Recent Reads
These are my favorite books I have read recently.
Women, Power, and Politics
By Lori Cox Han & Caroline Heldman
Description
This is an incredibly thought-provoking book that prompted me to acknowledge the harsh realities surrounding womanhood. Cox Han and Heldman explain the lack of women in leadership positions, policies that directly impact women's rights, and what gender equality should look like.
Takeaways
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The American Revolution, the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, and the creation of the Bill of Rights established and expanded the rights of Americans, yet played no role in the advancement of the legal status of women.
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It is irresponsible to hold conversations about women's rights and issues without considering intersectionality.
The Line Becomes a River
By Francisco Cantú
Description
This book encouraged me to think deeply about US-Mexico border relations and the sacrifices many immigrants are forced to make. In The Line Becomes a River, Francisco Cantú recounts his time as a border patrol agent and reveals how impactful the traumatic events he witnessed were on his life. Towards the end of the book, Cantú explains the story of José who, after living in America for 17 years, was deported and faced immense adversity to reenter the country and support his family.
Takeaways
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Access to an immigration attorney has the power to dramatically change the outcome of deportation proceedings but does not guarantee a successful outcome.
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Femicide has been and continues to be a tactic of Mexican cartels.
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Those crossing the border to reunite with loved ones or pursue new opportunities in America are at risk of being held ransom, killed, and persecuted by the very country they are willing to sacrifice everything for.
Law School Confidential
By Robert H. Miller
Description
Law School Confidential was recommended to me by an associate at Fredrikson & Byron and provides indispensable guidance on all things law school.
Takeaways
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Regionality and alumni placement should heavily influence one's law school decisions.
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Making time for healthy habits and social outings is key to a healthy law school experience. This (unfortunately) means developing a workout routine shortly before starting school is a great idea.
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Law school is challenging and can be draining, but it is also possible to enjoy it!
Up next...
How to Be Sort of Happy in Law School
By Kathryne M. Young
Description
Young confronts the burnout, anxiety, and depression that many law school students experience, and through sociological research and her experience, gives advice on how to, you guessed it, be sort of happy in law school.
Why It's Next
This was also recommended by an associate at Fredrikson & Byron. If there is anything I can do to make my law school experience more enjoyable and fulfilling despite its harsh realities, I am all ears!