Lynne Olson's "The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck" recounts the remarkable story of French women who resisted the Nazis and were subsequently imprisoned in the Ravensbruck concentration camp. These women, drawn from various backgrounds, displayed extraordinary courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable horrors. The book explores their experiences in the camp, their acts of defiance, and their unwavering commitment to one another. Olson highlights the profound impact of their shared struggle, revealing how their bonds of sisterhood sustained them through the darkest of times. Through meticulous research and compelling narrative, Olson brings to life the inspiring tale of these women who defied their captors and fought for freedom and justice. The book serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of solidarity in the face of oppression.
Kevin Sack's "Mother Emanuel" tells the story of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, and its central role in the history of race, resistance, and forgiveness in America. The book explores the church's origins in the early 19th century, its involvement in the struggle against slavery and racial discrimination, and its enduring legacy as a beacon of hope and resilience. Sack examines the devastating 2015 shooting at the church, in which nine African Americans were killed, and the community's response of forgiveness and reconciliation. He delves into the complexities of race relations in Charleston and the broader context of American history, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities for healing and progress. Through meticulous research and compassionate storytelling, 'Mother Emanuel' paints a portrait of a community grappling with its past and striving towards a more just and equitable future. The book serves as a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the enduring pursuit of justice.
Do we get the serial killers & heroes we deserve? The always generous literary critic Bethanne Patrick uses five new non-fiction books to respond to this rather absurd question. From French women resisting Nazis at Ravensbrück concentration camp to the CIA's Cold War book smuggling operation, these new books examine human behavior under the most extreme circumstances. Caroline Fraser's Murderland investigates whether environmental toxins in the Pacific Northwest bred serial killers like Ted Bundy, and Maria Blake's They Poison the World explores forever chemicals' deadly impact on the environment. While Kevin Sack's Mother Emanuel offers Charleston's story of African-American forgiveness for the 300-year injustice of slavery and Jim Crow. Together, these books suggest our environment shapes us—sometimes tragically, sometimes triumphantly.
a takeaway from each book
* The Sisterhood of Ravensbrück - French women's resistance efforts were systematically ignored in post-war recognition, with only 6 women receiving medals compared to 1,100 men, highlighting how women's contributions to liberation movements have been marginalized. Vive La France!
* Murderland - Environmental toxicity from lead and arsenic smelting in the Pacific Northwest may have contributed to the region's concentration of serial killers in the 1950s-70s, with cases declining as environmental protections increased.
* They Poisoned the World - The highly toxic PFAS "forever chemicals" were originally developed by the U.S. government for uranium processing, later causing widespread contamination linked to cancers, stillbirths, and weakened immune systems.
* The CIA Book Club - The CIA successfully smuggled literature behind the Iron Curtain, with people craving not just political texts but also Agatha Christie mysteries and Shakespeare—proving culture, not just politics, sustained resistance.
* Mother Emanuel - For Charleston's African-American congregation of Mother Emanuel church, forgiveness after the 2015 massacre wasn't about excusing the killer but about self-preservation—choosing to move forward rather than be consumed by hatred.
Bethanne Patrick maintains a storied place in the publishing industry as a critic and as @TheBookMaven on Twitter, where she created the popular #FridayReads and regularly comments on books and literary ideas to over 200,000 followers. Her work appears frequently in the Los Angeles Times as well as in The Washington Post, NPR Books, and Literary Hub. She sits on the board of the PEN/Faulkner Foundation and has served on the board of the National Book Critics Circle. She is the host of the Missing Pages podcast.
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