How Has This Reading Project Changed Me?

In this work, Friedrich Engels delves into the interplay between familial structures, economic systems, and state formation. He argues that the oppression of women and the emergence of class society are historically linked to the production of a surplus and the division of society into classes. The book also discusses how the state arose as a tool to defend the ruling class. Engels bases his analysis on the research of anthropologist Lewis Henry Morgan and uses the method of historical materialism to explain these societal developments.

Published in 1987, 'Beloved' is a work of historical fiction that delves into the aftermath of the American Civil War. The novel centers around Sethe, a Black woman who escaped from slavery in Kentucky and now lives in Ohio. However, her life is haunted by the ghost of her two-year-old daughter, whom she killed to prevent her from being taken back into slavery. The story is deeply intertwined with themes of mother-daughter relationships, the power of family and community, and the lasting impact of slavery on individuals and society. The novel introduces a mysterious figure named Beloved, who is the physical manifestation of Sethe's murdered daughter, and explores how this presence disrupts and ultimately transforms the lives of Sethe and her surviving daughter, Denver. Through a complex narrative that includes flashbacks, stream-of-consciousness monologues, and multiple voices, Morrison examines the trauma and resilience of those affected by slavery.

In 'Small Fry,' Lisa Brennan-Jobs recounts her childhood spent between two vastly different worlds: her mother Chrisann Brennan's humble home and her father Steve Jobs's affluent lifestyle. The memoir explores her father's initial denial of paternity, their eventual reconciliation, and the emotional complexities of their relationship. It also delves into her experiences with emotional abuse and neglect, as well as her journey to forgiveness and understanding. The book is praised for its literary elegance, sharp insights, and poignant portrayal of a child's longing for parental love and acceptance.