People sometimes ask whether I think there's anything we can do to "solve" the problems of my community. I know what they're looking for: a magical public policy solution or innovative government program. But these problems of family, faith, and culture aren't like a Rubik's Cube, and I don't think that solutions (as most understand the term) really exist.

#hillbillyelegy #jdvance #booksandcoffee #flatlay

"I have black skin, but I don't have a tail. As far as I know - I never thought to look," Cora said. "Slavery is a curse, though, that much is true." Slavery is a sin when whites were put to the yoke, but not the African. All men are created equal, unless we decide you are not a man.

#theundergroundrailroad #colsonwhitehead #pulitzer #whatiread #flatlay

"You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs, is what he says. We thought we could do better.

Better? I say, in a small voice. How can you think this is better?

Better never means better for everyone, he says. It always means worse, for some."

#thehandmaidstale #margaretatwood #coffeeandbooks