February turned out to be a quick, hectic month and unusually I found myself reading all non-fiction.

Ten Myths About Israel by Ilan Pappe

Frustrated by mainstream journalism coverage of the most recent conflict between Israel and Palestine, I picked up this book by Israeli historian, Ilan Pappe, to try to learn more. Ten Myths About Israel challenges the narrative many of us have been taught to believe about Israel as a land without a people for a people without a land, Israel being the only democracy in the middle east, that zionism is Judaism, and the two state solution is the only hope for lasting peace. It’s not without controversy, as Ilan Pappe argues that consecutive Israeli governments have undermined the peace process by refusing to negotiate with Palestinian leaders and allowing illegal settlements in Gaza and the West Bank. Ten Myths About Israel provided the context that I was seeking and I appreciated that this offers a secular history which doesn’t hold all Jewish people or Israeli citizens responsible for the actions of extremists in government or the Zionist movement.

Scattered Minds by Gabor Mate

A really interesting read (or in my case, listen) from a psychiatrist who has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, which includes anecdotes and reflection from his own experiences as well as those of patients he’s worked with.
Scattered Minds explains the symptoms and signs of ADHD, and examines the links between genetics, early childhood environment and neurobiology in individuals with ADHD.
Gabor Mate argues that while there is a neurobiological aspect, that impaired parent-child attachment and environmental stress during the  early years can also have an impact on the development of ADHD, and that we live in a fast-paced culture and society that exacerbates ADHD symptoms.
This also contains advice on how to parent a child with adhd, such as how to build attunement and attachment, overcome oppositionality and stubbornness, and how to motivate a child with ADHD.

Freedom is a Constant Struggle by Angela Y. Davis

This is an collection of speeches, articles and interviews on related themes and topics from the prison industrial complex, the militarization of the police and institutional racism which has lead to so many black people being killed by the police force, the power of collective action and intersectional feminism, and the struggle for freedom and abolition from the United States of America to Palestine. Freedom is a Constant Struggle is an interesting, informative and thought-provoking little book that really left me wanting to read more of Angela Y. Davis’ work.

It’s Not That Radical by Mikaela Loach

This is a really interesting book by a young, black female environmental activist that draws connections between exploitation of land and resources that lead to climate breakdown and social issues like the exploitation of workers and racism. One thing I found really inspiring was the idea that climate justice means more than just preserving the status quo with green capitalism alternatives, and the climate emergency provides an opportunity to create a fairer, cleaner and healthier world for everyone, but I was a little disappointed that there weren’t more practical steps to take beyond joining a trade union or protesting.

Have a lovely week all. X