The World's Best Book Summaries
What is a “lifequake”? Why are some life experiences more transformative than others? In his book Life Is in the Transitions, Bruce Feiler discusses what he calls “lifequakes.” A lifequake is an event that’s so significant that there was life before the event and life after. Keep reading to learn all about Feiler’s lifequakes.
Are there government regulations on ultra-processed foods? What does the FDA say about them? In his book Ultra-Processed People, Dr. Chris van Tulleken explains that there are very few ultra-processed food regulations. This allows companies to bypass the FDA when they put additives in foods. Here’s how it came to be this way.
Why is change so hard? What gives us a sense of meaning in life? What are the three stages of adaptation? In his book Life is in the Transitions, Bruce Feiler explains that many people struggle to navigate life changes, especially transformations, for two reasons. The first reason is that change can alter the meaning of your life and the second is that adapting to change is similar to grieving a death. We’ll go over each reason in detail below.
How dangerous are predatory landlords? How did landlording turn into a full-time job? In his book Evicted, Matthew Desmond argues that predatory landlords are contributing to the housing and eviction crisis in the US. They target low-income earners by charging too much in rent, neglecting repairs, and making non-binding agreements. Continue reading to learn more about predatory landlord practices and their effects.
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.