Three welcome books

Hello there,

It’s the holiday season. It’s an odd one, with intense periods of busyness followed by long stretches of quiet. While enjoying the break, I seek things to do. That said, much of my time is happily occupied with family and friends! This and next week’s letters will be brief.

I read three books this year that I found particularly fulfilling:

1. The Real World of Technology (by Ursula Franklin)
   Franklin taught me how to be critical about technology. By connecting modern technological changes with historical trends, I now appreciate that many of the problems created by modern technology are old, that solutions may lie in the past as much as the future.
2. How to Tell When You’re Tired: A Brief Examination of Work (by Reg Theriault)
   Theriault reshaped my understanding of work. He clearly cares for it so much, as a central part of his life. I’ve often reflected on this recently, especially as I find myself with relatively little to do. Most of all, he makes explicit the social nature of work, something that I look forward to exploring as I pick up more regular employment.
3. An Everlasting Meal: Cooking with Economy and Grace (by Tamar Adler)
   Adler encouraged me to cook for joy before all else. What tastes good to you is of utmost importance for Adler. Embracing that has made my time in the kitchen even more enjoyable than it was before—a difficult feat. Her easygoing, flexible attitude toward cooking is infectious, and her writing is superb.

I recommend any and all of the three. I’ve read a fun collection of books this year, and would be happy to recommend books to you personally depending on your interests. (This is a standing offer!)

That’s all for today. Wherever you are, whomever you’re with, and whatever you’re doing, I wish you a pleasant week.

Sent on December 24^th, 2017.