Spring 2018 Book Titles and Descriptions
Don’t Judge a Muslim Woman by Her Cover
(Asli)
Muslim women face multiple stereotypes daily. Such as the idea that they are all covered in modest clothing, or they are oppressed, not educated, weak, or a symbol of threat. People are afraid of what they don’t know. As a Muslim woman, I think that the dominant image of Muslim women in the western world does not represent me and my Muslim community. Please come meet me and ask me any questions.
I Don’t Catch Babies
(Donna)
What does a Doula do? How is a Doula different from a midwife? There are many misconceptions about Doulas and what we do. Come talk with me about this misunderstood vocation.
Experiencing Diversity
(Gabriel)
Being raised in a Catholic and Orthodox Jewish household by parents of different nationalities exposed me to diversity at a young age. I began to recognize this when I joined the military and we all needed to work together – regardless of our differences. Come ask me questions to learn how I use diversity to benefit our community.
The Shadow Proves the Sunshine: Mental Illness, Abuse Recovery
(Heather)
What is it like to have illnesses that no one can see? How do they impact growing up in a rural community where mental illness is regarded as weakness? How can someone remain hopeful after years of abuse? This book holds answers and a tale you won’t easily forget.
Recovering Drug Addict
(Heidi)
For years I turned to drugs to escape reality. Which drug it was didn’t matter to me—as long as I could have the escape. Drug to drug, my life was centered on finding the next high, but living many lows… I am grateful to be living today as a recovering drug addict, rather than dying from drug use. I look forward to sharing some of my experiences as I answer your questions.
The Mind of a Cop
(Jon)
Being a police officer is one of the toughest occupations around the world. However, it can also be one of the most life-changing, as every day that I spend wearing that uniform I see the worst society has to offer and sometimes the best. What do you see and think when you notice a police officer? You see a uniform, a badge, a gun? You may think, “Will he pull me over?” “Does he need to make his quota?” “Will I get shot?” Police officers are just as human as everyone else. We are fathers, mothers, sisters, and brothers. So many stereotypes and perceptions are out there about law enforcement officers and how we work or what we think. Take this opportunity to sit down and learn what goes on in the mind of a cop. Just don’t forget the doughnuts.
A Nation’s Scapegoat: The American Teacher
(Martha)
No Child Left Behind. Teacher accountability. Standardized testing. Differentiation. More testing. Failing schools. English Language Leaners. More testing. Legislation. World rankings. More testing.
As an educator for 20 years, Martha has faced being one of the scapegoats. She has experience teaching in different parts of the country, as well as in Catholic and public schools. Are there differences? Many assume that there is an education crisis. Is there really? Are teachers doing enough? Come visit with Martha. She looks forward to an insightful conversation as she answers your questions.
Experiencing Education in Two Countries
(Nikul)
Being an international student at a university in the United States is quite different than being a student at home in India. For example, I needed to complete an undergraduate degree within four years, and math must be computed without a calculator in India. There are many differences I would like to share. I welcome your questions!
Dissenting and Conforming
(Phil)
Come meet this book who went from protesting the war in Iraq to serving in the U.S. Navy eight years later. He thought he would be an odd duck entering the service at 33 years old, but discovered everyone has their own unique story for why they serve. He welcomes your questions.
Change of Perspective
(Vinay)
A new culture is an instant opportunity to learn because it gives you a paradigm shift and sometimes what you believe to be wrong is perfectly acceptable to do in some parts of the world. I discovered this when I moved to the United States from India to complete my masters in Computer Science. We should stop being judgmental and embrace the fact that the world is such a beautiful, diverse place to live in and the best thing to do is experience all the things that come along your way.
