★★★ ½

Parker has written a modern guide for gatherings that is opinionated about hosting, brimming with examples, and full of heart. At times, I noticed myself bristling at the prescriptive tone, which taunted my inner rebel. However, I can’t argue with Parker’s passion for creating special experiences that deepen the connection between everyone present. One thing I loved about this book is that it can apply to gatherings of all shapes and sizes. From status meetings to family reunions to formal affairs, you’ll find something here that transcends.

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“Ichi-go ichi-e. The master told me it roughly translates to “one meeting, one moment in your life that will never happen again.” She explained further: ‘We could meet again, but you have to praise this moment because in one year, we’ll have a new experience, and we will be different people and will be bringing new experiences with us, because we are also changed.’”

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★★★★½

This book recounts Nawal El Saadawi's arrest and imprisonment for the crime of having an opinion in Anwar Sadat's Egypt. In it, El Saadawi explores the essence of democracy and free speech within the nitty gritty, day-to-day experience of life as a political prisoner. *Memoirs From a Women's Prison* took me to new places geographically and politically. And, it taught me how beauty can take root in bleak environments. Stirring and strong.

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“The most dangerous shackles are the invisible ones, because they deceive people into believing they are free.”

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