EW’s list of the best books to read this fall.
Ten facts about the Bronte sisters.
Book Report: A Sanfranciscan Dream by Saad Aman
![A Sanfranciscan Dream (A Dream, #1] by Saad Aman Sayyed](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1598438707l/55129273._SY475_.jpg)
Six young friends, Heather, John, Aman, Zee, Tina, and AFN are stranded in San Francisco, their parents gone. Together they figure out how to work together and spend their time until they are able to get back to their respective homes. Instead of descending into chaos that would make Lord of the Flies look tame, they use their smarts to make sure they get out their situation intact.
Does this work? At times. Often things worked out but at times they had their squabbles. They couldn’t agree on everything, but decided to make the best of a rather daunting situation. I found it quite interesting how they handled themselves despite their tender ages. And some of the conversation among these young friends was quite funny and amusing.
However, I did find many grammatical and spelling errors. These errors were rather off putting as I read this story. I do feel if the author would have spent more time editing A Sanfranciscan Dream, or got some else to edit his book, the story would have flowed better.
Still, this book is entertaining and will probably appeal to young readers.
Book Review: Well, That Escalated Quickly-Memoirs and Mistakes of an Accidental Activist by Franchesca Ramsey
Franchesca became internet famous. Anderson Cooper interviewed her, which gave her the opportunity to launch a career in both television and online as a writer, actress, and correspondent. She might be best known for her work with MTV’s “Decoded,” Comedy Central’s “The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore” and BET’s “Black Girls.”
In Well, That Escalated Quickly, Franchesca writes about her background growing in a mostly white community, her education, her forays into the world of making videos, social media, and her relationship with her (ex)husband, Patrick.
Many of her first videos were tutorials on her hair locs (dreadlocks). But dealing with a lot of racism and sexism (often called misogynoir), she decided to do her videos on the micro-aggressions she deals with coming from white people. She had no idea her videos would go viral, but instead of hiding out, she instead, clapped back, which gained her both fans and haters.
But beyond, getting a career boost from her videos. Franchesca realized she wanted to get more involved in social media issues. She figured she could do this through social media and television.
All of this was fine. I enjoyed reading about her life both before and after she became internet famous. And I’m proud of her success. Yet, I didn’t see a whole lot of activism going on. Making videos and appearing on MTV is one thing, but activism takes a lot more than that, marching the streets, getting involved in the community, writing to your representatives, and so on. I just didn’t read about it in Well, That Escalated Quickly.
Still, I like this book. Franchesca is a talented writer and quite funny. I just hope her activism goes beyond videos making white women look ridiculous. And I’m quite sure Franchesca Ramsey knows this and is growing and learning as a person.
Book Review: It’s Hard to Be a Person-Defeating Anxiety, Surviving the World and Having More Fun by Brett Newski
I discovered Milwaukee-based musician, artist, podcaster, and now writer Brett Newski when I caught him on one of our local news programs. He recently published the book It’s Hard to Be a Person: Defeating Anxiety, Surviving the World, and Having More Fun, and I just knew I had to read it. I deal with anxiety myself, and I’m always on the look out for books, both serious and fun, on this topic.
It’s Hard to Be a Person is filled with Newski’s amusing illustrations on how to cope with anxiety and other pressures. His advice is both profound and goofy. It reminds us to take our mental health seriously and also have fun along the way. No matter how tough things can get with our anxiety in overdrive, we should take time out for ourselves. It’s okay to take a break from social media, get in touch with nature, reach out to friends and loved ones, and indulge in our hobbies and assorted pleasurable activities.
This is not a serious book that delves deep into mental health issues and that’s okay. Newski never pretends to be a therapist or expert on anxiety and depression. He’s just a fellow who has battled various demons and wants to share his experiences and how he’s coped with other people.
It’s Hard Be a Person is a charming little book, one to savor and share with others.
Book Review: Passed Over and Pissed Off-The Overlooked Leadership Talents of Generation X by Dr. Mia Mulrennan with Terri Bly
True story. A few years ago I applied for a social media marketing job that had my name all over it. The job was for a local book distribution company. It wanted its candidates to be educated and experienced in various communication styles in both traditional and digital media. I ticked off all requirements needed. I never even got an interview. Instead, they hired a twenty-something whose education and experience didn’t nearly approach mine. Not only did I get passed over, I didn’t even get a chance!
Sadly, I’m not alone. A lot of talented, smart, experienced, and hard-working Generation X-ers are in the same boat. They’re losing out on jobs, promotions, and leadership positions to the more favored Millennials. And we are pissed off.
Luckily, my fellow Breakfast Clubbers at a Gen X Facebook group I belong to tipped me off to the book Passed Over and Pissed Off: The Overlooked Leadership Talents of Generation X by Dr. Mia Mulrennan.
Generation X is stuck between two larger and more attention-grabbing generations, the Baby Boomers and the Millennials. Generation X is the classic ignored middle child, the Jan Brady so to speak.
And being ignored is affecting us in the workplace. We’re primed for promotions and leadership positions, yet our Baby Boomer overlords are passing us over for the Millennials. And Generation X-ers aren’t too happy about this. But what can we do?
In Passed Over and Pissed Off, Mulrennan goes to great lengths exploring why this is happening. She also explains the leadership skills Generation X has and why we shouldn’t be cast aside. Generation X-ers are resilient, innovators, loyal, and bridge builders between Boomers and Millennials. And at the same time Generation X-ers are both independent and collaborative. Hmm, sounds good to me!
Mulrennan also warns what will happen if there is a mass Gen Xodus when we leave in a huff. It ain’t pretty!
Not surprisingly, I really liked Passed Over and Pissed Off, and not just because it’s a teller of truths. Passed Over and Pissed is also written in a very down-to-earth and readable style. Mulrennan also fills this book with lots of pop culture references, which made my heart go pitter-pat.
But most of all, Passed Over and Pissed Off tells Generation X it’s up to us to not hold back and get noticed. We have a lot to offer. Time to let everyone know it!
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