I finished up the Licanius Trilogy this week. What a complex, mind-bending journey into a new realm of fantasy and magic. I came away with a couple of favorite characters and a new way of thinking about how to write epic fantasy.
If you’re on Goodreads or Storygraph, let’s connect and see where our reading journeys take us.
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In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI), we are constantly faced with new challenges and ethical dilemmas. One such issue has recently been brought to light by a study published in The Guardian. The study reveals a concerning bias in AI detection tools, particularly against non-native English speakers.
These AI detection tools are designed to identify whether a piece of text has been written by a human or generated by an AI. They are increasingly being used in academic and professional settings to prevent what some consider a new form of cheating – using AI to write essays or job applications. However, the study found that these tools often incorrectly flag work produced by non-native English speakers as AI-generated.
The researchers tested seven popular AI text detectors using 91 English essays written by non-native speakers. Over half of these essays, written for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), were incorrectly identified as AI-generated. In stark contrast, when essays written by native English-speaking eighth graders in the US were tested, over 90% were correctly identified as human-generated.
The bias seems to stem from how these detectors assess what is human and what is AI-generated. They use a measure called “text perplexity”, which gauges how “surprised” or “confused” a generative language model is when trying to predict the next word in a sentence. Large language models like ChatGPT are trained to produce low perplexity text, which means that if humans use a lot of common words in a familiar pattern in their writing, their work is at risk of being mistaken for AI-generated text. This risk is greater with non-native English speakers, who are more likely to adopt simpler word choices.
The implications of these findings are serious. AI detectors could falsely flag college and job applications as AI-generated, and marginalize non-native English speakers on the internet, as search engines such as Google downgrade what is assessed to be AI-generated content. In education, non-native students bear more risks of false accusations of cheating, which can be detrimental to a student’s academic career and psychological well-being.
In light of these findings, Jahna Otterbacher at the Cyprus Center for Algorithmic Transparency at the Open University of Cyprus suggests a different approach. Instead of fighting AI with more AI, we should develop an academic culture that promotes the use of generative AI in a creative, ethical manner. She warns that AI models like ChatGPT, which are constantly learning from public data, will eventually learn to outsmart any detector.
This study serves as a reminder that as we continue to integrate AI into our lives, we must remain vigilant about its potential unintended consequences. It’s crucial that we continue to question and scrutinize the tools we use, especially when they have the potential to discriminate or cause harm. As we move forward, let’s ensure that our use of AI in education and other sectors is not only innovative but also fair and ethical.
For more details, you can read the full article here.
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The open crowdsourced collection by #creativeHE is a dynamic compilation of 101 innovative uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, created in early 2023. This collection embodies collective creativity and the spirit of experimentation, offering a range of ideas in their nascent stages that could potentially revolutionize learning, development, teaching, and assessment. It emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives and a collaborative community of practice, providing numerous examples of inventive AI applications in education.
As educators design new learning experiences and unique engagement opportunities, this collection serves as an inspiration to push boundaries, collaborate radically, and innovate for a transformational student experience. The collection is expected to grow as educators continue to experiment and evolve their practices in the realm of AI in education.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post. If you’ve enjoyed the insights and stories, consider showing your support by subscribing to my weekly newsletter. It’s a great way to stay updated and dive deeper into my content. Alternatively, if you love audiobooks or want to try them, click here to start your free trial with Audible. Your support in any form means the world to me and helps keep this blog thriving. Looking forward to connecting with you more!
The Russell Group, a collective of 24 public research universities in the UK, has published new principles outlining how its institutions will responsibly and ethically use AI technologies like ChatGPT.
The guidelines, agreed upon by all the group’s vice-chancellors, include training staff to help students use AI tools and adapting teaching and assessment methods to incorporate AI technology. The group believes this could enhance student learning experiences and prepare them for real-world applications of these technologies.
However, there are concerns about students using AI to complete coursework and assessments, which some academics view as undetectable cheating. As a result, all Russell Group institutions have updated their academic codes of conduct to reflect developments in AI and clarify when its use is inappropriate. Read the full article here.
The study titled “A comprehensive AI policy education framework for university teaching and learning” aims to develop an AI education policy for higher education by examining the perceptions and implications of text-generative AI technologies. The research collected data from 457 students and 180 teachers and staff across various disciplines in Hong Kong universities, using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Based on the findings, the study proposes an AI Ecological Education Policy Framework to address the multifaceted implications of AI integration in university teaching and learning. This framework is organized into three dimensions: Pedagogical, Governance, and Operational. The Pedagogical dimension focuses on using AI to improve teaching and learning outcomes, while the Governance dimension tackles issues related to privacy, security, and accountability. The Operational dimension addresses matters concerning infrastructure and training.
The framework fosters a nuanced understanding of the implications of AI integration in academic settings, ensuring that stakeholders are aware of their responsibilities and can take appropriate actions accordingly. The study highlights the importance of students playing an active role in drafting and implementing the policy. The research also addresses the growing concern in academic settings about the use of text-generative artificial intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT, Bing, and the latest, Co-Pilot, integrated within the Microsoft Office suite. The study found that nearly one in three students had used a form of AI, such as essay-generating software, to complete their coursework. This has led to calls for stricter regulations and penalties for academic misconduct involving AI. Read the full study here.
Leon Furze’s blog post titled “Teaching AI Ethics: The Series” presents a comprehensive guide to understanding and teaching the ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The series, initially a single post, has been expanded into nine detailed posts, each focusing on a unique ethical concern related to AI, including bias, discrimination, environmental issues, truth and academic integrity, copyright, privacy, datafication, emotion recognition, human labor, and power structures.
Designed primarily for K-12 education but also applicable to tertiary-level discussions, each post provides case studies, discussion questions, and lesson ideas to facilitate a deeper understanding of these complex issues. The aim is to equip students with the necessary knowledge to navigate the ethical landscape of AI in an increasingly digital world.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post. If you’ve enjoyed the insights and stories, consider showing your support by subscribing to my weekly newsletter. It’s a great way to stay updated and dive deeper into my content. Alternatively, if you love audiobooks or want to try them, click here to start your free trial with Audible. Your support in any form means the world to me and helps keep this blog thriving. Looking forward to connecting with you more!
This summer, as part of my doctoral work, one of my courses focuses on leading organizational change. The text, Leadership and the New Science, offers a challenging perspective on leadership.
While we normally think of organizations as well-structured, curated entities, the author here delves into fields of quantum physics and chaos theory, positing that the structure of an organization only becomes apparent after being constructed naturally, after the chaos.
Yes, it’s different. But I’m enjoying the perspective, particularly when thinking about public schools and how we just keep trying to organize teachers and students into neat little groups that fit into certain categories.
Hint: that don’t work. Period.
Forgive my foray into Kentucky speak.
Information was the topic of a recent chapter and how it influences organizations. Or, perhaps, how it builds organizations, giving life to them.
Below are some thoughts I shared with the group:
“In a constantly evolving, dynamic universe, information is a fundamental yet invisible player, one we can’t see until it takes physical form. Something we cannot see, touch, or get our hands on is out there, influencing life. Information seems to be managing us”
For most of my life, I’ve been a dealer in information. Whether it was teaching amateur performers how to harmonize in a small church choir, training employees and salespeople, teaching middle school math students, or writing articles, videos, tweets, podcasts, etc., for people worldwide on technology and education topics, I’m an information dealer.
Information, above all else, wants to be and should be free. At least, that’s what people who are smarter than me have said. Stewart Brand brought this concept into being in the early years—the very early years—of the digital age. At the first Hacker’s Conference, then again in his 1987 book The Media Lab, Brand declared, “Information wants to be free” (Brand, 1987; O’Leary, 2009). This thought became a slogan for the early hacker community (no, not those hackers, the good kind), placed forever in Hacker Ethics (The Hacker’s Ethic, 2001).
The Internet, at first a connection between 12 universities to share resources and information (High, 2018), became the democratizing force of the modern world. Over several decades, the internet has made it easier and faster to access vast information and knowledge from anywhere in the world (Castells, n.d.).
But what does this have to do with organizational leadership? Every organization communicates, and what they communicate, in its simplest form, is information.
As Wheatley (2006) discusses, information is a fundamental player in every organization, including schools (p. 96). In my experience, communicating information to every stakeholder is essential for a well-functioning school. Communicating with all stakeholders builds trust, transparency, and a positive school culture. When school leaders effectively communicate with students, parents, staff, and community members, they can keep everyone informed about what is happening inside the school and create a sense of belonging and ownership (Gurganus, 2019).
When I think about the flow of information in schools, I think back to Wheatley’s (2006) words on the Colorado River finding more than one way to reach the ocean (p.18) and how schools are finding new ways to share information within the organization as well as with the broader school community. I can only think that, as we get better at sharing information, our schools will continue to improve, and our discussions about what is equitable for all students will help guide education into a bright future.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post. If you’ve enjoyed the insights and stories, consider showing your support by subscribing to my weekly newsletter. It’s a great way to stay updated and dive deeper into my content. Alternatively, if you love audiobooks or want to try them, click here to start your free trial with Audible. Your support in any form means the world to me and helps keep this blog thriving. Looking forward to connecting with you more!
When it comes to personal growth and learning, the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset is huge. In simplest terms, a growth mindset is when you believe that you can improve your skills with practice and hard work. A fixed mindset is when you think that your abilities are set in stone and can’t really be changed.
These two ways of thinking shape how you feel about your abilities, how you see challenges, and how you deal with setbacks. For instance, if you have a growth mindset, you might see a challenge as a way to learn and grow, but if you have a fixed mindset, you might see the same challenge as evidence of your limitations. And if you face a setback, someone with a growth mindset might use it as a chance to reflect and improve, while someone with a fixed mindset might see it as proof that they’re not good enough.
It’s important to know about these mindsets and how they affect our lives because they can impact how motivated we are, how we handle obstacles, and how successful we are. If we focus on having a growth mindset and believe that we can get better with practice, we can achieve more and overcome challenges more easily.
Exploring The Fixed Mindset
A fixed mindset is grounded in the belief that our abilities are innate and unchangeable. This can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy where people with a fixed mindset believe that their talents and skills are predetermined, making them less likely to take risks and try new things. This can stifle personal growth and development, as individuals with a fixed mindset may avoid challenges for fear of failure. Instead of viewing setbacks as learning opportunities, they may perceive them as personal deficiencies. It’s important to recognize the limitations of a fixed mindset and how detrimental that mindset can be to your personal success.
The Growth Mindset Paradigm
Contrarily, a growth mindset propels the idea that abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort, learning, and persistence. Carol Dweck first popularized the idea of a growth mindset in her seminal work, Mindset. It’s about viewing challenges as opportunities to learn, grow, and improve. Instead of avoiding difficult tasks, individuals with a growth mindset embrace them, understanding that effort is a critical path to mastery.
The Underlying Neuroscience
The concept of neuroplasticity, which is the ability of our brains to reorganize and form new connections, supports the growth mindset theory. This has significant implications in various areas of our lives, such as education, personal growth, and professional development. In the context of education, understanding the potential of our brain’s neuroplasticity can lead to designing teaching practices that help students develop a growth mindset. Educators can encourage students to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, which can foster learning and innovation.
Teachers who adopt a growth mindset can empower their students by providing them with the tools and support they need to take charge of their own learning. By fostering student agency, teachers can help to create a more collaborative and dynamic learning environment, where students are encouraged to take risks and explore new ideas. The growth mindset can also influence personal growth through developing habits and mindsets that facilitate neuroplasticity, such as engaging in novel experiences or practicing mindfulness.
Finally, school leaders can create a culture of learning and development by promoting a growth mindset, which can lead to improved performance and innovation. By recognizing that the mindsets of students, teachers, and school leaders can be developed through dedication and hard work, we can tap into our limitless potential and foster personal and professional growth.
Comparing Fixed and Growth Mindsets
While a fixed mindset can lead to stagnation and a fear-based approach to life, a growth mindset promotes continuous improvement, resilience, and a love for learning. The comparison between these two mindsets can be seen in how they respond to challenges, deal with criticism, and approach success.
Examples of Fixed Mindset Students:
Elementary School: A student in third grade named Michael was hesitant to try new activities because he was afraid of making mistakes. His teacher noticed that he often gave up when things got difficult and encouraged him to keep trying. Michael responded, “I’m just not good at this. I don’t want to keep doing it.”
Middle School: A student in seventh grade named Emily struggled with math. She had always believed that she just wasn’t good at it and that she would never understand. Her teacher noticed that Emily often shut down during math class and rarely asked questions. When her teacher tried to encourage her and tell her that she was capable of understanding math, Emily responded, “I’m just not smart enough for this. It’s too hard.”
High School: A student in eleventh grade named John was interested in playing the guitar but was hesitant to join the school band. He believed that he wasn’t musically talented and that he would embarrass himself. When his music teacher suggested that he try out for the band, John responded, “I’m not good enough. I’ll just mess up and embarrass myself.”
Elementary School: A student in second grade named Sarah struggled with reading. Her teacher encouraged her to keep practicing, telling her, “It’s okay to make mistakes, that’s how we learn!” Sarah began to see reading as a challenge to overcome and eventually became an avid reader.
Middle School: A student in eighth grade named Alex was struggling in math class. His teacher noticed that he was becoming discouraged and decided to work with him one-on-one after class. She encouraged him to view mistakes as opportunities to learn and to keep trying. Alex’s hard work and persistence paid off, and he eventually became one of the top students in the class.
High School: A student in twelfth grade named Maria was nervous about taking the SATs. Her guidance counselor reminded her that the test was just one step in her college application process and that many resources were available to help her prepare. Maria embraced the challenge, seeking out study materials and practice tests. Maria scored higher than she had expected and was accepted into her top-choice university.
Adopting a growth mindset is a valuable approach that can significantly improve student outcomes and teacher practice. It encourages students to embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, which is a vital aspect of developing problem-solving skills and promoting a healthy approach to failure. In addition to this, adopting a growth mindset also provides a framework for teachers to promote student agency and authentic learning experiences, which can help to create a more dynamic and engaging learning environment.
It is important to recognize that a growth mindset is not just about intelligence or natural talent. Instead, it is about understanding that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. By adopting this approach, students and teachers alike can tap into their limitless potential and set the foundation for continuous personal and professional development.
Building Growth Mindset in the Classroom: Concrete Practices to Support Student Persistence
One of the key benefits of adopting a growth mindset is that it can promote a more positive attitude toward learning. When students are encouraged to view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, they are more likely to take an active role in their own learning. This can lead to increased motivation, engagement, and a greater sense of ownership over the learning process.
Similarly, teachers who adopt a growth mindset can help to empower their students by providing them with the tools and support they need to take charge of their own learning. By fostering student agency, teachers can help to create a more collaborative and dynamic learning environment, where students are encouraged to take risks and explore new ideas.
320 Pages – 02/28/2006 (Publication Date) – Random House (Publisher)
Shifting from a Fixed to Growth Mindset
Adopting a growth mindset is not a destination, but a journey. It involves recognizing and challenging our fixed mindset beliefs, embracing challenges, persisting in the face of setbacks, and understanding that effort is the path to mastery. This shift fuels our potential, ignites our creativity, and empowers us to achieve our goals.
In conclusion, understanding and implementing the growth mindset in our lives can empower us to become better learners, innovative thinkers, and proactive individuals. By recognizing that our abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work, we can truly tap into our limitless potential and foster personal and professional growth
Are you a teacher on summer break looking for the perfect book to read while lounging under a tree with a cold drink in your hand? Look no further! This guide has got you covered for the best summer reads of 2023. We’ve got heart-pumping thrillers, heart-warming romances, and everything in between. Take your pick and get ready for an adventure!
The Importance of Choosing the Right Book
When you’re picking a summer read, it’s super important to choose the right one. The perfect book can take you on a wild adventure, make you feel all the feels, and leave you wanting more. But if you pick the wrong one, it can be a total snoozefest. You’ll be bored out of your mind and regretting your choice. So, take your time and find a book that really speaks to you. Try out different genres and see what you like. Happy reading, folks!
Types of Summer Reads
When you’re trying to find the perfect summer read, there are plenty of genres to choose from. Maybe you’re into heart-pumping thrillers or maybe you prefer heart-warming romance. Whatever your fancy, I’ve got you covered. Let’s check out some of the popular genres for summer reading.
Fiction Novels
Thrillers
Are you someone who thrives on excitement and suspense in your reading? If so, you might want to consider picking up a thriller novel this summer. With their intricate plots and unpredictable turns, these books are sure to keep you engaged and entertained for hours on end. Not to mention the thrill of trying to solve the mystery before the protagonist does! So why not take a chance on a fast-paced, heart-pounding read that will leave you breathless and always wanting more?
Romance
Romance novels are the perfect way to spend a lazy summer day. They take you on emotional rollercoasters and tug at your heartstrings. You can get lost in a tale of love and passion and root for the swoon-worthy hero or captivating heroine as they navigate the ups and downs of their relationship. With so many options to choose from, you can go for sweet and wholesome or steamy and seductive. So, why not just kick back, relax, and indulge in a world of love and romance this summer?
Science Fiction and Fantasy
If you’re looking to escape the boring monotony of everyday life, science fiction and fantasy books are where it’s at! You can dive into immersive and fantastical worlds, complete with magic, technology, and adventure. You’ll get to go on epic quests, unravel political intrigues, and meet all sorts of amazing creatures. The characters are usually super complex, with all sorts of different motivations. Basically, science fiction and fantasy books offer endless possibilities for anyone who wants to get lost in a great story.
Violet Sorrengail, a twenty-year-old, was supposed to live a quiet life in the Scribe Quadrant. However, her mother, the commanding general, orders her to become a dragon rider. This is a problem for Violet because she is smaller and more fragile than everyone else. Dragons don’t bond with fragile humans, they incinerate them. With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. Violet suspects leadership is hiding a terrible secret. At Basgiath War College, everyone has an agenda and only two ways to leave: graduate or die.
Morgan Albright is settled in a nice neighborhood near Baltimore, with help from her friend and roommate Nina and her job as a bartender. But when she hosts a dinner party and a man named Luke shows up, her life is turned upside down. Luke is actually a con artist named Gavin who steals from women and then kills them. After Nina is killed, Morgan learns that she was Gavin’s target all along. She flees to her mother’s home in Vermont and meets a new man named Miles, but Gavin is still out there hunting for her.
Art restorer and spy Gabriel Allon teams up with a master thief to find the world’s most valuable painting. Their mission takes a dangerous turn as they race to prevent a conflict between Russia and the West. Silva’s novel is a must-read for his fans and newcomers alike.
Jack Ryan Jr. is in trouble after a routine surveillance mission goes wrong. He finds himself fighting against an unknown enemy who wants to destroy the Campus. Jack follows the trail to the South China Sea, where a midair collision between rival nations threatens the region. Back at the Campus, a devastating attack leaves Jack as the only operator left standing. As tensions grow and China prepares to invade Taiwan, Jack and his team must prevent a war between the world’s superpowers. But their enemy is still at large, and the Campus is in danger. The cost of their mission is high, and the bill may be too much to pay.
In 1980, a congressman was killed in Rhode Island, causing shock in Washington that still resonates today. Now, a group of global elites wants to take control during a time of war, inflation, division, and assassinations. They believe they’ve eliminated the final obstacle to domination, but they’re wrong. Secrets from the past are coming to light, and former SEAL James Reece is on a mission to stop them. He’s on a warpath, and no one is safe when he’s armed with his tomahawk and sniper rifle.
336 Pages – 05/16/2023 (Publication Date) – William Morrow (Publisher)
June Hayward and Athena Liu were supposed to be twin rising stars. After Athena’s death, June steals her just-finished masterpiece, an experimental novel about the unsung contributions of Chinese laborers during World War I, and sends it to her agent as her own work. She becomes a bestseller under the pseudonym “Juniper Song”. But emerging evidence threatens to bring June’s success down around her, forcing her to protect her secret at all costs.
384 Pages – 06/13/2023 (Publication Date) – Little, Brown and Company (Publisher)
Hollis Shaw has a seemingly perfect life as the creator of a popular food blog and the wife of a heart surgeon. But after a heated argument with her husband, he dies in a car accident, revealing the cracks in their marriage and her complicated relationship with her daughter. Hollis decides to host her own “Five-Star Weekend” on Nantucket, similar to a trip organized by a friend. However, the weekend is far from joyful. Hollis’s childhood friend’s husband arranges for Hollis’s first love to attend, stirring up old feelings. Meanwhile, another friend, Dru-Ann, is struggling to save her career after making online comments about a client’s mental health issues. Brooke is dealing with her husband’s inappropriate relationship with a colleague, and a stranger, Gigi, with many secrets, has reached out to Hollis through her blog.
Fern Brookbanks has spent a lot of time in her adulthood thinking about Will Baxter. They met for just one day in their early twenties but connected deeply over shared secrets and dreams. They promised to meet again in a year, but Will never showed up. Now, at thirty-two, Fern’s life is not what she imagined: she’s back home running her mother’s resort and doesn’t know where to start to fix it. Will arrives nine years late, offering to help, but Fern doesn’t know if she can trust him. He seems like a different person and is hiding something. Can Fern return the favor of the help Will gave her ten years ago?
Prospera, an archipelago hidden from the horrors of a deteriorating world, is home to lucky citizens who enjoy fulfilling lives until their physical and psychological monitors fall below 10%. They retire themselves to the Nursery, where their bodies are renewed, memories wiped clean, and they restart life afresh. Proctor Bennett, a ferryman, shepherds people through the retirement process and enforces it if necessary. But Proctor’s monitor percentage has begun to drop alarmingly fast, and he’s been dreaming – impossible in Prospera. When he’s summoned to retire his own father, who gives him a cryptic message, he questions everything he once believed. Meanwhile, the Support Staff, who keep Prospera running, are questioning their role. Unrest is building, and a resistance group, the Arrivalists, may be fomenting revolution. Proctor finds himself on a desperate mission to uncover the truth.
In 1947, a troubled soldier meets his five-year-old nephew and disappears for twenty-three years. In 1970, the nephew reconnects with his uncle, draws a new version of a comic book they saw together, and becomes an underground comic book artist in Oakland. In the present day, a director discovers the 1970 comic book and turns it into a contemporary superhero movie, with a cast that includes a difficult male star, a wonderful leading lady, an eccentric writer/director, a producer, and a production assistant.
Charlie Reade is a high school kid who excels at baseball and football and is a decent student. But he has been through a lot. His mom died in a hit-and-run accident when he was seven, and his dad turned to alcohol to cope with the grief. Charlie learned to take care of himself and his dad. When he is seventeen, he meets a dog named Radar and her owner, Howard Bowditch, who lives in a big house on a hill with a locked shed in the backyard. Strange sounds sometimes come from the shed. Charlie starts doing jobs for Mr. Bowditch and falls in love with Radar. When Bowditch dies, he leaves Charlie a cassette tape with a story that no one would believe. Bowditch had kept a secret his whole life: inside the shed is a portal to another world.
Non-fiction Books
Biographies and Memoirs
Biographies and memoirs let us peek into the lives of people who have made significant contributions to the world. We can learn from their experiences, decision-making skills, and leadership styles. These books can inspire us to achieve our goals and make a positive change in the world. By reading biographies and memoirs, we can learn about the challenges and triumphs that shaped the lives of remarkable people, and we can be encouraged to follow our dreams with passion and perseverance.
Self-Help Books
Summer is a great time to work on yourself, and self-help books can help you do just that! They can give you awesome tips on how to be more productive, develop better habits, and improve your relationships with others. By taking time to read and think about the advice in these books, you can learn more about yourself and the world. So why not use the warm months to invest in your own growth and happiness?
Travel and Adventure
Summer is the perfect time for travel and adventure, but not everyone can go on a trip. Luckily, books can take you on a journey from the comfort of your own home. Travel and adventure books can give you a unique perspective on different cultures and customs, and let you broaden your horizons. Whether you want to escape the monotony of daily life or get inspired for your next adventure, there are tons of exciting books out there to take you to far-off lands. So, kick back, relax, and let your imagination run wild with the captivating world of travel literature.
The Best Non-Fiction Summer Reads for 2023
The Bathysphere Book: Effects of the Luminous Ocean Depths
352 Pages – 05/16/2023 (Publication Date) – Astra House (Publisher)
This interesting story starts in 1930 when two men entered a tiny steel ball and were lowered 1,000 feet below the surface of the ocean. From that point on, the experiences of naturalist William Beebe, engineer Otis Barton, and biologist Gloria Hollister, who transmitted Beebe’s observations via telephone line, become even more surreal and awe-inspiring.
Beautiful Trauma: An Explosion, an Obsession, and a New Lease on Life
This memoir is about Rebecca Fogg’s struggle to recover after a freak accident left her with a partially amputated hand in 2006. Her fascination with the science of recovery led her to write a book that details her emotional journey and explores topics such as nerve regeneration and pain processing. The memoir is both educational and engaging, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the science of recovery and personal growth.
Alexandra Auder was born at the Chelsea Hotel in New York City, where her mother, Viva, one of Andy Warhol’s superstars, lived. Her father, filmmaker Michel Auder, captured the moments on film. Alexandra had a whirlwind childhood and teenage years, mostly spent on the road with her mother, who had mercurial moods. They lived in Connecticut and Tribeca before moving back to the Chelsea Hotel. Alexandra’s teenage years were spent with her mother’s conservative family. In her book, “Don’t Call Me Home,” Alexandra reflects on being raised by two counterculture icons. She shares stories of walking a pet goat around Chelsea, joining the Squat Theatre Company, co-parenting her younger sister, Gaby, and partying in East Village nightclubs. Alongside her current life as a yoga instructor, actress, mother, wife, and Instagram provocateur, Alexandra weaves a moving and hilarious portrait of her family. She describes the journey from being her mother’s daughter to becoming her own person.
Edison’s Ghosts: The Untold Weirdness of History’s Greatest Geniuses
352 Pages – 05/16/2023 (Publication Date) – Little, Brown and Company (Publisher)
In her book, Edison’s Ghosts, Katie Spalding argues that genius is not always what it seems. While we may never become an Einstein, there are likely things we can do that he couldn’t. Spalding explores famous prodigies who were quite strange, including Thomas Edison, who believed he could communicate with the undead and created a Spirit Phone; Marie and Pierre Curie, who slept next to radioactive material and strapped it to their arms; Lord Byron, who brought a bear to university; Isaac Newton, who looked at the sun without eye protection and was blinded for three days; and Tesla, who fell in love with a pigeon. The book is filled with examples of humanity’s best doing some really dumb things.
The Experience Machine: How Our Minds Predict and Shape Reality
The traditional view that our senses provide direct access to reality has been challenged by new discoveries in neuroscience and psychology. A new theory suggests that the brain actively predicts reality instead of passively perceiving it. Philosopher and cognitive scientist Andy Clark explores this theory, which suggests that reality is a synthesis of sensory information and expectation. Clark illustrates how the predictive brain shapes all human experiences, and how chronic pain and mental illness can result from malfunctioning predictions. The boundary between ourselves and the outside world dissolves, revealing our entanglement with our environments and our perceptions as controlled hallucinations. The Experience Machine offers insight into this significant development in our understanding of the mind.
Flight Paths: How a Passionate and Quirky Group of Pioneering Scientists Solved the Mystery of Bird Migration
For the past century, scientists have been studying bird migration. Birds travel thousands of miles across the earth each fall and spring, fascinating humans with their navigational abilities. Recently, scientists have made significant breakthroughs in understanding these migrations. Flight Paths tells the story of how scientists from across generations, continents, and disciplines came together to study bird migration. The book traces the development of techniques used for tracking migratory birds, from marking individual birds to using DNA markers. Through their work, scientists have made significant discoveries about the flight paths and behaviors of migratory birds. Flight Paths is a fascinating look into the exciting moments of discovery and the power of science when people work together towards a common goal.
The Power of Language: How the Codes We Use to Think, Speak, and Live Transform Our Minds
This groundbreaking book delves into the workings of language in our minds and how we can utilize its vast potential. Dr. Marian explains that our brains can accommodate multiple codes of communication beyond just one language. Learning new languages can improve brain health, creativity, and cognitive control.
Each new language we learn shapes our perception of the world, and how we remember, feel, think, and make decisions. Language is a powerful tool for organizing, processing, and structuring information, leading to remarkable progress.
Research shows that learning a new language can enhance executive function, boost creative thinking, develop critical reasoning skills, delay Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, improve decision-making under stress, and alter our attention and memory.
Under the Eye of Power: How Fear of Secret Societies Shapes American Democracy
The United States has a long history of paranoia, from the American Revolution to modern-day conspiracy theories like the Illuminati and QAnon. These beliefs are not just on the fringes of society but are woven into the fabric of American democracy. Cultural historian Colin Dickey explores this history in his book, Under the Eye of Power, and explains why people, even those in positions of power, continue to subscribe to conspiracy theories. Dickey argues that belief in conspiracies can be comforting in the face of the chaos and unpredictability of history and democracy. By understanding this cycle of paranoia, we can work to break it.
Unlikable Female Characters: The Women Pop Culture Wants You to Hate
Female characters have historically been expected to be likable, leading to cautionary tales for those who show their messy side. Today, unlikeable female characters are becoming more popular in film, TV, and pop culture, being accepted by audiences and receiving industry awards. This shift shows that we are finally acknowledging women as fully-fledged human beings. Unlikeable Female Characters explores the evolution of these memorable characters, examining their popularity and audience reactions, as well as how pop culture is allowing us to celebrate the complexities of womanhood. Film programmer and broadcaster Anna Bogutskaya takes us on a journey through popular media to explore whether society is ready to embrace complicated women.
Palo Alto: A History of California, Capitalism, and the World
720 Pages – 02/14/2023 (Publication Date) – Little, Brown and Company (Publisher)
The history of Silicon Valley, from railroads to microchips, is an extraordinary story of disruption and destruction, told comprehensively in this narrative. Palo Alto is a city with temperate weather, educated and enterprising people, and ambitious corporations that have changed the world. However, it was built on stolen Indian burial grounds and is a haunted toxic waste dump. PALO ALTO, the first comprehensive, global history of Silicon Valley, explains how and why Northern California evolved in its particular way, tracing the ideologies, technologies, and policies that have been engineered over the course of 150 years of Anglo settler colonialism. It tells the story of how a small American suburb became a powerful engine for economic growth and war, leading the world into a surprisingly disastrous 21st century. Palo Alto is a visionary history of how we live now, ending with a clear-eyed, radical proposition for how we might begin to change course.
Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Summer Read
Know Your Reading Preference
When it comes to finding the perfect summer read, it’s important to know what you like. Are you all about fast-paced thrillers, or do you prefer heartwarming romance? Maybe you’re into inspiring biographies. Whatever it is, understanding your preferences can help you pick books that you’ll love. If you’re into thrillers, you might like books with intricate plots and suspenseful twists. If romance is your thing, stories that tug at your heartstrings might be more up your alley. And if you love biographies, stories of people overcoming adversity might be right up your alley. So, figure out what you like and get ready for some awesome summer reading!
Consider the Book Reviews
Book reviews are super helpful when you’re trying to decide what to read. They tell you what the book is about and what the author’s writing style is like. Plus, they can give you an idea of whether the book is any good or not. Basically, if you want to find awesome new books to read, you gotta check out some reviews.
Choose Books from Different Genres
Don’t be afraid to branch out when it comes to reading! Trying different genres can add some variety to your reading list and give you new perspectives. It’s especially helpful if you’re feeling stuck in a reading rut or not getting as much out of your reading as you used to. Plus, exploring different genres can help you discover new authors and books you might not have found otherwise. So go ahead and take a chance on something new – you might be surprised at how much you end up liking it!
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect summer read is a deeply personal and enjoyable process. It involves understanding your preferences, exploring different genres, and considering others’ reviews. In the end, the best summer read is one that captures your interest, matches your mood, and takes you on a memorable journey. Happy reading!
FAQs
1. How can I find the best summer reads? Knowing your reading preferences, considering book reviews, and exploring different genres can help you find the perfect summer read.
2. Can non-fiction books be good summer reads? Absolutely! Biographies, memoirs, self-help books, and travel books can all be engaging summer reads.
3. Should I stick to one genre for my summer reading? Not necessarily. Exploring different genres can add variety to your reading list and expose you to new perspectives.
4. What if I don’t enjoy a book I’ve chosen for my summer reading? That’s okay! Not every book will resonate with you. If a book doesn’t hold your interest, feel free to switch to another.
5. What are some popular genres for summer reading? Thrillers, romance, science fiction, fantasy, biographies, and travel books are all popular choices for summer reading.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post. If you’ve enjoyed the insights and stories, consider showing your support by subscribing to my weekly newsletter. It’s a great way to stay updated and dive deeper into my content. Alternatively, if you love audiobooks or want to try them, click here to start your free trial with Audible. Your support in any form means the world to me and helps keep this blog thriving. Looking forward to connecting with you more!
Teaching is both a demanding and rewarding profession. Even before the onslaught of COVID-19, teaching was incredibly demanding. Now that we’re in the post-COVID world, teaching is even more difficult.
Face it; you need a break.
As the school year comes to an end, it’s important to recognize the hard work and dedication that all teachers put into their jobs. You all spend countless hours preparing lesson plans, grading assignments, and supporting students. Despite facing many challenges, teachers persevere and continue to make a difference in the lives of their students. Taking a well-deserved break to recharge and prepare for the next school year is crucial.
Here are a few ideas to help you get the most out of your summer break, resting and recharging before the new school year:
1. Set Boundaries
Just as you set boundaries in the classroom, it’s essential to establish boundaries between your professional and personal life. Turn off email notifications after work hours, and use your free time to focus on your interests.
Summer is the perfect time to delve into that book you’ve been meaning to read. Reading is an excellent way to exercise your mind, expand your vocabulary, and gain new knowledge. Whether you prefer fiction or non-fiction, there is a book out there for everyone. If you’re not sure where to start, consider exploring different genres such as mystery, science fiction, or romance. Reading also has the added benefit of reducing stress, as it allows you to escape into a different world and forget about your worries for a while. So, take advantage of the warm weather and find a cozy spot to curl up with a good book this summer.
3. Prioritize Physical Health
Taking care of your physical health is an essential part of self-care. Engaging in regular physical activity not only helps to maintain a healthy body but also promotes mental wellness. Consider incorporating activities such as yoga, jogging, swimming, or cycling into your routine. Additionally, maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet can provide the necessary fuel to keep you energized throughout the day. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other healthy fluids. In summary, prioritizing physical health can have positive impacts on both your physical and mental well-being.
4. Nurture Your Mental Health
It’s important to remember that teachers’ mental health is just as important as their physical health. To perform their best, teachers should do things that help them relax and reflect, like meditation, yoga, or just spending some alone time. It’s also important to create a supportive environment where teachers can talk about any challenges they’re facing. By taking care of their mental health, teachers will not only be happier and healthier, but they’ll also be better at teaching their students.
5. Invest in Learning
Professional development is an ongoing process that requires effort and dedication. One way to continue growing your skills and knowledge is to take advantage of the summer break. This time can be used to attend workshops, webinars, or online courses that focus on specific areas of interest. You can also use this time to immerse yourself in industry-related reading material, such as journals, magazines, or books. Another great way to develop professionally during the summer is to network with other professionals in your field. Attend conferences, meetups, or connect with colleagues on social media platforms. By doing so, you will expand your knowledge, gain new perspectives, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices. Remember, investing in your professional development is an investment in your career success!
6. Foster Creativity
Being creative has been shown to have a positive impact on our mental health. By engaging in creative activities, we can reduce stress and anxiety and enhance our overall sense of well-being. In addition to painting, gardening, and cooking, there are many other ways to be creative, such as writing, playing music, or dancing. These activities can provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, which can boost our self-esteem and confidence. Furthermore, being creative can help us to develop new skills, learn new things, and expand our horizons. It allows us to express ourselves in unique and meaningful ways, which can be incredibly fulfilling. So if you’re looking for a way to improve your mental health and boost your happiness, why not give creativity a try?
7. Build a Self-Care Routine
Establishing a routine can help you stick to your self-care goals. It has been shown that those who have a regular self-care routine are more likely to maintain good physical and mental health. Dedicate specific time slots for your self-care activities, such as practicing mindfulness, going for a walk, or taking a relaxing bath. You can also try incorporating self-care into your daily routine by taking breaks throughout the day to stretch or meditate. Remember that taking care of yourself is important and can lead to a happier and healthier life overall.
8. Embrace Nature
Nature is a fantastic healer that can help you relax and rejuvenate both your mind and body. Spending time in nature has been proven to reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and improve overall well-being. So why not plan a hiking trip to explore a nearby trail, pack a picnic to enjoy with your loved ones, or simply start your day with a cup of coffee in your backyard? You’ll not only get a great dose of fresh air and exercise, but you’ll also have the opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us.
9. Indulge in Guilty Pleasures
Whether it’s binge-watching your favorite TV series, having a luxurious spa day, or eating your favorite dessert, indulging every once in a while is important for maintaining a healthy balance in life. Taking some time to decompress and pamper yourself can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall well-being. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, but it’s important to prioritize self-care and make time for activities that bring joy and relaxation. So go ahead, treat yourself to that extra slice of cake, or take a day off to lounge in bed and catch up on your favorite shows – you deserve it!
10. Nurture Relationships
Spending time with loved ones and friends is an important aspect of self-care. It helps us to relax, recharge, and connect with those who matter most to us. You can also consider reconnecting with old friends or making new ones. Sometimes, spending time alone can also be rejuvenating. This could mean indulging in activities like reading, taking a walk, or simply relaxing in a quiet place. Whatever it is that brings you peace and happiness, make sure to carve out some time in your busy schedule to do it.
11. Limit Screen Time
Summer break is a fantastic opportunity to disconnect from digital devices and immerse yourself in the world around you. As you spend less time in front of screens, you can spend more time exploring and experiencing the world in new ways. Take a hike in nature, go for a swim in a nearby lake, or simply take a walk around your town or city and discover new things you may have never noticed before. With so much to see and do, there’s no reason to miss out on the beauty and excitement of the real world during your summer break!
12. Embrace New Experiences
There are many ways to broaden your horizons and gain a fresh perspective on life. One way is to try something new, such as learning a new skill or exploring a new hobby. For example, you could try learning a new language, which can help you better understand and connect with people from different cultures. Likewise, trying a new sport can help you stay fit and healthy while also providing a fun and exciting challenge. Finally, exploring a new city can be a great way to learn about different cultures and history, while also satisfying your sense of adventure. By trying new things, you can expand your knowledge and experiences, which can ultimately lead to a more fulfilling life.
13. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is an essential aspect of our mental and emotional well-being. It is the practice of recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of our life, no matter how small they may seem. By doing this, we can cultivate positive feelings and improve our overall quality of life.
One way to incorporate gratitude into our daily routine is to keep a gratitude journal. This involves writing down things that we are thankful for, such as the people in our lives, the experiences we have had, or the opportunities that have come our way. By doing this, we can train our minds to focus on the positive aspects of our lives and develop a greater sense of appreciation for what we have.
In addition to keeping a gratitude journal, there are other ways to cultivate gratitude in our lives. We can make a conscious effort to express our gratitude to others, whether it be through a kind word or a thoughtful gesture. We can also take time to appreciate the beauty of nature or the simple pleasures in life, such as a good meal or a warm hug.
Ultimately, gratitude is a powerful tool for improving our mental health and well-being. By incorporating this practice into our daily lives, we can cultivate a greater sense of happiness, contentment, and fulfillment.
14. Volunteer
Volunteering is an incredibly rewarding experience that not only helps others but also has numerous positive impacts on your own life. When you volunteer, you have the opportunity to connect with others and develop meaningful relationships, which can increase your sense of belonging and social support. Additionally, volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, as you are contributing to a cause that you are passionate about. This can boost your mood and self-worth, and even improve physical health by reducing stress levels. So take some time to research local charities or causes that align with your interests and values, and consider giving back to your community through volunteering.
15. Plan for the Upcoming School Year
As summer comes to an end and the new school year approaches, it’s a good idea to start getting ready. While it’s tempting to kick back and relax, taking some time to plan and organize for the upcoming term can really pay off in the long run. Check out your class schedule, textbooks, and syllabus to see what you’ll be learning and what you need to do to succeed. There are tons of online resources available to help you get ahead, too. Consider making a study plan and setting achievable goals for each week leading up to the start of school. That way, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running and crush it when classes begin.
Teachers, take this summer to refresh and rejuvenate. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish. It’s a necessity. Here’s to a happy, healthy summer!
Thanks for taking the time to read this post. If you’ve enjoyed the insights and stories, consider showing your support by subscribing to my weekly newsletter. It’s a great way to stay updated and dive deeper into my content. Alternatively, if you love audiobooks or want to try them, click here to start your free trial with Audible. Your support in any form means the world to me and helps keep this blog thriving. Looking forward to connecting with you more!
