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An important book for to gain an understanding of what is preventing movement between the classes and the factors which contribute to an increasing chasm dividing the middle class.

"I don't think it's a goal to be color-blind or be 'post-racial.' The goal is to have a much deeper understanding of how the past lives in the present and how it influences the ways we think about everything and why we make certain kinds of assumptions. Why we see somebody and think we know what we're seeing. Why we make categories in the way we do."

It's especially interesting because the author took the next step to evaluate the nature vs. nurture affect and discusses the Orchid hypothesis: Many children are like dandelions able to thrive in just about any environment (the low-reactive/extroverts). But others (high-reactive/introverts) are more like orchids: they wilt easily, but under the right conditions can grow strong and magnificent.

Really interesting! One study correlated 4 month old high-reactive infants to developing serious, careful personalities, while low-reactive/ quiet infants develop into more relaxed and confident teenagers (extroverts). The high-reactive infants became more introverted teens.

So far, this is THE best book I've read about the state of education in the US. Interesting comparisons about the performance of students on PISA, the international test, and how students are taught.

So far, this is one of the best books I've read about the state of education in the US. Interesting comparisons about the performance of students on PISA, the international test, and how students are taught.

AMAZING book - I can't think of any other self help book I've ever read that I can hardly put down. I expect that having read this book, I'll be better equipped to becoming a Wholehearted parent and partner. Even though I'm only halfway through, I highly, highly recommend this book- it's the kind of book that I want to share with everyone!