Books, essays, podcast episodes, and more that I think are worth your time, plus recent cultural news that I’m paying attention to in the month of July…
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Books
Novel: The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout
I love Elizabeth Strout in general, and The Things We Never Say lived up to her earlier work. If you haven’t read anything by her in the past, she’s a very solid New England (Maine) writer. The characters feel very familiar to me—like they could be my mother or teacher or neighbor here in Connecticut. This novel is about a man named Artie Dam, a high school English teacher going through a rough year personally and within our current political climate. It’s understated and lovely and haunting and I highly recommend!
Non-Fiction: The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle
I also loved The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle. It’s one of those leadership/social science books where every chapter starts with a fascinating story that I then went on to tell my whole family at dinner. For anyone who is interested in how culture is created, leadership, or really just what draws out the best of our humanity, this is a great one.
Essays and News
Cognoscenti: How I’m trying to help my nonverbal son communicate — and why it’s controversial
I’m grateful for Micha Boyett’s words here about her son Ace and the ways they are learning to communicate with each other. I especially resonate with the idea of “presuming competence” instead of problem or deficit.
Disability Scoop: Neuroinclusive Neighborhoods Sprout Up To Address IDD Housing Gap
I love the win-win of these neighborhoods that provide inter-ability housing. We need more and more of them!
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Amy Julia Becker desires to challenge assumptions about the good life, proclaim the inherent belovedness of every human being, and help us envision and build a world of belonging where everyone matters. Amy Julia invites people to reimagine the good life through her writing and speaking on disability, faith, and culture. She is the author of several books, including To Be Made Well, White Picket Fences, Small Talk, and A Good and Perfect Gift. She is a guest opinion writer for national publications and hosts two podcasts: Take the Next Step and Reimagining the Good Life. Becker is a graduate of Princeton University and Princeton Theological Seminary (MDiv). She is a member of the Disability Ministry Network and the Alliance for Disability Justice and Ethics in Reproductive Genetics. She lives with her husband and their three children in western Connecticut.
