Useful non-fiction

Originally published in the Ketchikan Daily News, April 2021; written by Tammy Dinsmore.

A couple of years ago I listened to several episodes of a podcast called Civics 101, put out by New Hampshire Public Radio with co-hosts, Nick Capodice and Hannah McCarthy. I found it very informative. The two hosts of that podcast have since written a book called “A User’s Guide to Democracy: How America Works.” The book covers everything from the podcast and is illustrated by Tom Toro.

The authors go through the basics, like what the 3 different branches of our government are and what each one does. Also covered is state’s rights, Federalism, the amendments to the Constitution, and what precipitated those what different positions in local governments do.

There are chapters on the Supreme Court and some of the landmark cases decided, which in turn has brought about new laws or new amendments to the Constitution. I especially liked learning about a few of the different cases brought before the Supreme Court and how they were decided.

Would you like to know what the Secretary of Commerce does? Or the Secretary of Labor? You can find the answers to these questions here.

Towards the back of the book is a “User’s Guide.” A chapter on how to communicate with your legislators, how to lobby for a cause you believe in, how to stage a protest, and even how to run for a political office. There’s even a pop quiz and Presidential facts in the back.

You don’t have to read this book cover to cover to glean information. Just look up what it is you’re curious about. It’s a really handy reference book.

Another informative (and short) book is “You’re on Mute: 101 Tips to Add Zip to Your Zoom” by Jo Hoare. If you are like many of us over this past year, you may have relied on the computer app “Zoom” to communicate with not only coworkers but with family and friends near and far.

Most of all, this is an etiquette book for users of not only Zoom, but for any web based audio/video communication program. Some of them are serious, some are just fun tips, like “don’t use those weird backgrounds in Zoom, they make you look a potato.” Some tips are just plain common sense: Wear appropriate clothing, be polite, let others speak, etc. If you are participating in a lot of business meetings, don’t schedule them back-to-back, or another tip is to spruce up the space behind you a little (nobody wants to see a pile of dirty dishes behind you).

What this book won’t tell you is how the program works, or give details about how to log into and out of your meetings. It does say to be sure to know a little bit about the program before you have something like a major interview or important meeting happening. Practice with family members or friends so that you get the hang of it. And be sure your camera is off when you finish!

The Ketchikan Public Library will be having a craft book sale this Saturday, April 24th 10am – 5:30pm. Books are $1 each. Come in and scoop some up!