The World's Best Book Summaries
Why did Michelle Obama think she and Barack’s marriage was falling apart? What steps did they take to save it? When Barack Obama became an Illinois State Senator, Michelle was left to do the job of a single parent while trying to pursue her own career. This eventually put such a strain on the Obamas’ marriage that Michelle didn’t know if it would last. Keep reading to learn about Barack and Michelle’s marriage and how they managed to save it.
What is dating down? Is it bad for your happiness and future plans? In The Defining Decade, Meg Jay says that not dating down is an important part of finding a life partner. Dating down means dating someone you would’ve dated in your past, before you were mature or at the point in your life you’re at now. Read more about dating down and why you should avoid it.
What is the cohabitation effect? What is its effect on relationships? The cohabitation effect is when a couple cohabitates without making a strong commitment or begins cohabiting by accident. The cohabitation effect can have negative consequences for relationships. Read more about the cohabitation effect below.
Who was Suzanne Alele? What lasting impact did she have on Michelle Obama’s life? Suzanne Alele was Michelle’s best friend from Princeton. Suzanne was carefree, spontaneous, and full of vigor. Tragically, at the age of 26, Suzanne lost her battle with cancer and taught Michelle the importance of enjoying life. Keep reading to learn more about Michelle and Suzanne’s friendship.
What was Michelle Obama’s family life like growing up? What influences did Michelle’s parents have on her education? Michelle Obama’s first stage of Becoming starts with her family life in Chicago. She grew up in a one-bedroom apartment with her parents and older brother and she credits her mother, Marian, for teaching her to value education. Keep reading to learn more about Michelle Obama’s family and childhood.
How can Radical Acceptance help us to improve our mindful relationships with other people? Why is community so important in Buddhism? Although we hear many stories of people who isolate themselves to go on spiritual journeys, humans are social creatures, and our spiritual journey can’t happen in isolation. The Buddha called sangha—community—a treasure of the spiritual path. That’s because communities have strength that individuals lack. Keep reading to learn why mindful relationships and community are important for Radical Acceptance.
When should you have a baby? Should it be sooner rather than later? Everyone’s decision regarding if and when they want to start a family is different. But Meg Jay, the author of The Defining Decade, advises that everyone should be aware of their body’s limitations, and plan accordingly. Read more about what this means, and how to answer the question “when should you have a baby” for yourself.
What do encoded and explicit sex symbolize in literature? Why is it important to look beyond sex when reading literature? In literature, sex and sexuality are used symbolically in two different ways: encoded sex and explicit sex. Encoded sex means the author uses symbolic imagery to imply sex in a scene, but the reader never sees the sexual act take place. Explicit sex is when the author uses a sex scene to symbolize a larger theme in the story. Continue reading for more information on what sex symbolizes in literature.
In what ways were Michelle and Barack Obama’s upbringings different? Why did Barack move around a lot as a child? Michelle Obama’s childhood was stable and focused around family and education. On the contrary, Barack had a mixed heritage, lived in Hawaii and Indonesia, and had loose ties with his family. Continue reading to learn more about Barack Obama’s heritage and how it differed from Michelle’s.
What is the weak ties theory? Why do we need to pursue weak social ties in order to be happy and successful? The weak ties theory is the idea that people with whom you have weak ties can help you find success. Weak ties often lead to good opportunities and stronger ties, so it’s important to pursue them. Read more about the weak ties theory and what it means.