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Matilda L's avatar

I’ve just started Orwell’s Roses, too! I love Rebecca Solinit’s writing.

Asha Dornfest's avatar

Me too!! There’s no one like her.

Liz Gumbinner's avatar

Thank you so much for the mention! ❤️ And now I have one more book on my overgrowing reading list. If it’s good with you and Rebecca Solnit, it’s good by me.

Asha Dornfest's avatar

So much good change afoot in your family! And I can’t recommend this book enough — it’s a beauty.

Amy Byrnes's avatar

"Despair is a dictator’s weapon because it’s seductive and infectious." That really stopped me in my (reading) tracks. I'm brimming with it this morning after reading recent headlines. The news is relentless. Thanks for the reminder that we've been here before and to not give up hope. To not let the bastardes get us down. Also, thanks for the shout out and hope you and your guy are back safe and sound in Portland.

Asha Dornfest's avatar

We’re back in Portland safe and sound. Part of what I loved about this book is how eloquently Rebecca Solnit explains the importance of joy and hope in her work, not as frothy distractions or numbing agents, but as necessary fuel for resistance. She, like Orwell, aspires to raising political writing to art, and she succeeds.

Lauren Klinger's avatar

So glad your mom is getting great care! Fingers crossed she bounces back quickly.

Rita Ott Ramstad's avatar

I love this Asha. Thank you so much for reminding me of Orwell's essay (truly, a big part of why I became a secondary English teacher) and expanding on it with Solnit's thinking and your own. Safe travels to you both!

Asha Dornfest's avatar

WOW. Really?? That essay pressed you toward teaching? That’s amazing. I was almost an English major, but settled on sociology. Not surprising this essay captured my imagination…it sits at the intersection of both.