Summaries of books about Politics & Social Sciences:
From Here to Eternity
Traveling the World to Find the Good Death
Caitlin Doughty
The book explores death customs and rituals from around the world, as the author visits various cultures to understand their approaches to mortality. It delves into the practices that range from open-air pyres in Colorado to natural burial in North Carolina, offering insights into how different societies honor the dead.
See full summary
My Grandmother's Hands
Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies
Resmaa Menakem
The book explores the concept of racialized trauma, particularly in the context of Black, white, and police bodies, examining how historical and intergenerational trauma manifests in physical and psychological ways. It offers a pathway towards healing through body-centered psychology, providing practical tools for individuals and communities to recognize trauma's impact and engage in the mending process.
See full summary
Liberty and Tyranny
A Conservative Manifesto
Mark R. Levin
The book presents a philosophical argument advocating for conservative principles and critiques modern liberal policies, emphasizing the importance of limited government, individual liberties, free-market economics, and a strong national defense. It calls for a return to the foundational values of the American Constitution and a rejection of what the author views as governmental overreach and progressive ideologies.
See full summary
The Federalist Papers
Alexander Hamilton|James Madison|John Jay
The book is a collection of 85 essays arguing for the ratification of the United States Constitution, providing insights into the framers' intentions and the principles underlying the American political system. These essays discuss the need for a strong federal government, the structure of the proposed government, and the safeguards against tyranny.
See full summary
Apocalypse Never
Why Environmental Alarmism Hurts Us All
Michael Shellenberger
The book challenges the mainstream narrative of an imminent environmental catastrophe, arguing that most environmental trends are positive and that panic is counterproductive. It advocates for pragmatic solutions to environmental issues, emphasizing the benefits of technological progress and human innovation.
See full summary
Hood Feminism
Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot
Mikki Kendall
The book critiques mainstream feminism for often overlooking the needs and issues of women of color, poor women, and LGBTQ+ individuals, arguing that true feminism must address basic needs like food security, education, and healthcare as feminist issues. It calls for an inclusive movement that fights for the rights of all women, not just a privileged few.
See full summary
Midnight in Washington
How We Almost Lost Our Democracy and Still Could
Adam B. Schiff
The book provides an insider's account of the Trump presidency, detailing the challenges to American democracy posed by the administration's actions and the Capitol insurrection. It emphasizes the importance of truth and rule of law, while offering a cautionary tale about the fragility of democratic institutions.
See full summary
Compromised
Counterintelligence and the Threat of Donald J. Trump
Peter Strzok
The book provides an insider account of the FBI's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 US election and explores the author's concerns about President Trump's potential vulnerability to Russian influence. It details the author's career in counterintelligence, the events leading up to his dismissal from the FBI, and his perspective on how Trump's actions may have posed a threat to national security.
See full summary
Capital in the Twenty-First Century
Thomas Piketty
The book analyzes a collection of data from 20 countries, ranging as far back as the 18th century, to uncover key economic and social patterns. It argues that the rate of capital return in developed countries is persistently greater than the rate of economic growth, which leads to wealth inequality that exacerbates over time without policy intervention.
See full summary
Great Again
How to Fix Our Crippled America
Donald J. Trump
The book outlines the author's critique of the perceived decline in various aspects of American life, including the economy, military, and education system, and presents his vision for restoring America's standing through policy changes and leadership. It serves as a platform for the author's political agenda, emphasizing the need for stronger immigration controls, better trade deals, and a more assertive foreign policy.
See full summary