So today I'm grumpy because there's always a bit of traditional advice that crops up around the holidays that says to hold your tongue whenever someone brings up politics in order to avoid a fight. This is not bad advice by any means and I don't think wanting a peaceful dinner is a bad impulse. But I'm also very bad at holding my tongue, especially about things I have a Moral Stance on (those big, sticky, serious issues), and if someone says something I find objectionable then I can't stop myself from voicing an opinion. I don't start fights (but sometimes I try to finish them).
Instead of holding your tongue, though, the better piece of advice would be to avoid the topic altogether. And what better way to do that than to find something else to talk about? And - big surprise coming from me, right? - what better thing to talk about than books?
1. Educated by Tara Westover
Why talk about your own dysfunctional family and its quirks when you can talk about someone else's? In this book, which has gotten a lot of buzz throughout the year, Westover talks about escaping her isolated, unconventional - and at times violent - upbringing to find her way to Harvard and Cambridge.
2. Becoming by Michelle Obama
While its likely that you have relatives across the political spectrum, and those of a more conservative bent may have opinions about the former first lady, this is still a compelling memoir - a story about her life, in her own words. It will fascinate those who admire her, and humanize her to those determined to villainize her for her - or her husband's - politics.
3. A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult
Why have the abortion debate at the table when you can just read a book that does it for you? This is Picoult's latest novel about a hostage standoff at a women's reproductive health clinic. According to the author herself during an interview with CBS Good Morning, this book does not draw conclusions for readers, but rather aims to "help both sides hear each other."
4. Leadership by Doris Kearns Goodwin
For the history buff in the family - the aunt doing genealogy, or the grandpa obsessed with presidents - try this offering by the Pulitzer Prize winner, who now "leads the league of presidential historians". In this book she presents four presidents, their hardships and ambitions, their different backgrounds, and examines what made them the leaders they became.
5. Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
Maybe your family is heavy on fiction readers, and you all just want to discuss a new, popular work. This book, from the author of the hit Big Little Lies, will give plenty to talk about. It follows nine people over ten days at a health and wellness resort - everyone's there for different reasons, and maybe things turn out a little more difficult than any of them expect.
Have you read and discussed any of these? What other books have you read that you've enjoyed talking about?
Have you read and discussed any of these? What other books have you read that you've enjoyed talking about?
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