Ursina's Shelf - Friendly recommendations
Issue 68
Hi all,
This newsletter is based on the idea of sharing book tips with friends and family. Today, I’d like to share some books written by friends.
Before jumping in, I’d like to announce the launch of this newsletter’s referral program. If you refer three new subscribers to this newsletter, you will get access to exclusive content, such as my Books-by-genre booklet. Keep referring and more rewards will await:
How to Win Friends and Manage Remotely by McKenna Sweazey (2022)
Description: My business school classmate McKenna Sweazey is a work-from-home expert and in this book, she reviews topics such as giving feedback, team communications, and culture in hybrid and remote workspaces with personal examples, extensive research, and many practical tips.
My take: I gobbled up McKenna’s advice because it all made so much intuitive sense, but even if it seems obvious, it is easy to miss and oversee so much of what is needed to manage well and with empathy and become a productive team in these new working environments. (Buy here).
What a Happy Family by Saumya Dave (2021)
Description: Saumya’s second novel centers around a South Asian-American family in Atlanta and how both the parents and three children deal with the expectations placed on them. Everything starts to unravel after Natasha, the second daughter, refuses a marriage proposal from her long-time boyfriend, who is also the son of good family friends.
My take: While the plot moves along swiftly, I was intrigued by several of this book’s themes, especially the mental health stigma in immigrant families, psychologist family members missing their own family members’ struggles, the burden of expectations, and the differences in experiences and parenting of siblings growing up with the same parents (Buy here).
The Palestinian Table by Reem Kassis (2017) (previously appeared in issue 9)
My Description: This book is a treasure to me, not only because of its contents, but because it was written by my freshman-year roommate Reem! Reem not only explores the flavors of her home, the recipes of her grandmothers, and shares local traditions, she openly discusses her love for cooking and spending time in the kitchen, while also being an ambitious working parent. Spices feature heavily not only as a flavor but also an ingredient to Reem’s memories of growing up in her mom’s kitchen. (Buy here).
Favorite recipe: Chickpeas in Tahini Sauce. This filling dish is great with fresh parsley and cucumbers.
Currently listening to: Calling for a Blanket Dance by Oscar Hokeah (buy here).
Thank you as always for reading and be sure to check into the next newsletter, where I have a special edition planned. Have a great weekend!