Thrillist: How the East African Community Enriches Twin Cities Culture

This is a big one for me. 

Photo courtesy of Thrillist

As long-time readers know, I've been writing for Thrillist for a couple of years now. Most of what I've had the chance to write has been listicle style roundups, but I was recently afforded the chance to write a focus piece on the East African community's deep roots in the Twin Cities. I take this opportunity very seriously and am so grateful for the chance to detail a positive, beautiful community I've admired deeply ever since I first moved to Minneapolis. 

As usual, the editors clipped some of my writing without getting a chance to share the whole thing. If you want to read their published version, please click here (and please do click! I want them to see this story getting lots of eyeballs). I have included my full copy below so readers can see the portions they cropped at the end, which includes more detail from Ifrah Mansour and about the current state of the community. 

Please give this lots of reads on the Thrillist travel site and encourage them to provide more coverage like this! There are so many hidden communities in the middle of our country who are thriving and doing amazing things, and they deserve to be covered as such. I appreciate your support! 

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Steam rises from a cup of cardamom and clove tea. Fragrant fish curry bubbles. Meat kebabs sizzle next to a half-dozen flaky, golden sambusas. This doesn’t sound like a typical meal you’d get in the Midwest. But, in fact, this kind of cuisine is common in East African restaurants in Minneapolis, the new vanguard of ethnic dining in the Twin Cities and the most visible element of a thriving immigrant community. 

With Ilhan Omar making waves in the national political arena as the highest profile member of Minnesota’s House of Representatives in Congress, it’s time to acknowledge that she is not an anomaly. For the last 30 years, a robust, diverse group of East African immigrants from Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Kenya has happily called the Twin Cities home -- and their roots run deep. 

“The next place to experience Somali culture outside of Somalia is definitely Minnesota,” said Jamal Hashi, owner of Safari Restaurant and several other business ventures. “This is our home. A lot of us don’t know anywhere else.”

Snowy Minnesota might seem an unlikely destination for people born in one of the hottest, driest climates on earth, but it’s turned out to be an excellent choice for several reasons. Most of the first wave settled here as refugees after the Somali civil war started in 1991, placed by the U.S. State Department as part of the VOLAG program in which voluntary organizations sponsor refugees for their first point of entry to the United States. Minnesota has an unusually active concentration of VOLAG groups, including Lutheran Social Services, Catholic Charities, and World Relief Minnesota; these groups are also responsible for Minnesota’s high population of refugees from other regions too, such as the Hmong or Liberian communities. Once in the U.S. and on their feet, refugees have the option to move; thanks to the strength of programs in Minnesota that help refugees resettle and the growing numbers of friends and family moving to the state each year, most decided to stay and grow roots. 

Abdirahman Kahin, founder of the enormously popular fast-casual fusion restaurant AfroDeli, agrees. “I immigrated, but there are a lot of kids who are born in this country,” Abdirahman Kahin said. “Right now those who are under 15 outnumber the older ones. Minnesota is very lucky to have those kids for the future.”

By all signs, the community is thriving. From a scattered handful of menu-less restaurants in the mid ’90s there are now hundreds of modern eateries serving traditional food from East African cultures. Fusion dishes -- like African-spiced pastas, fast-casual gyros, Somali steaks, and spicy keke noodles -- are selling out in downtown skyway eateries. Retail outlets selling handmade clothes, halal meats, and bulk spices are in almost every urban and suburban area, and customers can even bargain for their prices just as they would in an open-air market back home. 

These businesses have found great success with their Minnesotan neighbors thanks to their appeal as a unique cuisine that has approachable crossovers with familiar favorites like Indian or Italian food. Somalia’s rich history in particular as an important hub for international trade over many centuries, and as a former Italian colony, makes its cuisine an approachable new fusion option with a twist; an apt parallel would be the way that French baguettes turned into banh mi in the hands of able Vietnamese cooks while Vietnam was still colonized. It also turns out that Minnesotans have a much higher appetite for spicy food and rich flavors than stereotypes would suggest. 

“The food I'm making is for everybody but the people I keep in mind most are people who have never had Somali food before,” said Hashi. “That's what motivates me to stay in the industry.”

Kahin has had the most high profile career of late through AfroDeli, a fast-casual restaurant that aspires to be the Chipotle of African cuisine. AfroDeli’s stunning success demonstrates the high demand for African food despite the stereotype that Minnesotans shy away from spice and flavor.

“A lot of people were saying, before I opened, that Minnesotans won’t try spicy food or African food, but we proved them wrong,” Kahin said. “Everyone is amazed how much business we have from the Minnesota community. I thought there was a way to serve this food to everyone, to the large public and package it in a way they can understand. African food is no different than Indian food or Chinese food or Mexican food.”

Part of that success lies in the attention to dining trends and palates that both Hashi and Kahin have expertly navigated. 

“There’s a big shift in the last 10 years from fast food to fresh ingredients, organic food, healthier food,” Kahin said. “The spices East African cuisine uses are the healthiest -- like cardamom, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, which all help fight disease. We use a lot of organic and buy from local farmers when we can. Our meat is halal, so is killed humanely. We have only one freezer at the store for French fries. You can’t find a single microwave in our restaurants.” 

In his nearly 20 years in business, Hashi has also seen big changes.

“People are more educated about what they eat and you don’t have to advertise thanks to Twitter or Yelp,” Hashi said. “It’s a great advantage. The key has been providing an amazing experience that will translate to a new loyal customer. The level of palates have changed, the generations have changed, and for the better. As a chef, nothing remains the same.”

It turned out the biggest hurdle was just getting started. The first restaurants operated the way they did back home; for example, written and printed menus were not available and customers had to ask what the kitchen had on hand to place an order. Many dishes utilized ingredients unfamiliar to diners born and bred in Minnesota. The experience could be intimidating, but with a little organization and innovation any concerns were quickly put to rest. 

“I've had a lot of naysayers,” Hashi said. “I wanted to make a fast casual to serve non-Somalis Somali food. Everyone was backing away. I believed in it anyway, and it was 98% non-Somalis who came to eat. Everyone said that Minnesotans don’t like spicy food. What a lie – it blew my mind.”

Especially exciting are younger members of the community, who are bringing new technology and awareness to the East African experience. This includes the restaurant review and payment app Tavolo that innovated in-touch screen ordering and cashless transactions; the Top Figure podcast, providing entrepreneurship advice to aspiring young innovators; and artists like Ifrah Mansour, whose heartbreakingly funny performances provide a respectful, open place for the community to share their experiences.

“My art is inspired by my lived experiences and that of Muslims and refugees, particularly the diaspora community,” Mansour said. “This means that my art speaks to the experience of what it means to be American and an immigrant refugee Muslim woman, and all of the complexity that comes with that.”

Mansour has partnered with some of the most vaunted arts and cultural institutions in the state, including the Guthrie Theater, Children’s Theater Company, Minnesota Historical Society, Walker Art Museum, and Minnesota Institute of Arts (MIA). Her work couldn’t have come at a more opportune time.

“What I accidentally started, this conversation of learning the most painful part of your history and unearthing it, is something that we right now as a state, a country, a nation are also unearthing,” Mansour said. “We are also at a crossroad of do we continue the ways we were? Or do we go on this uncharted path to really see the histories we came from, including the histories our ancestors ripped off of the page?”

But life as an East African refugee, of course, has its challenges. Beginning life in a new country is always difficult, but especially so when the climate, language, and dominant religion is so visibly different from where you came from. Kahin has been especially active in fighting the message that the refugee community is a burden, testifying before Congress in defense of their economic contributions. 

“I try my best not to create political response pieces, but I happened to have these works that were ready,” Mansour said. “It’s interesting because our audience came with their rage and anger, but we were able to inspire people to say, ‘Here we get to calm down, we get to be human and listen a little bit.’”

There are the monthly profits that Kahin reinvests into his community, the vital conversations through artistic performances and talkbacks as Mansour has led, and the resources and research that Hashi has compiled to publish a book about Somali history and educate Americans about their past. No matter the avenue, this resilient, vibrant community is committed to embedding even deeper in the fabric of America. 

“Especially the last two years, there has been a lot of talk about immigrants and how we take jobs,” Kahin said. “I want to go against that narrative, telling the truth that we are creating jobs and adding value to the economy and to the market. We are expanding with the U.S. businesses. We are an asset, not a liability, to the economy. They all agreed, Republican and Democrat, that immigrants are a vital part of small business in America.”

Explore more about the East African community in Minnesota buy paying a visit to these restaurants, museums, and markets.

Safari Restaurant

Phillips West, Minneapolis

The restaurant that introduced Somali food to the U.S.

One of the first Somali restaurants in the United States, Safari created several iconic dishes that have now become menu stalwarts around the globe. Top recommendations include the chicken fantastic, a revelatory interpretation of Somali pasta; the roasted goat cutlet, a traditional dish with flavorful goat meat; or the foule mudammes, an appetizer of steamed tilapia with spinach and savory olive oil. 

Fasika

Midway, St. Paul

Setting the standard for Ethiopian and vegan cuisine

This legendary stop at the corner of Snelling and University is many people’s first exposure to East African cuisines. A pillar of the Ethopian dining scene, it’s also an excellent option for vegan and vegetarian diners who struggle finding good options in group settings. We haven’t had a bad dish here; go for any of the sampler platters to try a little bit of everything. 

AfroDeli

Downtown Minneapolis and Downtown St. Paul

The Chipotle of African food you won’t be able to stop ordering

Chipotle better watch out; this African fusion fast-casual restaurant is taking over skyways throughout the Twin Cities. You can’t go wrong with any dishes, but the gyros and sambusas are second to none. Go big or go home with the full veggie platter, which never disappoints. And make sure to stop by the new downtown Minneapolis location opening this October, the first time AfroDeli is making it to the heart of the west side of the Mississippi. 

The Somali Museum of Minnesota 

Midtown Phillips, Minneapolis

Swing by for a 101 introduction to the history of Somalis in Minnesota

The home of Somali arts in Minnesota, the Somali Museum is a one-stop shop for learning about Somali arts and culture. It was universally recommended as a safe, approachable place to learn about this community.  

The Minnesota Historical Society 

Downtown St. Paul

Hear firsthand accounts from East African people’s perspective

MHS is the largest local historical society in the United States. They’ve recently partnered with members of the Somali and Oromo ethnic communities to record their stories and compile an exhibit about their experiences. Come for the impressive work MHS has done; stay for the personal narratives that give firsthand accounts of profound stories. 

The African Development Center

Cedar-Riverside, Minneapolis

An innovative, one-stop service for African immigrants for finances, art and more 

The ADC’s visionary leadership has transformed the East African community, providing business loans, meeting space and organizational help for fledgling organizations, as well as important educational services for recent immigrants. ADC fills the gap left by dwindling governmental funding and provides vital services to immigrants from many parts of Africa. 

The Red Sea

Cedar Riverside, Minneapolis

A friendly performance space with an awesome happy hour

A wicked happy hour, ongoing live music, and a large, friendly dance floor are not the only qualities that recommend the Red Sea. It also has a deep reservoir of affordable Ethiopian cuisines for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Make it a part of a tour of the Cedar Riverside neighborhood, where many of the Somali and Oromo community members are concentrated. 

Karmel Mall

Whittier, Minneapolis

A must-stop for an authentic Somali tea and shopping experience

No trip through the East African experience is complete without a stop at one of the malls hosting an authentic shopping experience. A host of specialty imported goods you can’t find anywhere else, including prayer rugs, spices, and handmade clothes, are packed together. Make sure to pick up some Somali tea (reportedly among the best in the Twin Cities) when you stop by. 

Becki Iverson is a Thrillist writer and an ardent lover of the Twin Cities. You can follow her wide-ranging passions on her blog, Compendium, or on social media on Instagram @beckiiverson or Facebook. When she's not exploring the local food and arts scene, Becki can be found at her day job in marketing for the AEC industry at Faithful+Gould in downtown Minneapolis.

Reliving the Past with The Laramie Project

Here's to hoping history stops repeating itself. 

Photo by Shannon TL Kearns

It's always amazing to me how imperfectly progress on social issues is made. Causes will fight for decades on an issue with little to no improvement - or maybe even sustain severe setbacks - only to jolt society light-years into the future with a single strategic win in the courts or passing of a radical piece of legislation.

The slow pace of moving towards a better world is important to remember in times like these, when so many of us feel like we are slipping further and further into the dark ages. It's not uncommon for things to get worse before they get better, and a great way to remind ourselves of that is to pay tribute to the epochal moments that catapulted us forward in the first place.

To make an imperfect parallel as an example of such a moment: if the Stonewall riots were the LGBTQIA movement's iteration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s march to Selma (thanks to Marsha Johnson - whose name we all should remember vividly), the murder of Matthew Shepard might have been its Emmett Till. The persecution of LGBTQIA people has always been a part of our history - nothing proved that like the lack of urgency surrounding treatment and research for AIDS victims - so there isn't really a visible reason that Shepard's death should have resonated so widely. Yet, often it takes the mundanity of violence to finally reveal just how awful human nature is and how strongly it must be corrected. Reports of Shepard's last hours of suffering after a brutal beating, documented after a biker found Shepard zip tied to a fence and fatally abused, shocked and horrified the nation and marked the beginning of a shift in attitudes that culminated in passing civil rights protections based on gender and sexual identity, legalizing same sex marriage, and an ongoing national feud over protections for transgender people across the whole political spectrum.

The thing that fascinates me most about this is: why Shepard? Why do we care so much about him, specifically? Why not one of the other many thousands of LGBTQIA folks who have been hounded, killed, or assaulted over decades? I'm not sure anyone can ever develop a clear answer for this. The Laramie Project, part one of The Laramie Cycle and now under performance from Uprising Theatre Company, is probably the best attempt to frame Shepard's death in a way we can understand. It's a clear-eyed look at the tragedy through a collection of journal entries, interviews, and observations made by a theatrical team shortly after Shepard's death caught national attention in 1998. It's a fascinating show that reminds me a little of Season 1 True Detective, a foray into the world of #truecrime that gives us a far more nuanced view of middle America and the issue of violence against LGBTQIA people than we often hear elsewhere in the media. There isn't really a star or even a main character; instead, by collecting a wide range of perspectives about who Matthew Shepard was and what was so different about Laramie, Wyoming (the city in which he was killed), we get a telescopic point of view that might illuminate just why we can never take current freedoms for granted.

One of the things I like about Uprising Theatre Company is they always include a fresh face on stage. This is truly an ensemble cast, and they weave through the various narratives swiftly and delicately. There are several brand new actors to #tctheater performing here - Bruce Manning, Juliette Aaslestad, and Michael Novak all do a great job. Directors Sarah Catcher and Ashley Hovell expertly blend these fresh faces with more experienced performers like Tia Tanzer, Jessica Thompson Passaro, Seth Matz and Baku Campbell. The result is a cast with a wide representation, mimicking Laramie's surprising diversity and keeping each transition between monologues fresh. I really enjoyed these performers, who approach this difficult subject with finesse and a total lack of artifice that gives it a heightened emotional impact.

This impact is facilitated by the nearly nonexistent production design, which is essentially a collection of black boxes, a screen, and a few strategically chose small props. Combined with the simple lighting design from Jake Otto; intermittent projection design from Daniel Mauleon; and basic costume pieces that are easily changed between characters right on stage, it allows us to pay attention to the developing narrative and strips away anything that might distract from the purpose of The Laramie Project: Matthew Shepard's life and legacy in changing hearts and minds.

There couldn't be a better time to pull this show off; after all, this year marks the 20th anniversary of Shepard's death (almost to the day), and it feels like we receive daily stories of rights and protections, so recently won and so hard fought for, being stripped away with ease. It's easy to take for granted that the rights claimed by previous generations are an immutable certainty, but the fact is that we are always at risk of sliding backwards. Without intentional, consistent advocacy to continue to push our boundaries further we will never achieve the fair world that Matthew Shepard (and so many others like him) truly deserved. Learning about the people of Laramie, Wyoming and Shepard's life is one of the best ways I can think of to understand where we need to go to change hearts and minds and protect our LGBTQIA family. I enjoyed viewing this important piece of work, and I can think of no better tribute to Matthew Shepard than to stop by Plymouth Congregational Church to see this show (or its followup partner, The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later - you can see both as part of the full Laramie Cycle) before it closes on November 17. For more information or to buy tickets, click here.

And don't forget: if you want to know what you can do to protect rights already hard-won, it's pretty simple to start: Make sure you vote on November 6. Learn more about where and how by clicking here. 

Thrillist: A Best of Business Guide to the North Loop

The North Loop is Minneapolis' retail equivalent of a rags to riches story...

Photo courtesy of Thrillist

And it's one that will be told for a very long time. Once considered one of the most undesirable areas of the city, the North Loop has become one of the hottest real estate markets around. This comes with all the problems that gentrification has to offer, of course, but a few stalwart mainstays are still around after spending years in this area. I worked with a sponsor for Thrillist on this piece featuring some of the awesome legacy businesses that are currently flourishing in the North Loop; read more about it here by clicking on this link, and let me know: what did I miss? What would you add? What do you still want to see in the North Loop? It's an exciting time for the city; let's keep improving it together!

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There’s nothing like a good rags-to-riches story. In Minneapolis, that means you’re talking about the North Loop. Relegated to the bargain basement of the real estate world even a few short years ago, the area has since become one of the hottest territories in Minneapolis. With great real estate comes great commerce, and you’re in luck if you’re looking for some trendy places to spend your paycheck. From innovative restaurants to luxurious clothing and home goods stores, the North Loop has something to suit every shopper’s taste. Here are the people and places responsible for making the North Loop an experience that only Minneapolis can offer.

MartinPatrick3
MartinPatrick3 is a legendary cornerstone of the North Loop, and for good reason. Long (as in decades long) before the Dayton Brothers set up shop in the North Loop, MartinPatrick3 was serving up the classiest, chicest men's store around -- but it wasn’t in the center of it all when it opened.

“For years the vacancy rate was very high in The North Loop,” says the company’s CEO Dana Swindler. “Owners and tenants are taking care of their buildings again. Foot traffic is on the rise as well. We have heard other store owners say that if MartinPatrick3 can thrive in the North Loop, then we can too. I guess we helped establish that the area is viable for retail and other businesses.”

Curated by Swindler and co-proprietor Greg Walsh, the store remains one of the only places in Minnesota to find cult beauty brands such as Santa Maria Novella and Malin + Goetz on hand. Brand manager Erick DeLeon also keeps the place on the cutting edge of men’s lifestyle.

The front half of the store is replete with drool-worthy home goods arranged in approachable vignettes that invite customers to sit down and handle the items, truly making the purchasing process hands-on. The rest of the store’s high-end wares are stocked in a similar fashion, with elegantly designed displays that help you instantly imagine the objects in your own home.

“We have more new customers exploring The North Loop for shopping,” says Swindler. “We are able to add more high-end merchandise to service the customers that have lost Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, and Saks over the last several years. We are also able to offer a large range of ‘good, better, best and luxe’ vendors, to support the growing demand.”

There are ways to take the MartinPatrick3 experience outside of the store as well. You can commission the owners’ impeccable taste to design your home’s interior, and if you purchase items from the store make sure to sign up for their rewards program for discounts on future purchases.

To truly maximize your experience, make sure to follow MartinPatrick3 on Facebook for more information about upcoming events, where you can peruse the store with a free drink in hand, enjoy delicious catered snacks, and find special promotional deals around the stop. With everything from luxe home goods to tailored clothing classics to rich accessories & cheeky gifts, MartinPatrick3 is the only store you'll find women envying their men for.

Wander around the store with a whisky and the building's resident pair of poodles the next time you have a few hours to burn in the North Loop. And while you’re there, enjoy other OG North Loop haunts like the ethereal Lappan Lighting, followed by a well-earned dinner at the 40-years-strong Monte Carlo across the street.

D.Nolo
Destination North Loop (aka D.Nolo) hasn’t yet had its fourth birthday, but it has had a great three years and counting. The female yin to MartinPatrick3’s yang, D.Nolo is serving up luxurious female fashion in a modern cooperative atmosphere. Housing nine retailers in fashion, style, and home decor, it’s the product of owner Veronica Clark’s iterated ethos: Quality trumps quantity. Its high-end offerings elevate the  grade of co-op and consignment shops, while also affording greater opportunity to more daring, experimental, and fledgling designers. While high-end offerings abound in the neighborhood, D.Nolo is the launchpad for what other shops will be selling the day after tomorrow.

“All of the retailers here are small-business owners,” says Clark, who carefully balances the space’s offerings between local creators, the American coasts, and European designers. “Two of them have other stores in other locations and the rest of us are just represented here. The concept is a great way for retailers to try something new in another neighborhood, another market, and for up-and-coming retailers or people who want to go into business to afford opening or having a store in a certain capacity.”

Located just across the street from MartinPatrick3, the women’s boutique shopping center is a much-wanted counterpoint for stylish couples looking to do some day shopping, which Clark describes as a “little sister” to her frequent colluders at the men’s store.

“Four years ago it was just me and MartinPatrick3. It’s evolved quite a bit over the years,” she says. “I was really excited to move to the North Loop and be a part of this community. It’s up and coming. I wanted to be a part of that process and contribute to that.

“It reminds me of Brookyln. I think we’re the Brooklyn of Minneapolis,” says the 10-year veteran of New York living, adding, “We all work together to put on community events a few times a year.”

Here, you can peruse from the cream of Twin Cities luxury fashion, with a plethora of cult-favorite brands. That includes high-end casual looks by Elizabeth & James and Citizens of Humanity from bluebird boutique; luxe basics including sterling Alexander Wang and Helmut Lang pieces from bumbershute; and more. If you are just browsing that’s fine, but the discerning shopper will zero in on Collective, where the crème of that cream is curated.

“What I really wanted was a great group of savvy people who understood the industry or the business who could work together well,” says Clark. “The idea is we all complement each other. And we don’t compete against each other. We all work together and help each other out finding new brands. We want it to be a one-stop shop.”

Focused on the “shop your closet” movement? Refresh your existing wardrobe with one of a kind jewelry from rosegold. There’s a piece for every taste, from skull adorned gold rings to enormous chandelier earrings to dainty jeweled necklaces.

You can also bring D.Nolo’s curated aesthetic into your home with unique interior furnishings from Witt + Bliss, an affiliation with Minnesotan designer Martha Dayton Design. Witt + Bliss’s dreamy, light, clean Amagansett aesthetic will have you dreaming of the beach in your home even during the coldest winter months.

Clark has said that community is the utmost quality of any small business environment, and proves it in her ever-refining finery. Make sure to round out a full ladies’ day out shopping with stops across the street at C’est Chic Boutique for more unique apparel and Shoester’s to peruse a curated selection of women’s shoes.

Freehouse
Minneapolitans are familiar with the Blue Plate Restaurant Co., which has given us time-tested gems such as The Lowry and the Highland Grill. But you haven’t really experienced Blue Plate’s excellence until you’ve checked out Freehouse, the restaurant group’s flagship location in the North Loop.

Not only does Freehouse take advantage of the exploding trend of craft breweries by offering an excellent selection of beers conceived and created on-site (I personally recommend the No. 2 IPA), but it also offers a thoughtful menu that will please even the pickiest of eaters in your group. Dinner features can go anywhere from oysters to rotisserie sandwiches to banh mi to seafood mac ‘n’ cheese. Instagrammers, vegans, and gluten free fans alike will all be pleased with snap-worthy dishes featuring trendy ingredients like daikon, quinoa, avocado, edamame, and tabbouleh.

Don’t feel limited to coming for dinner, however; Freehouse has options for all of your day’s culinary needs. Brunch is an excellent time to stop by and enjoy the sunny patio with a side of pork belly benedict and handcrafted cocktail. If you’re feeling extra, grab the breakfast gnocchi, featuring mushrooms, pesto, bacon, and arugula.

A frequent host for other local beers, Freehouse serves other brands' brews right alongside their own, as their website proclaims, “with the belief that the quality and selection of our ingredients and the care and craft of our brewmaster shines through in every batch we brew and every pint we pour.” That admirable open market also gives the rest of the brewing community its chance to thrive. They recently hosted a collaborative dinner with Stillwater’s Lift Bridge Brewery, who “helped Freehouse brew their first batch of beer before the brewery and restaurant opened.” Neighbors helping neighbors and then toasting each other over dinner sounds like the best plan to build community.

If your dining companions are not fans of the craft brew trend (no judgment), there are options for them as well. There’s an extensive cocktail menu and wine list, so all of your crew’s libation needs can be satisfied.

Whether it’s bison tartare, deep-fried rabbit legs or Korean Rockefeller oysters, Freehouse is truly bringing the word “innovation” to your plate in the best way. It’s the face of Minneapolis that needs to be shown to people who think this city’s culinary experiments end at a hot dish. To make it a day-long affair, you can also pregame at one of the many breweries nearby such as Modist Brewing and burn off your delectable dinner at The Alchemy, a luxurious new gym around the block.

Jeromeo
Jeromeo is a Minneapolis mainstay. Formerly located on Nicollet Mall, the shop migrated to the North Loop a few years ago and expanded beyond its lifestyle and wellness offerings (everything from antiques to essential oil) to massage therapy. Located in a beautiful converted timber frame and stone 1880s bakery/factory facility, Jeromeo choose to enter its new era in the burgeoning North Loop.

“I wanted to create a business that put all my passions into one unique outlet,” says Scott Johnson, the owner of Jeromeo. “As a creative person, traveler, collector, jewelry maker, artist, and massage therapist, I opened Jeromeo to be a one-of-a-kind experience.”

Johnson certainly succeeded in his mission. He provides a wide variety of original, one-of-a-kind goods that are both local and imported throughout the shop. In addition to the gorgeous global antiques Jeromeo has always featured, customers can now find a stunning selection of furniture, ceramics, art, furniture, essential oils, and artisan-made treasures from a variety of sources, including a line of jewelry made in-house by Scott himself. Jeromeo is front-to-back an expression of his personality. To be here is to let him guide you through his interests -- and to find your own.

If you’d rather find respite from the thrill of the shopping hunt, Jeromeo features a wellness center, which provides relief and relaxation through various styles of massage therapy including deep tissue, Swedish massage, Thai massage, and more. The comfortable and intimate atmosphere of the center is accompanied by PureomEO™, the shop’s original line of essential oils, body products, and natural perfumes. Designed to enhance the already meditative nature of Jeremeo’s space through aromatherapy, the signature scents are great to take home, for when you want a sense memory to transport yourself right back to your Me Day.

And more is on the horizon. Johnson says he’s planning to add “a line of American-made, upholstered furniture, plus a unique tea and dumpling cafe that will focus on plant-based food options and tea drinks with unique flavors.” Jeromeo is the clear go-to for those looking to explore and savor the subtler joys of simple living.

If you're heading somewhere as calming and classy as Jeromeo, you need something else to up the ante, right? Work out like Misty Copeland at the Bar Method, one of the Twin Cities' first true barre studios. Across the parking lot is surefire new hit Dalton and Wade, where you can fill up on beautifully-executed Southern food and one of the restaurant's more than 200 bottles of American-made whiskey. For a lighter, more bourgeois touch, hit Bev's Wine Bar right next door for a cheese plate and a beautiful glass of rosé. If you need a place to sleep off that delicious massage, look no further than the highly trendy Hewing Hotel down the block.

A Walk on the Dark Side: An Interview with Jonathan Weir/Jafar in Disney's Aladdin Tour

What is it like to play the villain? 

Photo courtesy of Hennepin Theatre Trust

I think many people stereotypically assume that the best part to play in any script is the role of the hero. I mean, who doesn't want to be admired and spout pithy quotes and swashbuckle their way to a glorious ending? It's great, right?

Speaking from experience (and the success of shows like Wicked that flip the villain's script), I can say that this is not always the case. The role of the villain is often one of complexity, range, depth, challenge, and, dare I say it? Fun! After all, it takes a lot more work to make an audience respect, or especially to like, a character full of nefarious deeds and sinister subplots.

Jonathan Weir, who is starring as Jafar in the touring production of Aladdin (coming to Hennepin Theatre Trust next week!) is no stranger to loving to play the villain. Having served in the role of Scar in The Lion King on and off for 13 years, he has worked all over the country and survived more than 30 years in the business, which is no mean feat. I sat down with him to chat about his work on Aladdin, his illustrious career, and much more. Read on to learn more about the ins and outs of working on a Broadway touring show!

1. You have over 30 years in this business! That's a long time in any career, and Broadway can be notoriously grueling. What keeps you going? 

The majority of my 30 years in the business has been based in Chicago. I’ve been fortunate to have worked on Broadway three times in the past 2 years doing The Lion King and I’ve done a few national tours of The Lion King, Jersey Boys and now Aladdin.  The business of acting can be trying, challenging and grueling wherever you’re geographically based. I’d say what has kept me going is the Chicago theater community. I’ve grown enormously as an actor and I continue to be challenged and inspired by my fellow actors, directors and designers here in Chicago.

2. Having had such a long, legacy relationship with The Lion King, you clearly have an interest in Disney and these stories that are now considered children's classics. What drew you to Aladdin after such a long time in The Lion King world? Have you noticed any specific differences between each experience? 

I have had a unique relationship with Disney.  I did the second national tour of The Lion King which started in Chicago back in 2003. I was a Scar/Pumbaa standby and left after a year.  However, every few years Disney would call me to come standby on the tours and eventually on Broadway. I never dreamed that I’d do The Lion King on and off for 13 years. As an actor I have an interest in working in all kinds of plays. There was a lot that drew me to auditioning for Aladdin but foremost was that Disney does it right. They spare no expense in bringing a story to stage and they take exceptional care of the cast and crew. That was my experience on The Lion King and it has held true for Aladdin as well.

3. You've played Scar and now Jafar, and I read that you would love to play Ursula as well - do you have a special penchant for playing villains? What appeals to you about embracing the "dark side”?

The ideal of playing Ursula was said partly in jest. She’s one of the iconic Disney villains and she has a special flair. However, given the state of female roles in theater, playing that role is best left to any of the phenomenally capable actresses out there. I seem to have found a niche in playing the Disney villains. I think it’s always fun to play the antagonist, to play a character that has a strong point of view. For the record I have played some nice guys in my career too.

4. Playing such iconic characters must be a little difficult sometimes, as people have preconceived ideas of them from the movies. How much of yourself are you able to bring to these roles? Do you find the familiarity of the story challenging? 

During rehearsals we were encouraged to bring ourselves to our roles. To not just imitate or recreate what was done in the animated feature or on Broadway. As an actor it’s vital to bring yourself to any role and to own it. Jonathan Freeman, who was the voice of Jafar in the animated feature and who plays the role on Broadway, created a rich road map and many iconic moments. However, we are not only different actors but have had different life experiences, and those experiences inform our individual takes on the role.

5. What is the most special part about Aladdin to you - sets, costumes, cast and crew, etc.? 

It’s the people. I love being in a theater. Not just on stage but in the building itself. I love interacting with all the different departments, stage crew, props, wardrobe, makeup, orchestra etc. Being in a building that holds that much talent means endless creativity.  I’m fortunate to have made a living doing what I love.

6. What is it like to be a touring actor for a Broadway show? The schedule and travel must be intense. How does it differ (aside from the obvious) from other productions that don't tour? 

First off, maintaining and keeping a long-running show fresh is a challenge but rewarding. I always say getting the job is one thing, but maintaining and giving an audience a fresh show nightly is craft. Touring is a different beast. I was fortunate to be in Chicago rehearsing and running Aladdin for 22 weeks at home. The perks of touring are that you get to explore a variety of cities and come in contact with a wide array of people in the business. I love to travel. The downside is that you’re away from family and friends.

7. How long did it take between casting to get to performances for this show? What is the rehearsal process like? 

My initial audition and callback was in NYC in September 2016. I was cast later that month. We started rehearsals in Chicago on February 27, 2017, so I had about 5 months between casting and starting rehearsals. In those 5 months I had several costume fittings in NYC. We rehearsed for about 5 weeks, had 2 weeks of tech, previewed for a week and opened in Chicago in mid-April of this year. The rehearsal process was truly a joy. Everyone in the cast was supportive, caring and encouraging of the work that was being done in the rehearsal room. This is one of the most generous, talented and loving casts I’ve worked with.

8. How do you keep a semblance of normalcy on a tour like this? What kinds of self-care do you practice? 

That’s a good question. Keeping a sense of normalcy or routine is key while on the road. The cast becomes close knit and having that “family” helps. Doing Aladdin nightly requires a great deal of energy. I do a few things to maintain my physical health. I work out several times a week at the gym, I get massages, I stretch and warm-up before the show.  

9. What is your favorite theater experience as a performer (most fun to be a part of)? 

Boy, that’s always a tough one to answer.  I’ve had so many favorite experiences as a performer. Most recently, last summer I played Malvolio in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night for Chicago Shakespeare’s summer parks tour. We performed outdoors in 19 Chicago parks. It’s free to the public and going into so many diverse neighborhoods and connecting with audiences like that was very satisfying. We had little kids excited about Shakespeare! And anytime you can turn someone on to live theater it’s a good day at work.

10. Conversely, what is your favorite experience as an audience member (best show you've seen)? 

Back in 1989 I attended a final run through of Steppenwolf Theatres The Grapes of Wrath directed by Frank Gallati. It was a final run through in the rehearsal hall with rehearsal props, and a few costume pieces. It was right before they went to Broadway with the show. It was one of the most moving, exhilarating and inspiring theater experiences I’ve had.

11. What are your hopes for future projects? Anyone other than Ursula you'd love to play? Do you see yourself leaving the Disney universe? 

I will do this tour then I imagine return home to Chicago. It’s my home base. As for future roles…one never knows. I’d like to do more Shakespeare and I enjoy doing new works.

12. I read that you had a great teacher in high school that inspired you to get involved in drama. How important is education and outreach to you? Do you consider that part of the job? What are ways you give back?

I am a big advocate for training and education. I had some very influential teachers and mentors along the way. One of them taught us that once you start acting you’re a student for life, both in your on stage life and off stage. I believe the two are intrinsically connected. I am an adjunct professor in theater in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts at Loyola University Chicago. I love teaching. To help a student find a way into a character and grow is very fulfilling.

13. What advice would you have to young performers who are hoping to enter this field? 

How much time do you have? I believe that the journey to becoming a performer happens differently for every individual. That being said, I believe there are some absolutes. A few words of advice:

1. Read. Know history, know about the world both the past and present. As actors we’re called on to not only engage our imaginations but our intellect. The more you know the more you have to bring into the rehearsal room and to the role.  
2. Be the solution. In an audition situation I like to think that there are two things you can control; your preparation and your attitude. Everything else is out of your control. Once you understand that it’s an empowering feeling. Coupled with that is the idea that they have a problem, they need to cast the role. The auditors want you to be good and be the one for the job. Right before I go in to audition I say the little mantra: “be the solution.” 

Before you go... did you like this post? Would you like to see more interviews? It's been a while since I regularly conducted interviews but I'd love to mix it up if you are interested. Let me know in the comments! 

And don't forget to enter the drawing for four free tickets to see Grease at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres to celebrate Compendium's fifth birthday! It's so easy to enter and you can win a full table of tickets for free - you don't want to miss out. 

Compendium is Turning Five! And Grease Ticket Giveaway

Let me tell you a little story.

Five years in and stronger than ever - happy birthday Compendium!

The date is September 2012. I'm one year past college graduation and have been supplementing my full time job, where I'm relatively bored, with writing on the side for Metro Magazine. As a journalism major I am really hoping to step into that world full-time and feel like I'm on track to at least be a regular columnist and maybe editor someday when BAM! I find out the magazine is closing in a week.

Although the writing had probably been on the wall for some time, I was absolutely devastated. I felt like I was finally hitting my stride; I had just run my first major print piece (which I still have a copy of today!), an interview with the new incoming director of the Minnesota Opera. It felt like all of the hard work I'd done over the last year+ was flying straight out the window. Worse, as 90% of my work was online, I knew it would be lost to the wind if I didn't do something quickly to save it.

Thus, Compendium was born. I created this blog initially as a place to store my work for Metro and to keep it alive online. I took a little hiatus from the media world but then realized: this site didn't have to be static storage space to hold old articles. Why wait for a publication to pick me up? Why not start my own blog, share my own thoughts, and build the kind of coverage I always wanted to see but had to pass through gatekeepers before? I decided to re-up my work with my local media contacts and began slowly building a brand, a process that continues to this day.

It's been a long road to here, but I can safely say that five years later, building and running Compendium is one of the most fun, rewarding challenges I could imagine. I've had the opportunity to connect with so many amazing readers - YOU! Tens of thousands of you! - and I'm so grateful for the opportunity. If I hadn't started Compendium I would have missed out on so many amazing projects, performances, and people. I would never have met the incredible folks of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers, who blow me away every day with their ingenuity and compassion. And I wouldn't have the ability to keep planning for the future, for more performances, ways to give back, and a few really cool new business ideas up my sleeve that I hope to share in coming years.

As a token of my gratitude to all my readers for five years of incredible theater and blogging, I want to give back to you for a chance to show my appreciation for following me on this journey. Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (CDT) has graciously agreed to give me four tickets to give away to a lucky reader (or two!) to enjoy Grease (review here), currently showing and the best selling show in CDT's history. 

CDT has always held an extremely special place in my heart for a few reasons. One is that it was the first theater I ever attended outside of the small town I grew up in up north. My younger sister and I were taken to a production of Brigadoon by my parents, and I will never forget the magic of seeing one of our favorite movie musicals come to vibrant life on stage. For kids whose biggest travel adventure was camping at state parks a short drive away, it was an unfathomably luxurious and inspiring experience. I also adore CDT's strong community outreach. They have been excellent partners with local school programs and are always working to make their shows more accessible, be it through ticket promotions (make sure to check for family discounts as they always do series where children's tickets are included free with adult ticket purchases) or bringing their performances outside of Chanhassen for others to enjoy.

Here's how to enter the giveaway: 

1. Make sure you are following Compendium on Facebook (you can also follow me on Instagram and Twitter!)

2. Comment on this post either in the blog comments below or on the Facebook post. Let me know: what is your favorite show you have ever seen? Who do you want to take to see Grease and why? Bonus points if you can also tell me what you're most looking forward to seeing in the new 2017 - 2018 theater seasons! 

3. I will draw a winner from those names on Friday, September 15, 2018. Winners can book their tickets anytime with Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. 

Thank you so much to all readers for an incredible five years. Cheers to five more! 

A Wonderful Trip through The Immigrant Journey Project

The Immigrant Journey Project is everything that Refugia should have been but wasn't. I hope it has an incredible audience engagement; it deserves it.  

This little map was the most beautiful way to connect all audience members' families' journeys to the United States! 

When I was arranging to see The Immigrant Journey Project, the media rep I was in contact with made sure to send a disclaimer: "don't forget that these performers aren't professional actors!", she said. She needn't have worried. I can safely say that The Immigrant Journey Project is one of the most candid, moving, intimate works I've seen in a while, and the mixed cast is a huge part of it's success.

Let me back up for a second and start at the beginning. The Immigrant Journey Project marks the culmination of a three year long development process between Mu Performing Arts and several community groups, including CHAT, the Hmong Elder Center, SOY, Wilder and WISE. The grant-funded project was devised to help Asian-American elders and more recent immigrants to tell their stories through learning about theater and puppetry. The Immigrant Journey Project takes the scripts and stories written by dozens of participants and distills them into a series of short vignettes that shine a light on each of these unique narratives. The show is split into three themes: past (where Hmong elders tell of their lives as youth living in their villages); present (young immigrants talk about their recent immigration to the United States and their observations of cultural differences); and future (Mu Performing Arts cast members imagine a futuristic potluck in space). The result is a show that has it all - wonder, humor, ennui, heartbreak, gratitude, perspective and a whole lot of heart.

The Immigrant Journey Project opened with the story of Pa Lee Thao as she remembered sweet stories from her childhood in the village, such as losing a shoe in the river and going on dates. All of the vignettes told by the Hmong elders are told by the elders themselves in Hmong, which are then translated into English by one of the actors. It was so special and beautiful to see these wise community members become animated and engaged as they shared pieces of their past, many of which were beautiful and elegantly simple. The one exception was "Poison From the Sky 'Tshuaj Saum Ntuj' " by Cher Pao, in which he detailed how his village and their farms were poisoned by chemicals dropped on them during one of the many wars that devastated SouthEast Asia in the twentieth century. Pao's abrupt style was shattering, and the simple facets of his story laid bare the horror he witnessed as a young man. It was incredibly moving, and added a lot of gravitas to the rest of the show.

In between the Hmong elder's stories were two other biographical series. One, called "WISE," was the more modern telling of three young girls who are recent immigrants to America. Each has had a very different cultural and familial experience and has arrived to the United States for different reasons, but they also share several themes. Standouts included stories about the first time each encountered snow and the difference between foods and eating habits in their respective cultures versus the U.S. The girls were shy but engaging, and their vibrant, youthful perspective brought great energy to the performance. It was a joy seeing them work with the experienced Mu performers, with whom they clearly shared a warmth and comfortability that was inspiring to see.

The final series was the fictional and much more creative "Futuristic Potluck," staged by Mu Performing Arts' cast members. These were much sillier (and funnier) stories that were a huge hit with the children in the audience. There were some strong political themes raised in these potluck narratives, such as social anxiety, sexism, gender rights and cultural reflections on the year 2017 (from 50 years into the future of course), but the overwhelming sense from this series was community and positivity. Normally I would have found something like this potluck series to be really out of place and a waste of time in a show like this. However, when woven between the more serious and emotional true stories of the young and old immigrants featured here, the futuristic potluck provided a welcome dose of humor that helped break up each series of stories.

The live music on stage was unique and beautiful.

All of the stories of The Immigrant Journey Project were told through puppets made by the artists themselves under the expert tutelage of Masanari Kawahara (also known as Masa). I've seen Masa's puppets in action before but they never struck me quite as they did in this performance. Each puppet was clearly made with love and care, and it was so beautiful to see the artists represent themselves visually. Their vibrant and expressive use of color and shape made the puppets very relatable, and displacing their story through a puppet (rather than "acting" themselves) really helped to build confidence and project each person's narrative. The futuristic potluck puppets were abstractly creative (very reminiscent of Guardians of the Galaxy, actually) and a whole lot of surrealist fun. They were also shockingly expressive, a testament to the strong voice work of the Mu cast members.

The Immigrant Journey Project is exactly what we need more of in Twin Cities theater and an inspired choice for Mu Performing Arts to wrap up their 25th season. It is such a brilliant way to bring real-life stories to the stage in an authentic, respectful and engaging way. I love that it was able to give back to the community both in terms of training and arts, and in educating the audience about these vital stories. The Immigrant Journey Project is everything that Refugia should have been but wasn't. If you went to see the latter show, I strongly urge you to support The Immigrant Journey Project too. These are real stories from real refugees and immigrants about their real experiences in both of their homelands, and I am certain that any audience can find something to learn from these brave artists.

Tickets to see this show (at the new-to-me and fabulous Steppingstone Theater) cost only $10, and rest assured that any money you spend will be well utilized by Mu Performing Arts to continue this kind of community-focused work. My only wish upon leaving the theater last weekend? I would love to see this project re-created with the many other incredible immigrant communities we have here in Minnesota. While this is technically outside of Mu's mission and scope, they have proven themselves to be expert custodians of such narratives, and I hope we can apply their expertise to lift up other communities as well.

I highly encourage everyone of all ages to check out The Immigrant Journey Project with Mu Performing Arts at Steppingstone Theater before it closes on August 20. It's the perfect way to wrap up your summer theater series, and it's a model for artistic community engagement in the future. For more information or to buy tickets, click on this link. 

The Best Books I've Read in 2017 (So Far)

As usual, I have set several lofty reading goals for myself for this year.

Quite the productive reading weekend thanks to the storm! #rainydays #shelfie #library #books #brainfood

A post shared by Becki Iverson (@beckiiverson) on Jun 11, 2017 at 1:44pm PDT

If you follow my book recommendations you know that I am obsessed with Goodreads - I have no idea how I would track all of the great reading I do over the years without it! This year I've had the good fortune to join a fabulous book club that is reading its way around the world, beginning with the Middle East. It's called Around the World in 80 Books (anyone can join! click here to find the group) and I highly recommend it - I've tremendously enjoyed the pieces we've explored so far, especially because even for an avid reader like me, it has pushed me to pick up and research things I never would have found on my own. It's free, it's easy, and it's so inspiring!

Since I seem to be crushing my target of reading 100 books this year, I thought it would be great to break up the top books with a review of the first half of the year. Wherever you're at in your reading journey, I'd highly encourage you to pick up one (or all) of these - they may seem random but they have a lot to offer! And if you want even more suggestions, follow along my blog's Books page (link here) or check out my post on the best books I read in 2016 (link here).

Most Helpful for Challenging Societal Norms: Happy City by Charles Montgomery 

I've recently been very interested in the politics and process of city planning and community layouts, and there was no better introduction to that subject than this beautifully written book. Charles Montgomery leaves no stone unturned in his new vision for how our urban centers could work. He truly inspired me to remember that every single thing in our lives is designed (and designed for a reason) - while this can feel defeating, it also means that it can always be changed. I really appreciated that Montgomery is not afraid to be blunt and straightforward about some of the most harmful aspects of traditional urban design, especially in the form of racism and classism. The good examples he uplifts of cities who are thoughtfully innovating for the future are truly well-rounded. For example, they always include provisions for the traditionally most reviled among us (say, drunk homeless people) in innovative, loving ways that provide spaces for all citizens - and isn't that what we say we want our societies to be in the first place?

Since I have returned to living without a car (essentially for my day to day needs at least) a few years ago, I have been SO much happier and healthier. Restricting our cities to be built for cars is honestly tyrannical, and Happy Cities lays this reasoning out in compelling detail. I would urge everyone to give this wonderful book a shot and open their minds to the possibility of living differently from what conventional wisdom dictates. There are so many more ways to enjoy a rich, vivid life that have nothing to do with working thousands of hours of overtime and spending half your day commuting in a car. Definitely check this little gem of a book out!

Most Unexpectedly Spiritual Science Book: The Soul of An Octopus by Sy Montgomery

This is one of the most marvelous little science books I've ever read. It takes a very humanistic, Krista Tippet's On Being approach to zoology by focusing on the octopus (although plenty of other animal information is included as well) through our understanding of the octopus's consciousness. The book reads almost like a memoir, following Montgomery through her travels, her personal interactions with the octopuses (which is correct as opposed to octopi for the plural - little known fact), and other bits of knowledge about the ocean that she weaves in through the central location of the Boston Aquarium.

I've always really struggled with zoos and aquariums as "homes" for wild animals - I think it's rather cruel - but Montgomery makes quite the case for it here, describing how much safer and long lived the animals are as well as the kinds of care they receive that they never could in the wild. She also details how many octopuses (and other fish) are released, if possible, back into the wild before the end of their life so they are able to complete and breed naturally. There is no doubt that the keepers working with them are very committed to giving each a safe, happy life, and that they are imminently qualified to do so. This book lets you peer "behind the curtain" of a zoo/aquarium's operations, and it was really interesting.

Animals tend to get the short end of the stick in measuring intelligence and that is a shame. Montgomery does a wonderful job of explaining how smart octopuses are and how little we are able to comprehend their consciousness - after all, they are composed completely differently from us and have a completely different perspective on the world. There is no denying that octopuses are smart though and that they have distinctive personalities. For anyone who wonders about animal consciousness and eating meat, this will be striking.

The Soul of An Octopus is a wonderful read, especially because it closer ties us to a species not like our own. With the advance of climate change and other multi-national issues facing us, it will take all of earth's creatures respecting and caring for each other to make it through. The Soul of An Octopus really helps bridge the divide between humans and cephalopods, and it's a fascinating walk through their underwater world.

Most Societally Necessary: Hunger by Roxane Gay 

Roxane Gay is such an important writer that I'm not sure how to even review her bibliography - it's really in a category all its own. I adored Bad Feminist, but Hunger is so different, such a unique piece of work, that it's hard to categorize. It's far and away the best thing I've read either about obesity or sexual assault and related PTSD, but also includes so many important details about life as a woman, as a woman of color, as a woman of size (not just heft but height), as a daughter of immigrants (I could go on and on).

There is so much incredible detail wrapped into this book, truly encapsulating an intersectional experience and indirectly demonstrating why it is so hard to talk about intersectional issues. Which part of yourself and your identity does each of your experiences belong to? Which parts of your identity are more important? Are resources equally available to help you depending on race or gender or socioeconomic status? How do you move through pain? How does pain tangentially affect other areas of your life? How do you forgive yourself? Once you've started to heal from your pain, how do you leave it behind after you've carried it for so long?

There are so many rich, rich things to glean from this book, and I think every citizen should read it to have a more compassionate and comprehensive understanding of life as a woman who is obese, survivors of sexual assault, and an enormous range of related things. Roxane is so incredibly brave for writing and sharing this honest, raw book. I can't recommend it highly enough or thank her enough for writing it. We needed it and didn't even know it.

Best History Book: White Trash: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America by Nancy Isenberg

Talk about timely! This book could not have been published at a more opportune moment. Nancy Isenberg has written an absolutely riveting, thoughtful, highly necessary piece on the history of class in America and how it intersects with race issues. This should be required reading for every citizen. There is no way for us to solve the problems we are facing without understanding where they come from, and Isenberg starts at the very beginning. How many people know how classist the initial immigrants to America were? Or that the constitution was initially set up to base citizenship on property ownership, an influence that colors our view of people living here today? Or that the bungling of Reconstruction post-Civil War was not just devastating for former slaves but also for the white Southern poor?

The research here is exhaustive and truly spectacular, and Isenberg's pointed, clear, riveting writing is perfectly aimed to strike the heart of American mythology about progress and fairness. Although unfortunately named, White Trash is a book that will be a standard in learning about American class and race history for decades to come. If you found yourself questioning the results of the election or have a hard time understanding why white poor people tend to vote or act as they do, this is a great place to start. Also related in fictional form that is a great followup: Strange As This Weather Has Been by Ann Pancake, about the lives of coal miners in West Virginia.

Funniest: You Can't Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain by Phoebe Robinson

I discovered Phoebe Robinson through the podcast 2 Dope Queens, and I'm SO glad I did. Not only have I now been introduced to Phoebe's solo podcast Sooo Many White Guys (best. intro. song. everrr.), but she is absolutely hilarious, so thoughtful and well rounded, and is single-handedly helping (at 2 Dope Queens with Jessica Williams) to create an innovative new space for comics of color. In other words: all she does is win win win no matter what.

I was really excited to read this book and it didn't disappoint. It reads just like Robinson speaks, full of her vernacular - it's like you're having a direct one-on-one conversation with her. This casual feel allows her to really dig in to meaty issues but with humor and finesse, and she has a lot to add to many conversations (particularly around intersectionality and feminism) that are vital to our progress today. I feel like for women of color (WOC) this book will feel familiar - none of the issues Robinson discusses will be new ones - but they still might be a hilarious new spin on old woes. In particular, I adore her clever way of abbreviating words. It's a little jarring at first but once you're in on the joke it's really charming and adds a lot of modernity to the feel of her work.

As a white woman, I found a lot of what she said to be important information to me and in learning to listen to other voices and to respect/understand/honor the differences between us. For any ladies who went to the women's march and want to learn more about intersectionality and some of the specific difficulties WOC face today, this is a great primer - I'd encourage you to pick it up.

Best Book for Women: Drop the Ball: Achieving More by Doing Less by Tiffany Dufu 

Forget Lean In; THIS is the book that every woman needs to read. Drop the Ball is a magnificent testimony to all the ways that women convince ourselves that we fall short and torment ourselves with unnecessary and unrealistic expectations. It is perfect for anyone who is too busy in their day to day and struggles to to find time for their real priorities (so... everyone?) and for those with a fierce imposter syndrome. Drop the Ball is a perfect piece demonstrating that women need to get out of our own way in order to lead happier, healthier lives. Dufu's insights are so much more realistic and nuanced than Sheryl Sandberg's; I'd love to see more books by realistic, intersectional women like this be published.

There are a few flaws with the book that are minorly addressed but could use more treatment. The entire concept is really based on a heteronomative, committed partnership - there's not a ton of language in here for non-CIS relationships or for single people. Although these items are not often explicitly addressed, however, I still think there is a lot of wisdom that can be gleaned here that is still useful for anyone falling outside of a heteronormative partnership, and much of this advice is even more vital in that context. For example: don't be afraid to recruit a "village" to help you. Build and maintain a network to call upon. Release your facade of perfection and meet people honestly with where you are truly at, and accept help when it is offered to you. Build strong relationships with others (especially other women). Be straightforward about your expectations and clear about your needs when you make a request. Stand up for yourself. Practice self care.

I cannot rave enough about Drop the Ball. It reflects a lot of conversations my partner and I had when we first lived together, and I wish I had had a book that so clearly laid out ways in which I was not only failing myself, but failing him. We need to have higher expectations of our partners - it is insulting to treat them like mindless creatures incapable of helping around the home. We need to have higher love for ourselves - we deserve time to rest and recuperate from our busy and stressful lives. We need to get off the perfection hamster wheel - it's unrealistic and completely unnecessary, and life is way too short to get caught up in keeping up with appearances.

What kind of world could we make if women really freed ourselves from the chains of eternal domesticity, learned to accept a little mess here and there, and instead focused our time and energy on our real passions and drive to improve society? It's an attainable fantasy, and the only people in our way is ourselves. Stop preventing yourself from finding peace and success. Read Drop the Ball - it is vital for women of any age and their partners should read it too for insight into why their S.O. has the expectations they do/is societally conditioned the way they are. I adored this book, and you and your partner will too.

Best Graphic Novel(s): The March Series by John Lewis 

I am so, so inspired by this wonderful series. Whoever suggested John Lewis make his story into a graphic novel is seriously a hero. I've studied the civil rights movement all my life, but something about the visual nature of this series really hit me in a way that all the thousands of textbook pages I've read never has. The art in these is truly gorgeous and I really got engaged and emotional with this story. Even in just black and white, the drawings are visceral, active and engaging, and they will keep you riveted to the narrative from start to finish. Book 3 is especially spectacular, and I promise it will keep you riveted to each page.

It's so easy to forget what happened (even in recent history) to get us to today, and the unimaginable pain the civil rights marchers went through is rendered here in astonishing, vibrant life. I highly recommend this to everyone - I think anyone can find some great, inspiring lessons here.

To the publishers: Please don't stop with this series! There is so much more of this story to be shared. I would love a graphic novel series like this on other marchers and activists, maybe Angela Davis and Cesar Chavez next?

Most Insightful: Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers by Tim Ferriss

I have always had somewhat of an unfair aversion to Tim Ferriss (I can't explain it, he just turns me off a little), but I couldn't resist the idea of this new book with interviews from the super successful of every stripe. I'm so glad I read this! It took a long time to get through but there is so much great information packed into these short interviews. They're funny, heartwarming, inspiring, and will kick your ass into gear towards accomplishing your goals.

In fact, this is one of the few books I would recommend re-reading and revisiting, as one pass through alone won't allow all of the great information here to really sink in. There is something in this book for everyone, from elite athletes to military personnel to comic strip authors, world renowned novelists, great chefs and titans of tech and industry. It's truly an all-encompassing book and I would highly recommend this for anyone who feels a little stuck or uninspired in their life. If you can't find anything in these hundreds of pages to cheer you, nothing ever will!

And if you're a podcast devotee like moi, check out Tim's podcasts (which each of these excerpts in the book is culled from). They're free master classes from the best in the world at their respective crafts - great for taking a long walk or run and doing some serious contemplating!

Best Memoir: The Return: Fathers, Sons, and the Land In Between by Hisham Matar

This book was one of our book club choices and it was so incredibly informational. I didn't realize how little I knew about Libyan history until I picked it up, and it's fascinating. Hisham's story of his search for his father is devastating and presumably unending, but through his grief he has managed to create a gorgeous testimony to the value of Libya, of the reason to fight for your freedom, and the ideal that sacrifice is worth it if the end goal benefits everyone.

If you're wondering why Qaddafi had to be removed from power and where Libya can go from here, Hisham has several thoughts to share. I learned so much about North Africa and life under a dictatorship in this lyrical, lovely little book and I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants a primer on what is happening there. There are shockingly few great books about Libya and North Africa in general (tends to be the case when an entire generation's worth of writers and artists are imprisoned by a ruthless dictator... but I digress), so it behooves you to really savor the lyrical prose and rich history Hisham presents here.

Best Business Book: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

I was NOT expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. Being somewhat of a hippie liberal, it's easy to hate on big corporations and think of them as greedy, soulless entities. That understanding, however, ignores the fact that behind every corporation is a very human, very fallible founder, who has made many tradeoffs to help realize their vision. Shoe Dog is so much bigger than being a book about Nike and touches on life, exploration, vision, determination, problem solving... I could go on and on.

Whether you love or hate Nike (particularly its sweatshop legacy), it's impossible to deny the complete revolution Nike created in the shoe industry, all of which started with a simple and noble mission to help provide better shoes made explicitly for the American body. What Nike is today is obviously far more complex than that initial vision, but there are good and bad things to all sides of that story. Be warned that this is a book solely from the perspective of the founder, Phil Knight, so it is going to be overly celebratory. Knight casts himself as the downtrodden, underestimated hero of this story, and it's a compelling narrative (although admittedly lopsided).

If you are able to set aside any concerns you might have about that, this will be a romping good read. It also really humanizes the kind of decisions corporations have to make that aren't always well publicized or explained amidst controversial media uproars. What good are corporations able to do overseas outside of eliminating their sweatshops? What kind of impact and ripple effect can a company have on something as simple as re-working the chemicals in a processing element in order to make a whole industry safer? Who preys upon the corporation itself?

Shoe Dog is a really interesting exploration of these questions and so much more. Anyone interested in creating a start-up or learning more about the interior mechanisms of corporate manufacturing should pick this up. It's not only inspiring, it's enlightening, and you will absolutely fly through it.