There is a tendency to think that politics and society will always get better — more economic growth, less war and more tolerance. But looking at the climate crisis, the rise of the populist right and clashes over immigration, this seems like a fanciful idea. Following his 2003 book “Morgen tanzt die Welt”, Christoph Amend, editor of Zeit Magazine, is back on the road meeting well-known German personalities and his friends to talk about how Germany is doing, and find out what has become of the country where he grew up, and what needs to change. At the centre of this new book – entitled “Wie Geht’s dir Deutschland?” (“How are you doing, Germany?”) – is the German people: the young, the old, Jewish people, migrants and refugees. In asking these people about their fears and worries, Amend unites different themes like ethnic identity, National Socialism, German reunification and other more everyday concerns. What results is a book that is both timely and valuable in how it presents important questions and topics. It’s this sort of debate and exchange of ideas that will bring the solutions we need. (Text: Katie Burton / Photos: Johanna Rademacher-Flesland)

“Wie gehts dir, Deutschland?” by Christoph Amend, published in German by Rowohlt Verlag, 2019. Hardback, 224 pages.
Reading event at Geistesblüten, 10.09.2019, 19h
@christophamend

It’s been exciting to see the growth in Berlin’s coffee scene in recent years, and like beer brewers, coffee roasters are coming up with an endless number of delicious varieties. Selo green coffee drinks are the one to watch. They are a sparkling, tangy and refreshing take on cold coffee and 100% organic and vegan. The new range of three drinks are produced from sun-dried unroasted green coffee beans mixed with lemon, agave, ginger, and gentian. The tangy yellow variety also adds turmeric and citrus, while the floral red version adds hibiscus and lavender. All three offer a unique thirst-quenching drink with no added sugar and as much caffeine as two espressos. And for those just wanting a clean boost, the Caffeine Water offers a pure energy shot. And, as if you need another reason to give them a try, they’re available in supermarkets all around the city — from Rewe to Edeka. Perfect the next time you need a cooling energy lift. (Text: Emily Miotke / Photos: Ciya Rädler)