Virtual Bookshelf
We select books related to public health, marginalized communities, and the experiences of clinicians.
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BOOK OF THE MONTH: November 2024 Bevin's Pick: Defund Fear by Zach Norris 
Defund Fear looks critically not only at the current state of the justice system, but the collective psychology that got us to a place where fear, capitalism, and the isolation both can cause are at the center of a system that doesn't seem to consistently accomplish what it sets out to, with negative repercussions for the most vulnerable members of our society. Drastically different than any other book looking at policing and justice, Zack Norris honors our shared humanity and delineates between justice and true accountability, imagining what society could look like if we get to the bottom of our fears and begin to make the right changes on a systematic and social level.
Bevin chose this thought-provoking and hopeful book because it focuses largely on the unfair social, economic, health-related, and legal ramifications of being a minority in a country that has a higher population of citizens in prisons than any other. Learn more about Bevin and the work she does! |
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Bevin's favorite quote from the book:
“All of us can also participate in public safety by playing the role of community guardians. This is different from the [...] culture of suspicion. When we take part in things, when we engage, when we have a sense of choice in the matter, we feel a greater sense of worth, dignity, purpose. All this goes a long way to creating social cohesion, trust, relationships, and accountability, and therefore, a greater sense of safety.”
October 2024 Book of the Month
October 2024
Anna's Pick: Rough Sleepers by Tracy Kidder
Rough Sleepers is a compelling nonfiction book that follows Dr. Jim O'Connell, a physician dedicated to caring for Boston's unhoused population. This book is a tribute to frontline healthcare workers and a call to address the root causes of people experiencing homelessness.
Anna chose this book because it highlights the landscape of Boston's unhoused population and the experiences of the clinicians who serve them. Learn more about Anna and the work she does! |
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Anna's favorite quote from the book:
“Jim told the audience, 'I like to think of this problem of homelessness as a prism held up to society, and what we see refracted are the weaknesses in our health care system, our public health system, our housing system, but especially in our welfare system, our educational system, and our legal system—and our corrections system. If we’re going to fix this problem, we have to address the weaknesses of all those sectors.' It was a bleak assessment, implying that the only cure for homelessness would be an end to many of the country’s deep, abiding flaws.”
Explore other featured books that inspire, educate, and empower:
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