In 'The Gift of Failure,' Jessica Lahey argues that modern parenting's overprotectiveness can hinder children's development by denying them the opportunity to learn from their mistakes. Lahey, drawing from her own parenting experience and years as an educator, provides practical advice on how parents can step back and allow their children to face failures and learn from them. The book covers topics such as handling homework, report cards, social dynamics, and sports, emphasizing the importance of autonomy-supportive parenting over controlling parenting. Lahey's approach is grounded in scientific research and personal anecdotes, offering a balanced and wise guide for parents, educators, and psychologists[1][3][5].
In this book, Michael Pollan delves into the history of psychedelic drugs, from their rise in the 1960s to their current resurgence in medical research. He combines historical and scientific analysis with personal narratives of his own experiences with psychedelics, such as LSD and psilocybin. The book explores how these substances are being used to treat conditions like depression, addiction, and anxiety, and discusses their potential to revolutionize our understanding of the human mind and consciousness. Pollan's work is a blend of science, memoir, and travel writing, offering a nuanced and engaging look at the therapeutic and spiritual benefits of psychedelics[1][2][4].
Make It Stick challenges conventional wisdom on learning and teaching by presenting evidence-based strategies that replace less effective but widely accepted practices. The authors explain that effective learning comes from self-testing, introducing certain difficulties in practice, waiting to re-study new material until a little forgetting has occurred, and interleaving the practice of one skill or topic with another. The book uses real-world examples and stories to illustrate these principles, making it an indispensable guide for students, educators, and lifelong learners.
This book is both a memoir and a writing guide. It details Stephen King's life, from his childhood and early writing endeavors to his struggles with addiction and his near-fatal accident in 1999. The book is divided into sections that cover King's life ('C.V.'), the nature of writing ('What Writing Is'), writing mechanics ('Toolbox'), his advice on the craft ('On Writing'), and his recovery from the accident ('On Living: A Postscript'). King offers practical tips on writing, including the importance of vocabulary, grammar, and style, as well as the need for consistent writing routines and ruthless editing. He emphasizes that good writing comes from within, driven by curiosity, wonder, and emotional honesty rather than commercial motives.
In 'Real American,' Julie Lythcott-Haims shares a deeply personal and candid look at her experiences growing up as a biracial woman. The book is a collection of vignettes that address her internal struggles with race, identity, and belonging. It delves into microaggressions, discrimination, and racism, and how these factors have shaped her life. The memoir also highlights the healing power of community in overcoming the isolation and self-loathing that often accompany being considered 'the other.' Lythcott-Haims' narrative is a powerful exploration of what it means to be Black in America and her path to self-love and acceptance.
In 'The 4-Hour Body,' Tim Ferriss shares the results of over a decade of self-experimentation and research, involving hundreds of elite athletes, dozens of MDs, and thousands of hours of personal testing. The book covers more than 50 topics, including how to lose weight quickly, gain muscle without steroids, sleep less and perform better, and improve sexual health. Ferriss emphasizes the importance of finding the smallest changes that produce the biggest results, making it accessible for readers to achieve significant improvements in their physical health and performance.
Jess Lahey's "The Addiction Inoculation" offers a comprehensive guide for parents and educators on preventing substance abuse in children. Drawing on personal experiences and extensive research, Lahey provides practical strategies and insights. The book blends memoir with scientific evidence, making complex information accessible and engaging. It explores the factors contributing to addiction, highlighting both controllable and uncontrollable elements. Ultimately, it empowers readers with tools to support young people's well-being and resilience.
In this book, Julie Lythcott-Haims draws on research, conversations with admissions officers, educators, and employers, and her own insights as a mother and student dean to highlight the ways in which overparenting harms children, their stressed-out parents, and society at large. She offers practical alternative strategies that emphasize the importance of allowing children to make their own mistakes and develop the resilience, resourcefulness, and inner determination necessary for success. The book is relevant to parents of toddlers, teens, and twentysomethings, and serves as a rallying cry for those who wish to ensure the next generation can take charge of their own lives with competence and confidence.
In 'Dreyer's English,' Benjamin Dreyer offers a comprehensive and engaging guide to writing well. The book challenges traditional grammar rules and highlights the importance of clarity and style in writing. Dreyer discusses the use of punctuation, the distinction between 'rules' and 'nonrules' in English, and provides practical advice on avoiding common writing mistakes such as the use of 'very,' 'rather,' and 'really.' The book also explores differences between American and British English and includes Dreyer's personal 'peeves' and preferences in language usage.
In this book, Dr. Gabor Maté presents a comprehensive and compassionate look at addiction. He argues that addiction is not a moral failure or a genetic disease but rather a result of human development gone awry, often due to childhood trauma. The book includes first-person accounts, case studies, and scientific research to illustrate how addictive behaviors are attempts to self-soothe deep-seated fears and discomforts.
In 'Winter World: The Ingenuity of Animal Survival', Bernd Heinrich delves into the remarkable strategies animals use to survive winter, from developing antifreeze to storing food. The book highlights the incredible adaptations of creatures ranging from insects to bears, showcasing nature's resilience in the face of winter's challenges.
In *Age of Opportunity*, Laurence Steinberg explores the complexities of adolescence, highlighting its extended duration and the malleability of the adolescent brain. He argues that this period is crucial for determining life outcomes and provides practical advice for parents and educators to support adolescents effectively. Steinberg emphasizes the importance of self-control, social-emotional development, and academic excellence in navigating this critical phase of life.
In *Summer World: A Season of Bounty*, Bernd Heinrich delves into the vibrant world of summer, exploring the complex behaviors and adaptations of various species during this time. With engaging narratives and scientific insights, Heinrich examines topics such as the survival strategies of cicadas and the migratory patterns of hummingbirds. The book is enriched with the author's own drawings, offering a unique blend of scientific inquiry and personal observation.
In 'Boys & Sex', Peggy Orenstein provides a nuanced and compassionate look at the sexual experiences of young men, exploring how they navigate consent, hookup culture, and the pressures of toxic masculinity. Through extensive interviews, she reveals the complexities and challenges faced by boys in today's society, offering a vision for how they can grow into better men. The book is a follow-up to her groundbreaking work 'Girls & Sex', continuing the conversation on modern sexuality and relationships.
The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult follows Dawn Edelstein, a death doula who survives a plane crash and is forced to reevaluate her life. The story explores her past as an Egyptologist and her unresolved relationship with Wyatt Armstrong, contrasting with her current life in Boston with her husband and daughter. As Dawn navigates these two paths, she grapples with questions about the nature of choice and identity.
In 'Half a Life', Darin Strauss recounts the tragic event of accidentally killing a classmate, Celine Zilke, in a car accident. The book explores themes of guilt, responsibility, and living with the past, offering a candid and courageous dialogue about the human experience. Strauss's narrative delves into the emotional and psychological impacts of the accident on his life and those around him.
Jessica Lahey on Parenting, Desirable Difficulties, The Gift of Failure, Self-Efficacy, and The Addiction Inoculation | Brought to you by Wealthfront automated investing and Athletic Greens all-in-one nutritional supplement.
Jessica Lahey (@jesslahey) is the author of the New York Times bestselling book The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed and The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence. Over twenty years, Jessica has taught every grade from sixth to twelfth in both public and private schools and spent five years teaching in a drug and alcohol rehab for adolescents in Vermont. She currently serves as a recovery coach at Sana at Stowe, a medical detox and recovery center in Stowe, Vermont, where 100 percent of her salary goes to a scholarship fund for young adults.
Jessica writes about education, parenting, and child welfare for The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Atlantic, is a book critic for Air Mail, and wrote the educational curriculum for Amazon Kids’ award-winning The Stinky and Dirty Show. She co-hosts the #AmWriting podcast with bestselling authors KJ Dell’Antonia and Sarina Bowen from her house in Vermont, where she lives with her husband, two sons, and a lot of dogs.
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