Highway of Tears
Written by Jessica McDiarmid
In continuation of my personal learning on the treatment of Canada’s First Nations population, I recently read Highway of Tears which examines a stretch of highway in northern British Columbia that has come to symbolize the national crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women. This book explores history of the area, shares stories and personal recollections of the MMIW, and discusses how long, systemic inaction from RCMP and government led to continued, avoidable tragedy.
Favourite line: “The widespread propensity to refer to marginalized teenagers who are victims as “women” perhaps belies, however unintentionally, the deep-seated tendency in our society to judge victims rather than perpetrators, to find reasons not to care.”
The Women in Me
Written by Britney Spears
From being one of the world’s biggest pop stars to a woman who represents the right for personal freedom and choice for those affected by poor mental health, Britney’s story is, indeed, a fascinating study. While this (presumably first) memoir is light and lacking some of the details and introspection I was hoping for, I always appreciate hearing people share their perspective. This song will also never not be a total banger transporting me straight back to my twenties. For that, I will always be intrigued.
Favourite line: “But as much as I’ll own my flaws, ultimately, I know that I am a good person. I can see now that you have to be smart enough, vicious enough, deliberate enough to play the game, and I did not know how to play the game.”
You Will Find Your People
Written by Lane Moore
I first heard of Lane Moore a few years ago and she has quickly become one of my favourite authors. Every time I read her words, I feel like I have found a kindred, empathic spirit. Someone who acts as a lighthouse for others experiencing loneliness and melancholy as an adult, and letting them know they aren’t alone. Her second book, You Will Find Your People, explores how to navigate and create meaningful friendships during a time when they become harder to maintain. It’s a subject not often talked about but perhaps more pervasive than we realize considering how isolated western society has become.
Favourite line: “Having someone you connected with briefly in a really meaningful way is still a form of friendship, one with great value in its own right, even if you feel like it should become more than that to “count”.
Steve Jobs
Written by Walter Isaacson
This book has been in my rotation for months and I am still not finished. I’m only currently on page 250 (of 577). It’s not a terrible book; far from it. Walter Isaacson is an amazing wordsmith. I’m just not sure when I will complete it as, despite being a visionary who led a team to bring us some of the greatest innovations from the past century, Steve Jobs was a terrible human being. He comes across as a ruthless, narcissist with no regard for friends, colleagues and even family. Amongst the other books I’ve recently indulged in, this biography is too much of a contrast and nothing I choose to be inspired by. One day I will return to it … but for right now, I will leave it at page 250.