Hannah Aster, Author at Shortform Books

Is the British Monarchy Ending? Some Think So

Does the passing of Queen Elizabeth II mean the beginning of the end for the British monarchy? Would this be a good or bad change? Does it even matter? The passing of Queen Elizabeth II marked the end of an era—one in which the institution of the monarchy arguably mattered. But moving forward, some say, the monarchy will no longer add value either to Britain or to the world, and it will continue to lose relevance until eventually, it’s abolished. Here’s why some say Great Brian is entering a new era.

The 2 Causes of the Influx of Migrants to the U.S.

Why are so many migrants crossing the United States border? What does the Biden administration have to do with it? Border state governors are busing thousands of immigrants to northern cities to pressure the Biden administration to stop a surge of border crossings. Critics call the gambit cruel and inhumane. But neither side has a plan to fix the underlying problem. Let’s take a look at what’s causing the influx of migrants in the first place.

Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy, Explained

What is gender-affirming hormone therapy? How does it work, and what are the side effects? Gender-affirming care is the various treatments and procedures that allow a transgender person to physically “transition,” or to alter their bodies to ease discomfort and align with their gender identity. And one major step in the transitioning process is gender-affirming hormone therapy. Keep reading for everything you need to know about this treatment.

The Future of the Monarchy: Why It’s Still Relevant

What does the future of the monarchy look like after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II? Is there still a place for the monarchy in Great Britain? There are some who say that the monarchy—a relic of an imperial era—feels anachronistic. However, the monarchy still serves an important ceremonial and cultural purpose. Here’s why the future of the monarchy is secure.

What Is Gender-Affirmation Surgery? Types & Requirements

What is gender-affirming surgery? What are the different types of surgery, and what are the potential side effects? Gender-affirming care consists of three major components: psychological care, gender-affirming hormonal treatments, and gender-affirming surgeries. This article will go over the different types of surgeries, but keep in mind that surgery is only part of the picture. Read below to learn all about gender-affirming surgeries including the different types, side effects, requirements, and the major barriers patients face.

Gender-Affirming Health Care: Definitions and Laws

What exactly is gender-affirming health care? What are the medical terms that surround this topic? Gender-affirming care for children has been a topic of heated debate in the last few years, with lawsuits and laws ongoing in the US and UK. In order to fully understand the debates, it’s important to learn the terminology around gender-affirming care. Continue reading to learn the terms that go along with gender-affirming health care.

Shortform Views: What Book Should Everyone Read in Their Lifetime?

What books should everybody read in their lifetime? Can there possibly be a book that’s relevant to everybody? At Shortform, we want to highlight our employees and put names and faces behind the words. That’s why we’re asking Shortform team members their thoughts and opinions on different topics. Today, we’ve asked if there are any books that everyone should read. Here’s what they had to say.

12 Rules for Life: Discussion Questions for Book Club

Are you looking for book club or discussion questions about Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life? How can you apply the book’s lessons to your own life? In 12 Rules for Life, Peterson argues that there is a right and wrong way to conduct your life. In contrast, he rejects the ambiguity of moral relativism, the idea that good and evil are subjective opinions and that every belief has its own truth. Here are some 12 Rules for Life discussion questions to ponder after reading the book.

Educated by Tara Westover: Discussion Questions for Book Club

Are you looking for discussion questions for Tara Westover’s Educated? How can these questions help you better relate to Westover’s story? Educated is the autobiographical story of Tara Westover’s journey from being the child of extreme anti-government, anti-science, and religious fundamentalist Mormon parents to becoming a Cambridge- and Harvard-educated Ph.D. Keep reading for Educated discussion questions.

6 Discussion Questions From Crucial Conversations

Are you looking for discussion questions for the book Crucial Conversations? How can these exercises help you improve your communication skills? A crucial conversation is a discussion characterized by high stakes, differing opinions, and strong emotions. If handled poorly, these stressful conversations can derail and even destroy relationships. Here’s a brief background of the book along with Crucial Conversations discussion questions.