Author Archives: Harry Katz

SEEK

How do we fix our society’s deep political polarization, personal loneliness, isolation and disconnection? Scott Shigeoka thinks curiosity is a big part of the answer. His book SEEK lays out a four-step model for using curiosity to transform your life and maybe change the world. Continue reading

Posted in Books | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

2024 Reading Wrap-Up

Before we dive head first into the New Year, here’s a quick look back at the books I read in 2024.   Continue reading

Posted in Books | 4 Comments

Meditations for Mortals

Oliver Burkeman’s latest book, Meditations for Mortals, is a guide to “imperfectionism.” It’s about how to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life, starting right now, with full acceptance that we are finite human beings with limited time and limited control over the time we have. Continue reading

Posted in Books | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Unsolicited Post-Election Punditry

The 2024 US election ordeal is over. Now everyone wants to know what happened and why. Every major and minor pundit in the country is weighing in. So why shouldn’t I? After all I have an opinion and a keyboard and that’s all you need to be a pundit, right? Continue reading

Posted in Politics | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

On Freedom

Americans often think of freedom in the negative sense, as freedom from. Timothy Snyder argues that positive freedom, freedom to, is more important. On Freedom is a deep exploration of the nature of freedom that challenges conventional thinking. Very important and worthwhile in our era of freedom under threat. Continue reading

Posted in Books, History, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Nonfiction November 2024 Week 5: New to My TBR

Nonfiction November is drawing to a close for 2024 so it’s time to highlight new discoveries from fellow bloggers. This week’s topic is New to My TBR hosted by Deb @ Readerbuzz. It’s been a month full of amazing nonfiction … Continue reading

Posted in Books | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

COP29 Wrap-Up: Calamity on the Caspian

The official COP29 press release hails a “Breakthrough in Baku,” [1] but I think “calamity on the Caspian” would be more accurate. The results of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN’s Framework Convention on Climate Change … Continue reading

Posted in Environment | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nonfiction November 2024 Week 4: Mind Openers

It’s already Week 4 of Nonfiction November. Where does the time go? This week’s topic is Mind Openers hosted by Rebekah @ She Seeks Nonfiction. Special thanks to Rebekah for designing the terrific graphics for Nonfiction November again this year! One … Continue reading

Posted in Books | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

Nonfiction November 2024 Week 3: Book Pairings

It’s Week 3 of Nonfiction November, hosted by Liz @ at Adventures in reading, running and working from home. The topic is Book Pairings. This week, pair up a nonfiction book with a fiction title. Maybe it’s a historical novel and … Continue reading

Posted in Books | Tagged , , | 12 Comments

Solving for Climate — Hannah Ritchie’s Podcast

For anyone who enjoyed Hannah Ritchie’s book Not the End of the World, she’s launched a new podcast called Solving for Climate that explores climate solutions. Full launch details on her Substack here. The first couple of episodes are out … Continue reading

Posted in Environment | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments