Looking for a good book to read (or art exhibit to visit) on a rainy day? Check out these recommendations related to the environment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Image by un-perfekt from Pixabay 

 

From Kim Stoner

Here’s a great book that I can heartily recommend.

Book title: Doughnut Economics: 7 Ways to Think Like a 21st Century Economist

Author: Kate Raworth

Publication year: 2017

 

What is this book about? 

Changing the goal of economics to be about how we meet the fundamental human needs of all the people of the world without overshooting the ecological and physical boundaries of life on our planet

 

Why did you like it? Why should someone else read it? 

A very readable and hopeful book about how we can change our worldview, and that will help us then go out and change the world.

 

Another recommendation — of an art exhibit!

Noah: A Future Hope — 3 Faiths, 3 Artists, 1 Story

Currently at the Hartford International University for Religion and Peace

77  Sherman Avenue, Hartford, ending May 12

 Artists: Hady Boraey, Brian Whelan, and Yona Verwer

 

The story of Noah, which is in all 3 Abrahamic faiths, is a powerful metaphor in our times. Noah is given advance knowledge of a powerful cataclysm, struggles to convince others, and then takes action to save the living world.

 

The three artists have very different visual styles, but each resonated deeply with the danger and the hope of this moment. The HIU chapel and meeting room were great contemplative spaces to sit with these visions.

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From Julianna Larue

Here’s a great book that I can heartily recommend.

Book title: All We Can Save Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis

Author: Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine L. Wilkinson 

Publication year: 2021

 

What is this book about? 

A book filled with essays and poems by women at the forefront of the climate crisis

 

Why did you like it? Why should someone else read it? 

I loved this book! It was inspiring to read about what women are doing to solve the climate crisis. Someone should read this book because it helps make sense of climate change and how to take a justice oriented approach to solving it. 

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From Anne Weisberg

Loved that book, Julianna. My daughter gave it to me for Mother's Day — in case you are looking for a good gift!! I want to add the following book:

Book title: Human Nature: Nine Ways to Feel About Our Changing Planet

Author: Kate Marvel

Publication year: 2025

 

What is this book about? A deeply personal yet highly scientific look at climate change through the lens of human emotions by a renowned climate scientist.

 

Why did you like it? Why should someone else read it? 

The author weaves her personal stories, scientific research, and concepts of behavioral economics (why we make the choices we make) to create a compelling way to communicate about the impact of climate change. I went through all the emotions in the book — wonder, anger, guilt, fear, grief, surprise, pride, hope, and love — while learning a ton.