Write the truest thing you know, said old man Hemingway
Salman Rushdie notes:
“Those who do not have power over the story that dominates their lives, the power to retell it, to rethink it, to deconstruct it, joke about it, and change it as times change, truly are powerless.”
Dear reader, this is it
Robert Reich: I've been in and around politics for 50 years. Let's just say I've experienced a lot — and it's worn me down. I used to be 6 foot 4. My new memoir, "Coming Up Short,' explores what I've learned, where I failed, and how future generations can pick up the fight for a better world. Learn more:
From political economist, cabinet member, beloved professor, media presence, and bestselling author of Saving Capitalism and The Common Good, a deeply felt, compelling memoir of growing up in a baby-boom America that made progress in certain areas, fell short in so many important ways, and still has lots of work to do
A thought-provoking, principled, clear-eyed chronicle of the culture, politics, and economic choices that have landed us where we are today—with irresponsible economic bullies and corporations with immense wealth and lobbying power on top, demagogues on the rise, and increasing inequality fueling anger and hatred across the country.
Nine months after World War II, Robert Reich was born into a united America with a bright future—which went unrealized for so many as big money took over our democracy. His encounter with school bullies on account of his height—4'11" as an adult—set him on a determined path to spend his life fighting American bullies of every sort. He recounts the death of a friend in the civil rights movement; his political coming of age witnessing the Berkeley free speech movement; working for Bobby Kennedy and Senator Eugene McCarthy; experiencing a country torn apart by the Vietnam War; meeting Hillary Rodham in college, Bill Clinton at Oxford, and Clarence Thomas at Yale Law. He details his friendship with John Kenneth Galbraith during his time teaching at Harvard, and subsequent friendships with Bernie Sanders and Ted Kennedy; and his efforts as labor secretary for Clinton and economic advisor to Barack Obama. Ultimately, Reich asks: What did his generation accomplish? Did they make America better, more inclusive, more tolerant? Did they strengthen democracy? Or did they come up short?
Reich hardly abandons us to despair over a doomed democracy. With characteristic spirit and humor, he lays out how we can reclaim a sense of community and a democratic capitalism based on the American ideals we still have the power to salvage.
Six striking images showcase scientific fieldworkNature
In Paris, Unearthing the Dazzling Appeal of the Simple Supermarket
Pulitzer Prizes
They've announced this year's Pulitzer Prizes.
James, by Percival Everett, won the Fiction category, over three other finalists: The Unicorn Woman, by Gayl Jones; Mice 1961, by Stacey Levine; and Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel.
(Updated - 7 May): Apparently, as Alexandra Alter reports in The New York Times, ‘James’ Won the Pulitzer, but Not Without Complications (presumably paywalled), as "James was not the top pick among the Pulitzer's five fiction jury members. It wasn't even in the top three" ..... Ah, literary prizes ....
The Criticism award went to Alexandra Lange, with none of the three finalists a literary critic.
