The Best “Mostly” Non-Fiction of 2024–25
Here is why you should read Troubled, Trust, The Boys of Riverside, Behind the Beautiful Forevers, and Articulate.
Debate, Not Silence: Why Confronting Controversial Issues is Essential to Equity
Gallaudet’s debate with Georgetown about curing deafness reminds us that progress requires opponents, not echoes.
Why Heterodoxy Needs Deaf America: An Interview with Free the Inquiry
Heterodoxy is how Gallaudet stands out, how Deaf America survives, and how the country breathes.
The Case for a More Heterodox Deaf America
Want to save Deaf America? Resist conformity.
Oma
In a desperate attempt to remember Oma’s special essence, I thought I would compile some favorite memories and the lessons she taught about living a life worth living.
Best Non-Fiction of 2023 (and Honorable Mentions)
As depressing as 2023 was, it would have been far worse if not for these books, which kept me thinking and laughing throughout.
Political Truths, According to My 8-Year-Old Son
In the spirit of Vivek Ramaswamy’s “sacred and undeniable truths,” here are five truths about the 2024 presidential election, according to my 8-year-old.
Climbing Everest and Saving Democracy: Scott and Shayna’s Courage in a Cowardly Age
Want to save U.S. democracy? Cultivate more courageous citizens like Scott Lehmann and Shayna Unger who dare to be different.
Best Non-Fiction of 2022 (and Honorable Mentions)
Think 2022 was strange?
It would have been stranger for me if not for those non-fiction books.
40 for 40: What I Wish I’d Known at 20
Here are 40 counterintuitive things I wish I’d known when I was 20.
Best Nonfiction of 2021 (and Honorable Mentions)
For the fourth year in a row, here are five of the best nonfiction books I’ve read in the past 365 days.
Passing Gas While Deaf
I suppose there are two kinds of people in the world: those who deliberate whether they should say “pardon me”, and those who are deaf.
Best Non-Fiction of 2020 (and Honorable Mentions)
For all of the anxieties of 2020, it could have been worse if not for those non-fiction books that kept me awake, thinking and feeling, deep into the year.
Best Non-Fiction of 2019
This is why you should read Sprawlball, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom, King of the World and Man’s Search for Meaning.
Opa
I thought I would put on paper my favorite memories of James Maurice Stern, who passed away recently but will always remain “Opa” in my heart.
Progress, Pessimism, and Passion in the Deaf Community
What could explain the juxtaposition between the historic success of the Deaf community and its tribal anxiety today?
5 Reasons Why We Should Celebrate Interpreter Appreciation Day
Some people argue Interpreter Appreciation Day should not exist. I think we ought to be careful what we wish for.
5tern Haiku
You know the rules, right? Three lines. Five syllables, then seven, then five again. I decided to write five of ’em because they say we will never understand each other until we reduce the language to 17 syllables. And yes, because this is 5tern.com.
Why I Will Not Drink at the Signing Starbucks Store
I am dazed and confused about the Signing Starbucks store near Gallaudet University.
5 Most Compelling Teams in the NCAA Tournament
So, you’re looking for a team to root for in the 2019 NCAA men’s basketball tournament? You should refer to my totally subjective list.
Deaf President Now 31 Years Later: Reflections & Questions
We can learn some lessons about the Deaf President Now protest, 31 years later.
Wondering Why, Why, Why
Two years ago, my former basketball player was arrested for murdering his audiologist. I still wonder why.
How Small Choices Can Save Democracy
In this age of polarization, gridlock and bigotry, we can still revitalize our democracy with the most basic choices.
Holding My Fingers To My Ears, Frantically Moving My Head To The Left, Then Right, Then Left, Then Right Again
I tried to play the hero when I was in high school. Then, I played the deaf card.
Why Sports Matter
We should play sports and root for our teams because they teach valuable skills and lessons, which can engender the very change in ourselves and the world that we wish to see.
Best Non-Fiction of 2018
Let me share my list of the best non-fiction books I’ve read in 2018.
What Coach Bird Taught Me
When we tell others about Coach John “Bird” Perry, we ought to start with his goodness.
My 2019 Resolutions
So, I made six New Year’s resolutions. Even though I will inevitably fail at all of them.
Brendan Stern 