Rick Klau

This book tells the story of the creation of the Panama Canal, which became one of the greatest engineering feats of its time. It covers the events leading up to the Canal's construction and the struggles faced by the thousands of workers involved in the project. The story is full of drama, including a wave of fortune seekers, bankrupt French entrepreneurs, and even a revolution. David McCullough's masterful history is a captivating read for anyone interested in this iconic feat of engineering.

Explore a revolutionary guide that empowers readers, teaching them how to develop resilience and grit in the face of our country’s whitewashed history. Dolly Chugh sheds light on the racial fault lines of our country, revealing the truth about past events that have shaped today’s inequalities. Through heartrending personal histories and practical advice, Chugh invites us to bear witness to the damage, and work towards dismantling the systems built by our forbearers. With her expert guidance, readers will be empowered to build a more just future for all.

"Ejaculate Responsibly" presents a thought-provoking perspective on the abortion issue by directing the focus on men's lack of accountability in preventing unwanted pregnancies. Gabrielle Blair builds a compelling argument by examining the basics of fertility, the unfair burden on women in preventing pregnancy, and the stigmas around birth control for men. Highly readable and unflinching, this book calls for a shift in responsibility towards preventing unwanted pregnancies from women to men.

Cloud Cuckoo Land is a beautifully written novel that explores the power of stories to survive against all odds. Follow an unforgettable cast of characters from past, present, and future as they weather the end of things and strive for survival. A seamstress and a cursed boy risk everything on opposite sides of a city wall, an impoverished kid seeks revenge in a crumbling world, and a tiny community looks to the oldest stories for guidance. Bound together by an ancient text, these tales interweave to form a tapestry of resilience and human connection, making this book another hopeful masterpiece from Anthony Doerr.

Explore the true history of America's racially divided cities through the eyes of a top authority on housing policy. In "The Color of Law," Richard Rothstein unearths the startling truth that de jure segregation – government policies and laws – were responsible for discriminatory housing patterns that still exist today. Discover the untold story of racial zoning in the 1920s, the flawed urban planning of the 1950s, and federal subsidies for builders that enforced segregation in post-World War II suburbs. Learn how police and prosecutors furthered these policies through violent resistance to black families in white neighborhoods. With recent outbursts of violence in cities, this is a vital examination to enlighten and support the fight for racial justice.

This inspiring memoir tells the powerful story of a young lawyer who defies the injustices of America's legal system. After stumbling upon Sharanda Jones' case, Brittany K. Barnett embarks on a transformative journey that challenges her beliefs and values. Through her work to free Sharanda and others, she becomes a leading voice in the movement to reform the system. A Knock at Midnight is a must-read for anyone interested in the human potential for change, and the struggle for justice in America.

"Leave the World Behind" is a captivating novel about two families, strangers to each other, who are forced together on a long weekend gone terribly wrong. A sudden blackout sweeps the city and a panicked older black couple arrives at the luxurious rental house the other family is staying at. With no means of communication to the outside world, tensions rise as the families are unsure who to trust and if they are truly safe from each other. This suspenseful and thought-provoking book delves into the complexities of parenthood, race, and class during moments of crisis.

"The Woman Who Smashed Codes" is an incredible true story of the groundbreaking American woman who invented cryptology with her husband during World War II, solving puzzles that unmasked Nazi spies and helped win the war. This book delves into the life of Elizebeth Smith and her integral role in shaping modern intelligence, as well as her covert missions to catch gangsters, smugglers, and Nazi spy rings. This page-turning popular history blends the compelling detail of Erik Larson's bestsellers with the intensity of "The Imitation Game".

A guide to civic tech that covers everything from onboarding to survival. The book focuses on outlining the types of projects, partnerships, and people that civic technologists encounter and the methods they can use to make lasting change. It also provides practical advice on building alliances with public-sector partners, finding the right tech and non-tech skill sets, and connecting with others in the field to work sustainably on hard problems. Written by a civic technologist, the book is a must-read for anyone interested in making a difference in the community.