Summer Reads to Challenge Our Assumptions

Man reading a book on a bench overlooking the sea. Image by Ben White

By Lauren Janus and Janell Turner

We have a semi-regular tradition each June at  Phīla. As a team of readers, we like to take time out at the start of the summer season to share some of the books we’ve read recently that we deem significantly thoughtful, but also beach read worthy. It is summer, afterall!

In June of 2020, we were deep into the reality of a global pandemic, while only weeks away from the murder of George Floyd. Our blog post then was called Summer Reads for the Times and included several of Lauren’s picks for books on racial equity in America. In 2021, we all needed a lift, so our picks focused on diverse, inspiring stories. We called that post Summer Reads that Celebrate Humanity. And in 2022, we were just too busy and didn’t get a book post out. Sorry friends!

This summer, we are back in the reading saddle so much that two of us (Janell and Lauren here) wanted to share our suggestions for your warm weather reading. As we talked about the books that have moved us in the last year, a clear theme emerged: one of challenging assumptions to build empathy for those climbing their own mountains. In that vein, we are pleased to present Phīla Book Picks for Summer 2023.

Nonfiction

Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family by Robert Kolker (Janell)

This story resonated deeply with me as it struck a chord with my own experience. Witnessing my younger brother’s journey as he developed schizophrenia in his early twenties, after showing immense potential in his writing and spoken word career, has been both heartbreaking and eye-opening. Kolker’s portrayal of the Galvin family’s struggles evoked profound emotions and reflections, reminding us of the remarkable power of family connections and the resilience that can illuminate even the most challenging circumstances. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, he gently peels back the layers of mental illness within the Galvin family and skillfully humanizes the complex world of mental health, offering a compassionate lens into the challenges faced by both individuals and loved ones. A compelling read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience within mental health. 

The Myth of the Silver Spoon; Navigating Family Wealth and Creating an Impactful Life by Kristin Keffeler (Lauren)

This spring, our entire team read Kristin Keffeler’s thought-provoking dive into the often unexpected challenges and struggles of those living with wealth. Keffeler comes from a wealthy family herself, and uses her background in psychology and lived experience to coach primarily younger people who grew up surrounded by the opportunities–and expectations–that often come with an outsized inheritance.

Through stories and insights on brain development, Keffeler paints an empathetic picture of ultra high-net wealth families. She tells of children who grow up unintentionally coddled, only to be pushed out into the world with the assumption that they’ll behave exactly like the high achieving family members that came before them. As one could imagine, these sorts of expectations can lead to high levels of depression, despair and emotionally fraught relationships. Thankfully, Keffleler also offers plenty of evidence-based advice on “clearing the emotional clutter” and finding purpose for those for whom money has always been a given.

Cutting School; The Segrenomics of American Education by Noliwe Rooks (Lauren)

As the parent of two elementary school-aged children, I think a lot about education…what it can mean to different types of children, how to support teachers, and how our system of education in the US often too fails children of color, those with disabilities and the poor. That’s why I devoured Noliwe Rooks’ book on what remains a segregated school system in America, where Black and Brown children’s educations often become opportunities for “businesses to make a profit selling schooling.” If you read it, please let me know what you think, especially of the chapter, “White  Philanthropy, Black Education.” We’ll get coffee and talk about it. 

The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker (Janell)

This book drew me in from the very first page and inspired immediate action. It’s like having a secret weapon in your pocket as a host, event planner, professional advisor, or anyone who is looking to create unique, memorable experiences with friends and loved ones. Parker's insights are pure gold as she dives into the nitty-gritty of creating gatherings that truly matter. She goes far beyond the usual logistics and shows us how to create authentic connections that leave a lasting impact. I can't stress enough how much I appreciate her emphasis on being intentional, inclusive, and purposeful in how we bring people together. Plus, she brings everything to life with interesting real-life examples that make you go, "Aha! I can do that!" This book is a game-changer for anyone who wants to bring people together, spark action, and strengthen our communities. You don't need to be a fancy party planner to get something out of it. It's a must-read!

Fiction

The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honoree Fanonne Jeffers (Janell)

This book has claimed the top spot in my women's book club, emerging as the standout read of the year. It swept me away, gently whisking me back to my cherished southern roots. Within its 800+ pages, we discovered a treasury of vibrant prose that pays homage to the teachings and literary legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois. Jeffers skillfully weaves together a tale of familial bonds, love's enduring power, unwavering resilience, and the pursuit of identity—a narrative that captivates and draws you closer with each turn of the page. As the story unfolds, she breathes life into history's forgotten corridors, taking us on an unforgettable journey through time, unraveling the multi-generational saga of a fictional Black family in the heart of Georgia. Veronica Chambers, in her review for the New York Times Book Review, astutely observes, "The historical archives of Black Americans are too often filled with broad outlines of what happened—accounts of injustice, enslavement and oppression—and not the details of how Black people lived and breathed, thought, wondered, wandered, dreamed, and prayed." Jeffers fills this void with unmatched finesse, transporting us into a world where the vibrancy of Black lives pulsates on every page.

Have a wonderful summer!

Summer Reads to Celebrate the Power of Humanity

Lauren Janus, COO and Philanthropic Advisor at Phīla Giving

Lauren Janus, COO and Philanthropic Advisor at Phīla Giving

A year ago this month, the world felt like an incredibly tense place. 

George Flyod had just been murdered, on camera, at the hands of white police officers in Minnesota. With no vaccine and uneven testing capabilities across the country, COVID rates were raging while medical experts issued daily warnings of the deadly summer ahead. It wasn’t exactly the sort of atmosphere that made you want to stretch out in your lawn chair, pour a cool drink and delve into the latest crime novel. 

Instead, in my “summer reads” blog post last June, I recommended a handful of excellent books that dig deep into the issues of race, poverty and inequality laid bare to us all in the past year. I still strongly recommend all of these books not only because of their subject matter, but also because each of them is highly readable and engaging--not quite beach reads, but close enough to make you think differently and want to pass along a copy to a friend.

While it still feels audacious to even suggest that this summer could be more normal than last, expanding vaccination rates and decreasing COVID deaths do make it feel less scary. I’ve been using this new breathing space to take a step back and focus on the broader beauty in the world, including the power of individuals to move the needle on social justice, family relations and a more just and loving version of humanity. 

If you’re in a similar frame of mind as the weather warms, here are some of my top book recommendations:

 A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea: One Refugee's Incredible Story of Love, Loss, and Survival, by Melissa Fleming 

It’s difficult to argue that any refugee’s story is not harrowing. But Doaa Al Zamel’s is truly incredible. Doaa is just a teenager when her fiance convinces her that the two of them should flee Syria for Europe after passing their life savings over to smugglers with a rickety boat. When the boat capsizes, Doaa (who cannot swim) floats for days on an inflatable tube clutching two toddlers, who were thrust into her arms by their drowning parents. Doaa’s story ends well, but its glimpse into the astonishing bravery, love and sheer grit of today’s refugees will stick with you. 


Interpreter of Maladies, by Jhumpa Lahiri 

I first read Interpreter of Maladies nearly 15 years ago, not long after it was published and won the Pulitzer Prize. While this time around I remembered many of the stories in this short compilation written by the now famous Jhumpa Lahiri, every single one of them struck me anew for their achingly rich storytelling. Lahiri excels at telling stories of relationships--between lovers, family members and neighbors both in the U.S and in India. Not all of her characters behave well toward each other, but each of them needs each other in a very human way. Try stopping at just one of her stories in this short read.


Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty, by Patrick Radden Keefe

No, I’m not suggesting that the Sackler family represents a beautiful sort of humanity to be celebrated in these challenging times. Quite the contrary. Patrick Radden Keefe’s 2021 expose on the Sacklers is shocking, engrossing and peppered with moments of pure ickiness. The way members of the elder and younger Sackler clan have used their wealth and personalities to manipulate nonprofits, government officials and the American public to further swell the family’s coffers is increasingly horrifying as the generations replace each other. The bright light of this story is Nan Goldin, the 60-something photographer who spear-headed the first protests against the Sackers inside the museums (the Guggenheim, Smithsonian, the Met) which have accepted the family’s donations for decades. 

Keefe explains how Goldin, who herself suffered from an addiction to  OxyContin, organized fellow artists, students and victims of the opioid epidemic to drop empty prescription bottles on the floor of the Guggenheim lobby and stage a subsequent ‘die-in.’ Her efforts worked, finally drawing a bright light to the unfettered greed and morally abhorrent behavior of the Sackler family.


The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart, by Alicia Garza

Alicia Garza’s recent book is a similarly inspiring, authentic story of the power of the individual. Garza is the woman behind the original #BlackLivesMatter hashtag, and co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement. In her 2020 book, Garza describes her childhood as one of only a few Black children in a predominantly white, upper-middle class neighborhood, and her entry into the world of community organizing following college. What makes Garza’s arguments so welcome in these divisive times, is her insistence that movements like Black Lives Matter are successful when they are accessible to everyone who, like her, are striving to move our country--and arguably all of humanity--progressively forward. 

Happy reading!

Summer Reading for the Times

by Lauren Janus

I think we can all agree it’s been a long spring. 

With summer’s sultry nights and icy drinks just around the corner, in normal times, we’d be searching for the best escapist reads. But these days are far from normal. If picking up a copy of the latest crime fiction doesn’t feel quite right given the current state of affairs, I hear you.

More than any other major event of the past 50 years, the COVID crisis has illuminated our nation’s shocking disparities in health, education, and opportunity. And the brutal, on camera murder of George Floyd only added fuel to the fire that has always simmered due the injustices faced by African-Americans at the hands of police. 

If you’re ready to educate yourself about race, poverty, and injustice this summer, you’re in luck. A number of nonfiction books have come out in recent years that drives these issues home in a really engaging way. 

Below are a few of my favorite books that get top scores for research quality, humanizing stories, and readability:

1. So You Want to Talk About Race, Ijeoma Oluo

This book has been on The New York Times Bestseller list for months, and for good reason. If you care about the issues facing the Black community, you must talk about race and Oluo gives you the background and vocabulary to do it. It is not written just for White people who deny that racism exists or who “don’t see color”, but also for people who think they “get it” but haven’t learned all the quiet ways it shows up. 

Oluo seems to write so effortlessly and clearly, this book just a pleasure to read, despite the intense emotional and political topics. Oluo explains difficult and timely issues like police brutality, the myth the “model minority”, and the “hurting your own cause” storyline, by sharing personal stories, detailed examples, and statistics. And best of all, it ends with ideas for actions you can take to battle systemic racism using the knowledge you've gained from this book. 

2.  Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, Jason Reynolds and Ibrahm X. Kendi

 In 2016, American University history professor Ibrahm X. Kendi won the National Book Award for his pioneering book on the history of racist ideas in America.  If Kendi’s seminal—yet highly recommended—book feels a bit daunting as a poolside read, never fear. Just this year, Kendi teamed up with children’s book writer Jason Reynolds to write a version of Stamped for the middle school crowd, called Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You. 

 The book covers material similar to its grown-up version, including a comprehensive and disturbing description of how racist and assimilationist viewpoints, rooted in our country’s very foundation, have fermented and embedded themselves into American culture. But because it’s for a young adult audience, the book is also fast-pasted, often irreverent, and focused on ways the reader can seek and stamp out racist ideas in every day life.

3. Janesville: An American Story, Amy Goldstein

To understand the struggles of many living in today’s Middle America, crack open a copy of Janesville. One of President Obama’s best books picks for 2017, this is the story of what happens when a large factory leaves a town where it’s been a fixture of stable employment for generations.

Amy Goldstein is a Washington Post journalist who follows a cluster of residents of Janesville, Wisconsin, over several years. Some recover from the blow of middle age unemployment, some don’t. What she reveals is the heartbreak and very real struggle of people who are left “out in the cold.”

4. Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, Matthew Desmond

Harvard sociologist Matthew Desmond wrote Evicted in 2016 after spending years interviewing residents of the poorest neighborhoods of Milwaukee. What he describes in this highly engaging, often infuriating book, is a broken system in which the poor are forced to pay well over half of their income on substandard housing from which they will very likely be evicted for the most minor of offenses. 

 This book is especially useful for anyone hoping to understand the role of affordable, safe and stable housing in breaking the circle of poverty.  

5. Nickle and Dimed: On Not Getting by in America, Barbara Ehrenreich

If you’re looking for a book that will take you for an engrossing, enlightening walk in someone else’s shoes, pick up a copy of Nickle and Dimed. To research this book, Barbara Ehrenreich takes a job as a low-wage worker for one month in three different states—Florida, Maine and Minnesota. Her goal is to live only off of the salary she receives, and gain a greater understanding of the lives of people often referred to as America’s “hidden poor.”

Ehrenreich ends up working a string of jobs in each state in order to make enough to pay her rent and bills. She works as a waitress, a dietary aid in a nursing home, a house cleaner and a Wal-Mart worker—”essential workers” in today’s parlance. The injustices and humanity she describes are heartbreaking and energizing at the same time. A highly recommended read.

How to Help 

All of the books above will make you want to take action on of poverty, hunger, racial justice, and inequality in general. If you’re moved to give after finishing that last page, have a look at our vetted list of organizations around the country, or these organizations below:

 Happy reading and I wish you a safe, sane, and optimistic summer. 

A Trio of Books on Philanthropy to Get Your Mind Churning

Looking for thought-proving reading on the current state of philanthropy? Well, there has a been a flood of new books that have, in the words of Jeff Bezos in an entirely different context, “turned over the log” of philanthropy so that we can examine what has been hiding in the dark.

Three important books were published in 2018 that implore us to think critically about the role of philanthropy and wealth in our society. Whether you agree with them or not, you will definitely leave with an opinion and be better informed.

 The first is Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the Worldby Anand Giridharadas. The journalist dismantles the elites of "big philanthropy" and their institutions that maintain the status quo to their extreme advantage. Their giving is palliative rather reparative; in that it refuses to address the root causes of the suffering they’re trying to alleviate because to do so would threaten their position and lifestyle. He speaks with all of the zeal of the converted as an ex-member of the club of thought leaders and pundits who reinforce the notion to the world’s mega-wealthy that their good works is enough, rather than endure the true sacrifice necessary to enforce systemic change. 

 The second is Just Giving: How Philanthropy is Failing Democracy, by Robert Reich (not the former Secretary of Labor of the same name). The philosopher's argument is similar to Giridharadas' in positing that the immense power the very rich hold in philanthropy is inherently undemocratic and erodes the underpinnings of our aspirations toward justice. He goes further to argue that big philanthropy has a big problem with ethics and unfair uses of power by its being unaccountable, nearly perpetual, and hugely tax-advantaged. Reich also suggests ways to use legislation to bring more equity into the philanthropic sector. 

The final book is Decolonizing Wealth: Indigenous Wisdom to Heal Divides and Restore Balanceby Edgar Villanueva. If you read his book last, you might think it will be a balm to the previous two books’ searing critiques. While his tone is gentler, he is no less forceful in his arguments on the extreme inequality in philanthropy and society. What is unique here is that Villanueva assesses our current state of affairs through the lens of colonialism. His thoughtful and unique arguments explain his view that finance and philanthropy have not strayed far from its imperialist beginnings. However, unlike Giridharadas and Reich, Villanueva offers Native American-rooted wisdom to help us rebalance and heal from these centuries-old wounds.

 These three authors will no doubt be remembered as the ones who shone a light on philanthropy and encouraged us to be better.