Things I've Been Reading [12/21]
... and think you might enjoy, too.
(1) Vaccine as Metaphor by Mark O'Connell [Slate]
A really perceptive review of Eula Biss's "On Immunity." This looks at some comments Biss makes on why she was nervous about vaccinating her child, and why a lot of mothers might not. It's not excusing or defending or justifying that behavior, and that's what I love about it: in a world where essays seem to be about proving one point or the other, this is driven by a need for empathy and understanding even when you think the other guy (or gal, in this case) is wrong.
(2) The Politics of PDA in India, by Tanya Basu [The Atlantic]
I didn't even realize this was a cultural battle being fought in India, but apparently there are quite a few areas where even young college types don't believe couples should express affection in public. Interesting snapshot into that world.
(3) A Sort of Drought, by yaycoffee [AO3]. John/Sherlock, Teen
The official summary: Sherlock doesn't see how kissing in the rain could be anything other than unpleasant. But he's not a very smart genius. A rather brilliant send-up to the romcom trope, that subverts it as much as honors it.
(4) Artist Transforms Children's Drawings into Adorable Plush Toys, by Jenny Zhang
Consider this your daily installment of D'awwww...
(5) Winning Marriage Equality: Neither Everything Nor the Only Thing, by Leonore Carpenter at The Jurist
If you're at all interested in legal analyses and reporting, even if gay marriage isn't an issue you're all that interested in, check this out. This does a really nice job looking at the implications for gay couples, particularly those who for whatever reason might not want to get married, of gay marriage being so available in so many states.
(Whatever you think about whether that's a good thing or not, this was a really interesting read just as an eye-opening look at some likely implications.)
Bon appetite!
(1) Vaccine as Metaphor by Mark O'Connell [Slate]
A really perceptive review of Eula Biss's "On Immunity." This looks at some comments Biss makes on why she was nervous about vaccinating her child, and why a lot of mothers might not. It's not excusing or defending or justifying that behavior, and that's what I love about it: in a world where essays seem to be about proving one point or the other, this is driven by a need for empathy and understanding even when you think the other guy (or gal, in this case) is wrong.
(2) The Politics of PDA in India, by Tanya Basu [The Atlantic]
I didn't even realize this was a cultural battle being fought in India, but apparently there are quite a few areas where even young college types don't believe couples should express affection in public. Interesting snapshot into that world.
(3) A Sort of Drought, by yaycoffee [AO3]. John/Sherlock, Teen
The official summary: Sherlock doesn't see how kissing in the rain could be anything other than unpleasant. But he's not a very smart genius. A rather brilliant send-up to the romcom trope, that subverts it as much as honors it.
(4) Artist Transforms Children's Drawings into Adorable Plush Toys, by Jenny Zhang
Consider this your daily installment of D'awwww...
(5) Winning Marriage Equality: Neither Everything Nor the Only Thing, by Leonore Carpenter at The Jurist
If you're at all interested in legal analyses and reporting, even if gay marriage isn't an issue you're all that interested in, check this out. This does a really nice job looking at the implications for gay couples, particularly those who for whatever reason might not want to get married, of gay marriage being so available in so many states.
(Whatever you think about whether that's a good thing or not, this was a really interesting read just as an eye-opening look at some likely implications.)
Bon appetite!