Weekend Reading

Weekend Reading 

by Sacred Chickens Staff 

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​We at Sacred Chickens love books. We really do; but sometimes life gets in the way of reading. So, we have decided to introduce a new section of the blog called Weekend Reading, where Jarad, Morty, and Julie tell you what they want to read over the weekend. We may not get it all done, but at least we'll feel bad about it.  ​

This weekend, Morty's reading........

In the Time of Madness- Richard Lloyd Perry 

What is it?  This book is the personal record of a British reporter, Richard Lloyd Parry, who is caught up in a time of great unrest as he covers Indonesia for the news.  He is witness to the collapse of the Suharto regime and to the violence of the Dayak, natives of Borneo, as they begin to hunt down and behead and then cannibalize the Madurese Muslims who have migrated to their Island.  The author is also present during violent clashes between the government and student protestors.  This book is well-written and researched, but the author does not disguise the emotions he experiences as witness to the violence and trauma.
 
Why read it?  In addition to being a complex, compelling look at a slice of history and the collapse of a political system by someone who was there, this book asks important questions about how easily people, any people, slip into the madness of hatred and violence.  

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Julie's Reading........

The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell : Tales of a 6' 4", African American, Heterosexual, Cisgender, Left-Leaning, Asthmatic, Black and Proud Blerd, Mama's Boy, Dad, and Stand-Up Comedianby (no surprise) W. Kamau Bell


What is it?  Obviously, the awkward thoughts of W. Kamau Bell.  I had forgotten that I wanted to recommend the book before seeing Bell on the last season of Parts Unknown in Kenya.  Bell is funny, warm, smart and candid about his life as a black nerd, the casual racism that’s part of his everyday life, his take on “intersection progressivism” and a host of other topics.  The book is part biography, part philosophy and part comedy.  It’s sharply written, thought provoking, and oddly comforting in the age of Trump.

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Jarad's Reading......

A Secret History of Witches- Louisa Morgan 

What is it? An intergenerational saga detailing the lives of five generations of witches, who are trying to both keep their power a secret and discover how to use it. 

Why I decided to read it. I have always enjoyed stories about witches, and I have wanted to read this one for some time, so when I saw it in a bookstore, so I had to grab it. It seems like it will be engaging. 

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