Allen Levi Wants You to be Brave.

In 'Lanterns on the Levee', William Alexander Percy recounts his life in the Mississippi Delta, bridging the gap between the semifeudal South of the 1800s and the anxious South of the early 1940s. The book explores themes of social change, racial relations, and the values of kindness and moral integrity. Percy's experiences include fighting against the Ku Klux Klan and leading relief efforts during the 1927 Mississippi River flood.

Winston Churchill's "Painting as a Pastime" is a reflection on the joys and benefits of painting as a hobby. Written during a period of intense political pressure, the book reveals Churchill's personal approach to art and its therapeutic value. He emphasizes the importance of finding creative outlets for stress relief and self-expression. The book offers insights into Churchill's artistic process and his philosophy on life. It serves as a testament to the power of creative pursuits in maintaining mental and emotional well-being.

Upstream explores the psychological forces that push us into a cycle of response rather than prevention. Dan Heath introduces the concept of 'problem blindness' and highlights successes of thinkers who have overcome these obstacles by switching to an upstream mindset. Examples include an online travel website reducing customer service calls, a school district cutting dropout rates, a European nation reducing teenage substance abuse, and an EMS system improving response times. The book delivers practical solutions for preventing problems rather than reacting to them.

David Brooks's "How to Know a Person" delves into the complexities of human relationships, exploring how we perceive and understand others. The book emphasizes the importance of empathy, active listening, and self-awareness in building meaningful connections. Brooks challenges readers to move beyond superficial judgments and embrace a deeper understanding of themselves and those around them. He argues that true connection requires vulnerability and a willingness to be seen authentically. Ultimately, the book offers a practical guide to fostering richer, more fulfilling relationships.

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.