatha Christie
- The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
- Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
- This week’s book recap: Take Back Your Power by Deborah Liu
Now, let’s get to the books!
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes – Suzanne Collins
What we have here is a Hunger Games prequel about the makings of Coriolanus Snow (One of Andrew’s favorite characters in the Hunger games- he loves him some misguided villains who are convinced they’re doing the right thing).
The first 2 thirds of the book were most excellent. The last third was a bit slower but bridged the gap to the Hunger Games novels in a satisfying way.
Selected Poems – Emily Dickinson
I (Julianne) started this book literally a couple of years ago- the problem is that I only wanted to read it when I was “in the mood to read poetry.” And then I’d forget about it.
I love Emily Dickinson’s poetry. What I realized as I finished this book is that I don’t really understand most of it, but the parts I do understand are fascinating and beautiful.
Here are a few of my favorites from this book:
He ate and drank the precious words,
– Emily Dickinson
His spirit grew robust;
He knew no more that he was poor,
Nor that his frame was dust.
Hes danced along the dingy days,
And this bequest of wings
Was bust a book. What liberty
A loosened spirit brings!
I love me a good poem about the magic of books! I thought my fellow readers out there might appreciate it. 😉
Here’s another that I thought was amazing. 1800s breakup poetry right here:
Heart, we will forget him!
-Emily Dickinson
You and I, tonight!
You may forget the warmth he gave, I will forget the light.
When you have done, pray tell me,
That I my thoughts may dim;
Haste! lest while you’re lagging,
I may remember him!
And oh! I love this one, too. Nature and books in these first stanzas of a poem in this book:
Summer begins to have the look,
-Emily Dickinson
Peruser of encahting Book
Reluctantly, but sure, perceives–
A gain upon the backward leaves
Autumn begins to be inferred
By millinery of the cloud,
Or deeper color in the shawl
That wraps the everlasting hill.
Emily Dickinson gets it. She really does.
Cat Among the Pigeons – Agatha Christie
Once again, Agatha Christie reminds us that we know nothing. The ending did make sense at the end, but we 100% didn’t see it coming.
The Coaching Habit – Michael Bungay Stanier
This is a great book about not fixing problems and instead being there for people and helping them grow. I (Andrew) first learned about Michael Bungay Stanier & this book on The Carey Neiuwhof Leadership Podcast, and it’s been a great (and inspiring) read so far!
Outliers – Malcolm Gladwell
I (Andrew) talked about this book and its premise last week. This week, I finished it! Here’s one of my main takeaways from the later part of the book:
IQ doesn’t determine success. Being from a family that encourages independent thinking (often middle and upper-class families) and standing up for yourself does. Interesting, no?
Book Recap: Take Back Your Power by Deborah Liu
I (Julianne) read & finished this book this week! It’s also my book slideshow. As always, you can see us present these slideshows on our Youtube Channel.
Here is the slide deck, in case you wanted to take a look at it:
Have a great day!