Write Like You Teach

In *Proust and the Squid*, Maryanne Wolf delves into the fascinating history of reading, from early writing systems to the neural pathways involved in reading. The book highlights how reading transforms our brains and culture, and explores challenges such as dyslexia. Wolf also discusses the implications of digital communication on reading habits.

In The Sirens' Call, Chris Hayes delves into the impact of the attention economy on our lives, politics, and society. He argues that the constant assault from attention-seeking technologies and media has fundamentally altered our ability to focus and has significant implications for our mental health, social structures, and political landscape. Hayes draws on a wide range of sources, including philosophers, media theorists, and psychologists, to provide a holistic framework for understanding and reclaiming control over our attention in a world dominated by 'attentional warlordism'.

The Orchid Thief is a non-fiction book by Susan Orlean that delves into the world of orchid collecting. The story centers around John Laroche, a charismatic plant dealer who was arrested in 1994 for stealing ghost orchids from the Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve in Florida. Orlean's investigation leads her into a fascinating subculture of orchid enthusiasts, including aristocrats, fanatics, and smugglers. The book explores the history of orchid collecting, the legal and environmental implications of Laroche's actions, and the author's own encounters with various figures in the orchid world. It is a tale of obsession, passion, and the sometimes dark and humorous aspects of human fixation.

In *The Greek Way*, Edith Hamilton provides a profound understanding of ancient Greek civilization, examining its philosophical foundations, artistic achievements, and societal structures. The book delves into the intellectual and moral framework that shaped Greek identity, highlighting contributions to democracy, literature, and philosophy. Hamilton analyzes Greek literature and prominent figures such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, and explores the Greeks’ artistic achievements in drama, poetry, and sculpture. The book offers a nuanced perspective on the Greeks’ complex worldview and their enduring impact on Western culture.

Teachers are familiar with creating a course syllabus and developing learning objectives. Dr. Lang posits that these skills can help create a book for audiences outside one’s subject matter expertise. He provides insight into the technical aspects of writing, including organization, writing style, and revision. By providing writing prompts at the end of each chapter, Dr. Lang provides the prospective author the opportunity to immediately begin his/her/their own writing journey. The book concludes with an appendix that provides a behind the scenes look at the publishing process.