Reinhold Lautner
Stories (43/0)
Freakonomics
Freakonomics is a book written by economist Steven Levitt and writer Stephen Dubner in which they investigate the hidden incentives, motivations, and repercussions that lie behind a wide variety of social patterns and occurrences. They exhibit Levitt's unusual yet insightful approach by using the lens of economics to themes such as cheating teachers and conspiring sumo wrestlers. In doing so, they discover the unseen factors that are affecting occurrences that appear to be unrelated to one another. Their captivating book deftly challenges commonly held beliefs about the way the world functions.
By Reinhold Lautner8 months ago in BookClub
Empire of Pain
In his book "Empire of Pain," journalist Patrick Radden Keefe presents a comprehensive biography of the Sackler family, who were the founders of the pharmaceutical corporation Purdue Pharma. Purdue Pharma is responsible for producing the highly controversial prescription drug OxyContin. Keefe has compiled an exhaustive history of the beginnings, inner workings, and questionable activities of this prominent yet notoriously secretive corporation.
By Reinhold Lautner8 months ago in BookClub
The Kissing Bug: A True Story of a Family, an Insect, and a Nation’s Neglect of a Deadly Disease
In this compelling and reflective book, Daisy Hernández, an esteemed author and journalist, delves into the profound impact of Chagas disease, an often neglected tropical ailment that affects many Latin American immigrants residing in the United States. By integrating scientific data with interviews conducted among families, Hernández effectively humanizes the phenomenon of this understated epidemic, shedding light on the wider healthcare disparities experienced by vulnerable populations.
By Reinhold Lautner8 months ago in BookClub
Behind the Beautiful Forevers
The novel "Behind the Beautiful Forevers" written by Katherine Boo provides an engrossing look at the terrible realities of life in Annawadi, a slum in Mumbai that is located next to a posh airport and a number of luxury hotels. Boo reveals the structural inequality and corruption that keep people of the undercity trapped in intergenerational poverty through the use of personal narratives that focus on a few different neighbors. Her nuanced portraits expose their humanity while simultaneously denouncing the systems that prey on the weak.
By Reinhold Lautner8 months ago in BookClub
Crying in H Mart
In the poignant book titled "Crying in H Mart," Michelle Zauner, an indie musician, offers introspective contemplations on her experiences as a Korean-American, the complex dynamics of her relationship with her mother, and the profound sorrow she grapples with in the aftermath of her mother's demise due to cancer. Zauner adeptly examines the profound impact of food on memory, skillfully navigating her bicultural identity by engaging in the preparation of authentic Korean cuisine. The narrative style employed by Zauner exhibits a remarkable level of elegance, as evidenced by the exquisite wording and vivid descriptions utilized throughout the book. This literary approach engenders a sense of intimacy for the reader, resulting in a lasting impact that extends well beyond the conclusion of the text.
By Reinhold Lautner8 months ago in BookClub
Invisible Child
The life of Dasani, an 11-year-old homeless girl who lives in New York's run-down Auburn shelter, is painstakingly chronicled in Andrea Elliott's novel "Invisible Child." Dasani's existence careens between hunger, violence, and rare moments of youthful bliss during the course of the novel. The compassionate storytelling of Elliott gives poverty and deprivation personal faces, bringing into focus the humanity that lies beneath statistics on injustice and failing social structures. Her in-depth reporting uncovered a broken system that failed the most helpless members of society time and time again.
By Reinhold Lautner8 months ago in BookClub
How the Word Is Passed
In his book "How the Word Is Passed," Clint Smith conducts a comprehensive investigation of the ways in which different locations in the United States come to terms with the legacy of slavery. Smith exposes the blatant inconsistencies in our approach to dealing with the repercussions of the past by conducting an analysis of the narratives that are woven across museums, memorials, and historical landmarks. From the estate of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello to the Angola jail in Louisiana, he compellingly reveals the mythology, erasure, and denial that continue to permeate America's national memory.
By Reinhold Lautner8 months ago in BookClub
Aftershocks
When Nadia Owusu was young, her Ashanti Ghanaian mother and Armenian American father separated, and she was left with her father's family in the United States. In her moving book "Aftershocks," she comes to terms with the ways in which these separations shook her childhood. Owusu travels from Africa through Europe to the Americas, spurred by the emotional earthquakes caused by their absence. Her in-depth account sheds light on the lingering effects of childhood trauma for migrant children.
By Reinhold Lautner8 months ago in BookClub
A Swim in a Pond in the Rain, George Saunders
In my capacity as an author and professor of creative writing, I approached the opportunity to engage with George Saunders' perspectives on Russian literature with great enthusiasm, particularly through the medium of this exceptional new audiobook. Saunders' prowess as a curator and critic aligns seamlessly with his remarkable writing ability, a fact that I can personally affirm, given my longstanding admiration for his distinctive voice and sardonic humor. The author's engaging analysis of a collection of seven short stories authored by prominent Russian writers Chekhov, Turgenev, Tolstoy, and Gogol provides an enlightening and instructive educational experience.
By Reinhold Lautner8 months ago in BookClub
Finding the Mother Tree
In the book titled "Finding the Mother Tree," Suzanne Simard, a distinguished forest ecologist, presents her extensive research on the remarkable interdependence between trees and fungi. Through a compelling combination of scientific discoveries and personal reflections, Simard offers a profound understanding of this interconnectivity. The groundbreaking research conducted by the individual in question significantly alters our comprehension of communication within the natural world and carries extensive ramifications for the management of forest ecosystems.
By Reinhold Lautner8 months ago in BookClub
The Housemaid's Secret by Freida McFadden
The Housemaid's Secret is an audiobook by Freida McFadden, narrated by Erin Bennett. It is a sequel to The Housemaid, but can be read as a standalone novel. It is a psychological thriller that follows Millie, a paroled housemaid who works for a wealthy man with a mysterious wife locked in a guest bedroom. Millie discovers the horrifying truth behind the locked door, and decides to take revenge on her employer for his crimes. The audiobook is about 10 hours and 4 minutes long, and has a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon¹. Here is a summary of the audiobook:
By Reinhold Lautner8 months ago in Fiction
The Complications of Long Covid
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about profound alterations to our everyday lives, ranging from how we interact with one another to how we conduct work. This is especially true of something recently dubbed “long Covid,” a severe symptom that can remain long after an initial infection. While scientists are still gathering information on this post-Covid syndrome, what is evident is its capacity to have severe repercussions for those affected — and it is hence critical to gain knowledge on how best to cope and recover from these consequences. This article will examine various aspects of long-term COVID-19, such as symptom administration or related recuperation strategies. Let us traverse together through the intricacies of COVID-19 while gaining practical insight into managing its effects.
By Reinhold Lautner8 months ago in Humans