Summaries of books about Politics & Social Sciences:
The First Family Detail
Secret Service Agents Reveal the Hidden Lives of the Presidents
Ronald Kessler
The book provides an insider's view of the personal lives of U.S. Presidents and their families through the lens of Secret Service agents assigned to protect them. It reveals behind-the-scenes interactions and behaviors of the first families, along with challenges faced by the agents.
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The Founders' Speech to a Nation in Crisis
What the Founders Would Say to America Today
Steven Rabb
The book presents a fictional dialogue between modern Americans and the Founding Fathers, offering insights into how the nation's creators might address contemporary political and social issues. It uses historical analysis and creative interpretation to explore the Founders' views on current challenges, aiming to provide guidance and wisdom for today's citizens and leaders.
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Why We're Polarized
Ezra Klein
The book examines the historical and psychological roots of America's increasing political polarization, exploring how changes in media, political identity, and the electoral system have driven Americans into more ideologically homogeneous groups. It also discusses the impact of this polarization on governance and democracy, offering insights into how the country's political divisions have deepened and become more entrenched.
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Stonewalled
My Fight for Truth Against the Forces of Obstruction, Intimidation, and Harassment in Obama's Washington
Sharyl Attkisson
The book is a personal account by investigative journalist Sharyl Attkisson, detailing her experiences with pushback and challenges she faced from government, corporate, and special interest groups while trying to report on sensitive and controversial issues during the Obama administration. It explores themes of media bias, the struggle for journalistic integrity, and the obstacles reporters encounter when uncovering truths that powerful entities would prefer to keep hidden.
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Blindspot
Hidden Biases of Good People
Mahzarin R. Banaji|Anthony G. Greenwald
The book explores the concept of implicit biases, the unconscious attitudes and stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions. It delves into the science behind these biases, how they influence behavior, and provides insight into recognizing and mitigating their impact in our daily lives.
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Propaganda
Edward Bernays
The book explores the mechanisms and effects of influencing public opinion, detailing how governments, corporations, and other entities use mass communication to manipulate the masses. It delves into the psychology behind propaganda and its pervasive role in shaping modern society and democracy.
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The Unbreakable Child
Kim Michele Richardson
The book is a memoir detailing the author's harrowing childhood experiences of abuse within a Catholic orphanage in Kentucky. It exposes the systemic maltreatment by nuns and the subsequent legal battle for justice and healing.
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The Death of Expertise
The Campaign against Established Knowledge and Why it Matters
Tom Nichols
The book argues that the democratization of information through the internet has led to a widespread dismissal of expert opinion and a growing distrust in professionals across various fields. It explores the consequences of this trend, emphasizing the importance of respecting expertise for a functional society.
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The Elephant in the Room
A Journey into the Trump Campaign and the “Alt-Right”
Jon Ronson
The book explores the author's firsthand experiences with key figures in the Trump presidential campaign and the controversial "Alt-Right" movement. It provides insights into the personalities, strategies, and ideologies that influenced the political landscape during the 2016 election.
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How Fascism Works
The Politics of Us and Them
Jason Stanley
The book analyzes the tactics and principles that underpin fascist politics, including the creation of a mythic past, propaganda, anti-intellectualism, and the division of society into groups of "us" and "them." It explores how these strategies are used to gain and maintain power by fostering social divisions and undermining democratic institutions.
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