“He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it”.
—Martin Luther King Jr., Letter from the Birmingham Jail
Dear Readers,
Welcome to Black History Month at Book Beat, a time for learning and honoring the pioneers, dreamers, doers, and thinkers who came before us and who helped make this nation fulfill its dream and become truly great. Black History Month is a time for reflection, building bridges and coming together. Theodore Parker, A 19th-century radical abolitionist and Unitarian minister, said in his 1853 sermon ‘Of Justice and the Conscience’: “I do not pretend to understand the moral universe. The arc is a long one. My eye reaches but little ways… But from what I see I am sure it bends toward justice.” Words that inspired Martin Luther King Jr.,in speeches and deeds and a great sentiment of hope for the future.
In moments of uncertainty, silence and disengagement are not neutral acts. Bookstores matter precisely because they are safe, welcoming community spaces—places to learn, ask questions, share ideas, and better understand what is happening around us. Through books, art, and conversation, we gather not just to observe the world, but to engage with it thoughtfully and humanely. Thank you for continuing to make Book Beat a place where ideas are shared and voices are heard.
Jonathan Haidt author of The Anxious Generation recently put together The Amazing Generation a handbook for living a happy and exciting life that isn’t hijacked by a smartphone, aimed at young adults and tweens. An interesting quote in the book from the first president of Face Book spells out the sinister nature of apps that were purposely designed to “consume as much of your time and attention as possible”— this “addictive-by-design” approach was made to hook people addiction is their focus. The creators and designers of these products will not allow their own children to use them because they are aware of the dangers in the design. Here’s a passage from the book:
When Facebook was getting going, I had these people who came up to me and they would say, “I’m not on social media…. I value my real-life interactions, I value the moment, 1 value presence, I value intimacy.” And I would say “We’ll get you eventually.”
—Sean Parker, first president of Facebook
Soon, young people were rushing to get smartphones and download apps, especially social media apps, and were spending hours every day using them. This left them with a lot less time for the things kids used to do (and that scientists know are really important) like playing together in person, spending time outside, exercising, and sleeping.
I would also add reading books to the list.;)
Another recent book on Big Tech: Enshittification by Cory Doctorow explains the betrayal of technology into dominating platforms that at one time provided helpful free services that once seemed harmless and are now “frustrating, demoralizing and even terrifying.” It’s a fascinating book that helps explain how things got from good to bad and worse entering the state of surveillance and extraction now surrounding us.
Doctorow presents the history and pathology of four case studies; Facebook, Amazon, iPhone, and Twitter. The cure he provides near the end is based on the model set by the European Union who are “more willing to take on Big Tech than the United States is.” The good news is a cure is possible and can happen by political pressure to change the system propping up Big Tech, or by no longer supporting it.
“I’d Love to Change the World but I Don’t Know What to Do” is a famous song written by Alvin Lee and performed by Ten Years After on their album A Space in Time. The apathetic sentiment of the song has held up with relevance to our current struggles and problems. Apathy is no good. We must choose kindness and compassion to make change happen.
The ALA book awards were announced earlier this month. Congratulations to all the winning authors and illustrators! The awards are given out yearly by the Association of Library Services to Children (ALSC) for the best published books for children and young adults. Here’s a complete listing of the 2026 Youth Media Awards. Many of the winning books are in stock now or ordered awaiting reprints. Stop by soon or let us know if you’re interested in any specific title(s).
Thank you for your continued support of our bookstore and your faith in reading. We hope to see you soon! We’re here to help.
Warmest regards,
~Cary, Colleen and the Book Beat staff
Upcoming Events
Amy Goldman & Cindi Cook — February 12 6:30 PM at Book Beat
Authors Amy Goldman and her co-author Cindi Cook will lead a conversation on our current political reality, self empowerment, and action, followed by a signing of their book. Goldman is the founder of the political action group Fems for Dems. This promises to be an engaged and timely discussion. Learn how to make change happen and reject apathy by showing up.
Sat., Febrary 14, 1-4 PM: Destroy All Hearts —at Buffalo Prescott, reserve a space via tickets at Eventbrite.
Cranbrook Museum and Buffalo Prescott present an outreach program and Valentine’s Day workshop in conjunction with Mythic Chaos at the Cranbrook Art museum. At the event Cary Loren will be leading a collage workshop and speaking on the history of collage and his art practice with Lyla Cantelier from Cranbrook.
Thursday, February 19: Artist Books & Zines: A Talk about the Graphic Underground and Beyond with Cary Loren, Kat Goffnet and Heather Mawson— at Cranbrook Art Museum
Cary Loren will be giving a talk at the Cranbrook Art Museum focused on artist books and zines—their history, DIY spirit, and continued relevance today. He will be joined by curator Kat Goffnet and Heather Mawsom. The event is free. More details at: CAM: Graphic Underground and Beyond
Friday, February 27, 4 PM. Anne Carson & the sounds of Monster Island — Detroit Public Library
To close the exhibition Noise, Vision and Ruins, we’re honored to present a special concert sponsored by the Detroit Public Library featuring Anne Carson reading alongside the Music of Monster Island. This event brings together poetry, sound, and performance in dialogue with the exhibition’s books and ephemera—an immersive conclusion that reflects on language, noise, memory, experimental writing and publishing. This event celebrates the enduring power of artist books and collaborative practice as living, performative forms. More info at Anne Carson at the DPL.
Saturday, March 7 Elle Wright & Beverly Jenkins in conversation at the Detroit Public Library
Lighten up and join us for an afternoon of fun and romance! Two of the areas best known African-American romance writers will compare notes, styles, and chat it up bigtime. Elle Wright will present her new book The Ex Dilema and Beverly Jenkin’s will present her newest novel in the Blessing series: Calling All Blessings. For more information check out the Elle and Beverly Tag Team.
Small Press Joy
Read the latest small press reviews by Tom Bowden in column #70 of i arrogantly recommend.
Reading Group Bibliotherapy
Reading is a proven way to reduce stress, improve our empathy for others, improve concentration and the ability to communicate effectively. Talking about what you have read and learned is beneficial for our mental health and wellbeing. New readers are always welcome—these discussions are central to what we do. Reading is one of the most important activities we each can practice. Reading group books are discounted 15% in store. Our reading groups in February will be discussing:
The Lover by Marguerite Duras meeting Saturday February 28 – books are available and in stock now.
Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark Meeting Wednesday 7 PM February 25 – expecting books shortly will send announcments to reading group members soon.
Books for Loving Kindness & Resistance
A February reading list of novels that confront cruelty, racism, and authoritarianism—while affirming empathy, courage, and human connection:
Beloved — Toni Morrison
The Dispossessed — Ursula K. Le Guin
Ring Shout — P. Djèlí Clark
Kindred — Octavia Butler
The Handmaid’s Tale — Margaret Atwood
Parable of the Sower — Octavia Butler
Invisible Man — Ralph Ellison
The Book of Night Women — Marlon James
1984 — George Orwell
The Grapes of Wrath — John Steinbeck
A Lesson Before Dying — Ernest J. Gaines
The Left Hand of Darkness — Ursula K. Le Guin
All that you touch
You Change.
All that you Change
Changes you.
The only lasting truth
Is Change.”
— Octavia Butler, Parable of the Sower
Prints by Amos Paul Kennedy Jr.