Caitlin Flanagan (Girl Land) is a staff writer for the Atlantic and is known for her willingness to engage thorny subjects in unconventional ways. Her ability to set aside preconceived notions and objectively engage a subject is on full display in On Thinking for Yourself: Instinct, Education, Dissension. This collection of seven previously published essays, what she calls a "little book... of essays... that emanate from my stubborn desire to think for myself," addresses a wide range of subjects, including abortion, free speech, fraternities, and her own diagnosis with cancer. Holding them together is Flanagan's effort to answer the question: "And what is the best argument of the other side?"
In pursuit of truth, Flanagan even points the finger at her own field, raising questions on how major media outlets cover breaking news in "The Media Botched the Covington Catholic Story." At the heart of the set is perhaps the most controversial but also the most effective: "The Dishonesty of the Abortion Debate." Setting aside political narratives, Flanagan argues, the "truth is that the best argument on each side is a damn good one, and until you acknowledge that fact, you aren't speaking or even thinking honestly about the issue. You certainly aren't going to convince anybody. Only the truth has the power to move." Though inconsistent in spots, On Thinking for Yourself is a great addition to the ongoing discourse around the value of perspective-taking, perfect for those hoping to elevate the approach to conversations about difficult subjects. --Sara Beth West, freelance reviewer and librarian