When Robin Marty published “Handbook for a Post-Roe America,” the nation had just been rocked by the bogus appointment of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, and was bracing for what that would mean in terms of reproductive health. With the addition of Amy Coney Barrett to the Court, and now the de facto stripping of Roe’s protections from the people of Texas, the crisis is no longer looming, it has arrived. “New Handbook for a Post-Roe America: The Complete Guide to Abortion Legality, Access, and Practical Support” (Seven Stories Press) is an expanded and updated version of the original work, and just as critical as its predecessor.
In a new introduction, musician Amanda Palmer describes her experience having more than one abortion before choosing to have a child, and emphasizes the loneliness that clouded the experience. She writes, “(W)e still live in a culture that, for the most part, expects you to deal with your abortion as a clandestine operation, sweeping the event away from your life as if it never happened.” While she is careful to carve out exceptions for anyone who for any reason can’t safely talk about their experience with abortion, she encourages those who can to do so at any and every opportunity, to build a culture of support.
In Marty’s introduction, she describes how the pandemic offered cover for some clinics to be closed under broad “public health” claims, and how changes in the last five years exposed things she failed to anticipate at that time, most notably the possibility that legal abortion clinics might disappear from existence. Hence, this revised version, which seeks to offer even more resources to readers. I reviewed the first volume here when it came out, and was knocked out by the level of detail it went into, as well as the focus on reproductive justice.Unfortunately, things have not improved in the meantime; they have somehow become even worse. Use this new edition to get up to speed and back in the fight.
Ijeoma Oluo’s “Mediocre: The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America’ (Seal Press) is now out in paperback, with a new introduction as well. Oluo comments on events that have taken place since the book first came out, a time when we’ve had no shortage of bad examples to pull from. The book’s juxtaposition of stories from history and the present day can be damning, but is never cruel. Read it to see how things came to be the way they are, and look for the places where you can steer in a new direction.
And now for an abrupt change in tone! Two picture books for young readers are chock full of craft projects and opportunities to learn by engaging with the seasons. “Little Homesteader: A Fall Treasury of Recipes, Crafts, and Wisdom” (Ivy Kinds/Quarto Publishing), and its companion Winter volume, are full of visual pops and packed with things to see, make, and do. Written by Angela Fanning and illustrated by AnneliseDRAWS, they are a bit like a child’s first Farmer’s Almanac. There are recipes for bread and candied orange slices, instructions for growing mushrooms, and homemade gift ideas, along with fun facts about the season. You can learn about birds and their nesting habitat and then make a pinecone bird feeder, or make cinnamon applesauce while gleaning creative uses for every part of an apple.
The illustrations are bold—I read this on a Kindle, which was far from ideal, but it was still possible to take in the project instructions and diagrams, as well as the homey scenes of turning leaves and snowy days. Either or both would be an ideal gift to help a child notice the world around them and appreciate things unique to each season, but be prepared to spend some time helping them with the projects suggested within. Nothing here is too involved, but a kind adult presence will help young readers succeed along the way. One of these books, plus the basic supplies to complete a few of the projects, would be a terrific gift, and those supplies can be as simple as apples and lemons.
We’ve heard a lot about the adverse effects of the pandemic on school-age kids, and the consequences of losing social connections and trying to succeed in Zoom schools are indeed serious. But there’s great potential for education, family connection, and a nice dose of old-fashioned, desperately needed environmental conservation implicit throughout these books. They are also bright and fun, and lovely to look at. Highly recommended for all ages, but an especially great choice for a crafty, curious child.
Heather Seggel is a writer living in Northern California.
From The Progressive Populist, December 15, 2021
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