Need something to read while practicing social distancing? HEC’s author interviews provide several recommendations of literature to keep you occupied at home.
Dr. Daniel J. Levitin addresses five keys to aging well in his new book Successful Aging: A Neuroscientist Explores the Power and Potential of Our Lives. Dr. Levitin offers society a new perspective about aging by highlighting how rewarding our later years can be. Gathered from 25 years of research, Levitin shares his findings on how some age better than others. Levitin’s book puts the emphasis on quality of life while getting older as opposed to searching for eternal youth.
The Mississippi River has had a great influence over St. Louis since the beginning of the city. Andrew Wanko’s book, Great River City, shows just how impactful the river is on our history and culture. Great River City shows hundreds of powerful and rare photographs depicting how essential the river is to our daily lives then and now.
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn explore the issues impacting the working class in their book Tightrope. Kristof and WuDunn recount stories from their childhood and memories of people they knew to address issues such as alcoholism, drug use, and unemployment. Tightrope may be a cautionary tale of how Americans have lost hope, but Kristof and WuDunn draw from their experiences to offer solutions to these problems. Tightrope invites the reader to study these issues and explore new opportunities for the working class.
Though the Marvel Cinematic Universe recently concluded many character arcs, the studio feels there are more stories to explore in different mediums. Loki: Where Mischief Lies by Mackenzi Lee continues the anti-hero’s story and touches on what makes the character so fascinating for so many. Though Lee drew heavily from the Marvel universe, she uses her background as a historical fiction writer to tie’s Loki’s story back to his origins as a Norse god. Lee’s book makes historical fiction accessible to young readers through the use of a well-known character.
Iconic actor Robin Williams passed away at age 63, but left behind a larger than life legacy. New York Times reporter Dave Itzkoff book Robin pays tribute to Williams by reflecting on his interviews with the actor, as well as stories from more than 100 of his friends and family members. Robin paints a vivid picture of Williams’ life and career through the use of these stories, script notes, and letters. Robin is both a revealing biography and a loving memorial of a great American performer.
9/11 may have taken place 18 years ago, but for many, the effects of the attack have left a lasting impact. Many first responders rushed to the scene to help while others fled Ground Zero, unknowingly breathing in toxic chemicals after being assured the air was safe. 9/12 by lawyer William Groner and journalist Tom Teicholz tells the story of the unprecedented legal battle of the first responders and their difficult path to victory.
More book recommendations and author interviews can be found at www.hecmedia.org.
You can also listen to all of our interviews by downloading and subscribing to our Talking with Authors podcast, wherever you get your podcasts.
