Jason's Reviews

Instead of seeking enlightenment, what if we seek endarkenment? Informed by years as a Zen monk as well as shamanism, racial justice activism, and environmental change, this is a radical new practice. Told in lush language and with reverence for the natural world, Luminous Darkness is perfect for lovers of Braiding Sweetgrass and readers of the late Thich Nhat Hanh. Dive into the dark night to find the divine within. 
—JASON

This cookbook has it all, from scrumptious toasts to delicious dinners like Stuffed Chicken Breast with Mozzarella and Creamy Kale. More than 100 recipes for making quick dinners and fabulous brunches. There is an egg chapter, a vegetarian chapter, and one devoted entirely to meatballs! Tools, tricks, and shortcuts for all levels of chef make this a must-have in every kitchen.  —Jason

Want to learn how to make perfect General Tso's chicken? What’s the best way to stir fry vegetables? From the author of the bestseller The Food Lab comes yet another amazing cookbook, well-researched and full of easy-to-follow recipes. This is seriously one of the best cookbooks I have ever read.  —Jason

If the overall state of the world has you feeling stressed, this little book will bring you comfort. Want to sleep better? Be more relaxed? Have a healthier relationship to money? Short, easy-to-read chapters teach you how to simplify your life and be minimalist in your home, as well as give you helpful tools to navigate personal relationships. It was a joy to read.  —Jason

In the titular story, a man writes letters to his fiancé from a spaceship while he travels back in time. Their plan was to be married on Earth, before it was destroyed. The second novella-length story has awesome world building and a fear-mongering alien prophet. These are inventive speculative ideas told in straightforward prose. Fans of Ted Chiang and Ken Liu will love this book.  —Jason

The origin of a long-lost painting leads to the remarkable (and true) story of Lexington, the greatest racehorse in American history. Brooks’ novel weaves its way through Lexington's life from antebellum Kentucky through the Civil War and up to the present, where the Smithsonian is studying his bones. Highly recommended for readers of Colson Whitehead. Fans of compelling historical fiction will love this skillfully braided narrative—sure to be nominated for a big literary award.  —Jason

Looking at the Pixar movie Inside Out and the songs of Nina Simone and Leonard Cohen, Bittersweet examines why melancholy art makes us feel so inspired. Cain (author of the bestseller Quiet) shines a light on sadness and creativity much in the way her last book redefined introversion. This is the perfect book to help you move all of the longing and grief felt in the world today into something transcendent, like a cold and very broken Hallelujah. —Jason

Reading this book is like taking a deep breath. One of our great living Zen masters has gifted us with a loving reminder to wake up, both to the beauty of our planet and to the great suffering of its inhabitants. This book teaches us to use our practice, our breath, and our insights to stop climate change before it is too late. It is a love letter to the next generation, an apology on behalf of the baby boomers, and a solution: All of us need to become Buddhas to save our world.—Jason

I cannot think of a better idea in this era of great uncertainty and anxiety than to learn to meditate. And I can think of no better universal teacher than Pema Chödrön. I have long enjoyed her books and teachings. She is ever-accessible both for beginners to meditation and to seasoned practitioners. This would be a wonderful gift for anyone in your life who needs to feel more peace.—Jason

Intimate, uplifting conversations with a beloved icon. Local writer Doug Abrams (cowriter of The Book of Joy with the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu) has written yet another book with a living legend. In The Book of Hope, he spends time with naturalist and wise elder Jane Goodall. Together they ask: What is hope? How can we find it in these dark days? I cannot think of a better book to lift all of our spirits right now.—Jason