Joy-Centered Pedagogy

In 'Awe', Dacher Keltner presents a sweeping investigation and deeply personal inquiry into the elusive feeling of awe. The book reveals new research alongside an examination of awe across history, culture, and within Keltner's own life. It shows how awe transforms thoughts of self, one’s relationship to the world, and physical reactions to it. Keltner also explores how awe has propelled human evolution, is beneficial to mental and physical health, and can heal grief, build communal bonds, and humble us by making us feel part of something larger than ourselves.

Ross Gay's "Inciting Joy" delves into the transformative power of joy, challenging its dismissal as frivolous. Gay explores how joy can be a radical act of resistance and belonging, particularly amidst grief and sorrow. The essays examine rituals and habits that foster joy, emphasizing its role in building solidarity and care. The book encourages readers to embrace joy as a practice, not just an emotion, and to find connection through shared experiences of sorrow. Gay's personal reflections and insightful observations make "Inciting Joy" a compelling read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of joy's significance.

In *Rest Is Resistance*, Tricia Hersey illuminates the troubled relationship between rest and modern society, advocating for rest as a fundamental human right and an act of resistance. The book is rooted in spiritual energy and centered in Black liberation, womanism, somatics, and Afrofuturism. Hersey uses captivating storytelling and practical advice to guide readers in imagining a future where rest is exalted. She argues that rest asserts our basic humanity and pushes back against the oppressive grip of 'grind culture,' which is fueled by capitalism and white supremacy. The book serves as a call to action, a battle cry, and a field guide for those seeking justice and liberation from exploitative systems[1][2][5].

The Rook follows Myfanwy Thomas as she awakens with no memory, surrounded by bodies in a London park. She discovers she is a high-ranking member of the Checquy, a secret organization battling supernatural threats in Britain. With the help of letters from her former self, Myfanwy navigates her new life while searching for a traitor within the Checquy. The novel blends fantasy, humor, and action, featuring a diverse cast of characters with unique supernatural abilities.