The World's Best Book Summaries
How did housing discrimination come to be? What role did slavery have to play in current-day housing discrimination? According to sociologist and the author of Evicted, Matthew Desmond, present-day housing discrimination can be traced back to the 1800s. He provides a brief timeline of how this came to be. Keep reading to learn the history of racial discrimination and housing.
Want to know how to adapt to changes in your life? How can you embrace a new way of being? Navigating life changes can be difficult, but Bruce Feiler, the author of Life Is in the Transitions, argues that you can make it easier by approaching it intentionally and proactively. He proposes seven strategies that can help you adapt to life changes. Keep reading for an in-depth look at each strategy.
What are the benefits of talking about experiences? How should you handle it if you receive negative feedback? While it can be difficult to open up about personal experiences, Bruce Feiler argues that there are five major benefits to doing so. By becoming vulnerable, you can overcome loneliness, receive support, get feedback, and more. Here’s why you should open up about your experiences, as described in the book Life Is in the Transitions.
Is housing discrimination still around today? How do landlords get around discrimination laws? Despite being outlawed in 1968, housing discrimination toward minorities is still prevalent today. The discrimination creates further problems, forcing minorities into poor neighborhoods and restricting their access to education and healthcare. Keep reading for further insights into the present housing discrimination problem.
Are you mourning a loss in your life? How can practicing intentional grief help you process your loss? Practicing intentional grief involves deliberately setting aside time in your day to grieve. You may be grieving the loss of a loved one, being laid off from a job, the end of a marriage, or something else. The important thing is that you allow yourself to process the loss. Here’s how intentional grief works, the different types of mourning, and advice for practicing it.
What is the cycle of poverty and eviction? Why is it so difficult to escape the cycle? How can this lead to crime? Sociologist Matthew Desmond argues that it’s nearly impossible to break out of the cycle of poverty and eviction because each situation exacerbates the other. Some who end up in this loop end up living in motels or even turning to crime. Continue reading for a deeper look at the poverty-eviction cycle.
Do you struggle to cope with emotions? How can you overcome the emotions that arise with grief? Bruce Feiler’s book Life Is in the Transitions deals with overcoming major life changes called “lifequakes.” When changes happen, it’s normal to grieve the life you used to have. However, learning how to handle those emotions is an important part of moving forward. Here’s Feiler’s advice for learning to cope with fear, sadness, and shame.
When was the last time you got a raise at work? How much has the minimum wage increased since 1970? According to Matthew Desmond, the author of Evicted, a big contributor to the housing and eviction crisis is stagnant wages. Over the years, the cost of housing has risen, however, wages have not increased to meet it. Keep reading to understand why eviction rates are rising.
Why is there an eviction crisis in the United States? How much is a household supposed to pay in rent? Matthew Desmond, the author of Evicted, says that there are two major causes of the eviction crisis: stagnant wages and renters who don’t stand up for each other. These two issues combined are resulting in eviction rates higher than during the Great Depression. Here’s a closer look at the two causes of the rising eviction rates.
How can you cope when life throws unexpected changes your way? What are the different types of life changes? Why should you let go of your dream of living a “linear life”? For his book Life Is in the Transitions, Bruce Feiler traveled around the US, interviewing hundreds of people about the ups and downs of their life stories. He argues that although popular wisdom tells you to expect one major midlife crisis, most people actually face dozens of life-changing events. Here’s an overview of Feiler’s book, along with tips for overcoming what life throws at you.