Michael Benefiel

Processing defeat as therapy, then moving onward

Revisado: 09-17-17

- settling some scores with James Comey, Matt Lauer, & Bernie Sanders, as well as Vladimir Putin & Donald Trump;
- a strong case for the role of sexism & misogyny as it affected media coverage;
- more than we wanted to know about her emails;
- a self-portrait that reveals balance & disciplined legal reasoning;
- and a persuasive argument that the election of Trump represents a "clear and present danger" to our democracy.

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esto le resultó útil a 16 personas

Achieving serious results without taking yourself too seriously

Revisado: 04-29-17

Hearing Alyssa Mastromonaco in her own words and in her own voice delighted me. She gives her chapters titles for lessons learned and hopes young women will respond to the challenges of doing the endless logistical work our democracy requires. I found her an inspirational example. An amusing and energizing read!

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Inspirational, dramatic narrative

Revisado: 12-13-15

My connection with Seattle is through my mother's family. She was born there in 1920. I can imagine her listening to a radio broadcast of the 1936 Olympic Games from Berlin.

The Great Depression, Hooverville tents and shacks. and young men and women with scant hopes for a better future set the backstory. Contrasts between the wealthy private schools on the Atlantic coast and the public universities on the Pacific Coast also have consequences for rowing programs and Olympic trials of 1936.

Hitler's plans for public relations successes, part of a strategic deception of multiparty democratic nations, are outlined well. The Boys in the Boat retells a story we need to repeat: a small group of dedicated and selfless people, well trained and led with vision and love, can succeed against great odds.

A friend gave me a copy when I was hospitalized last month. By the time the train leaves Seattle, I was caught: hook, line, and sinker. Enjoy!

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Advocate for religious pluralism

Revisado: 04-04-15

Eboo Patel remained silent as his Jewish classmate was verbally attacked by thugs. He recalls the experience with shame. Failing to stand up for religious diversity and advocate tolerance leads to success for religious totalitarians. We see the consequences.

How can real interfaith conversations allow us to assert our own faith journeys AND also bring empathy to those of others?

I liked Patel's answer: we learn most by serving others. Enjoy!

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