Summaries of books about Politics & Social Sciences:
The Storm Before the Calm
America's Discord, the Coming Crisis of the 2020s, and the Triumph Beyond
George Friedman
The book presents a forecast of the 2020s as a tumultuous decade for the United States, marked by political, social, and economic crises. It predicts that these challenges will ultimately lead to institutional reforms and a new era of American prosperity and stability.
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The Underground Girls of Kabul
In Search of a Hidden Resistance in Afghanistan
Jenny Nordberg
The book investigates the practice of "bacha posh," where Afghan families without sons disguise their daughters as boys to navigate societal restrictions. It delves into the personal stories of these girls and the broader implications of gender identity in a deeply patriarchal culture.
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$2.00 A Day
Living on Almost Nothing in America
Kathryn J. Edin|H. Luke Shaefer
The book presents an in-depth look at the lives of Americans who survive on $2 per day or less, exposing the harsh realities of extreme poverty in the wealthiest nation on earth. It combines research data with personal stories to illustrate the challenges faced by the poor in obtaining basic necessities and navigating inadequate welfare systems.
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COVID-19 and the Global Predators
We are the Prey
Peter Roger Breggin|Ginger Breggin
The book presents a critical analysis of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, alleging that powerful individuals and organizations exploited the crisis for personal and financial gain. It delves into the authors' investigation of the relationships between governments, pharmaceutical companies, and global financial interests, suggesting a coordinated effort to manipulate public health policy.
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The Argonauts
Maggie Nelson
The book is a genre-bending memoir that explores the complexities of fluid sexuality, queer family-making, and motherhood. It intertwines the author's personal narrative with critical theory, examining the changing dynamics of her relationship with her fluidly gendered partner and their journey into parenthood.
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Let Me Tell You What I Mean
An Essay Collection
Joan Didion
The collection features twelve pieces from the early career of the iconic American writer, spanning topics from journalism to personal reflection. It includes essays on Martha Stewart, a Gamblers Anonymous meeting, and the act of writing itself, showcasing Didion's sharp observations and distinctive prose style.
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Hate Inc.
Why Today's Media Makes Us Despise One Another
Matt Taibbi
The book dissects the modern media landscape, arguing that news organizations have become increasingly polarized and profit-driven, incentivizing sensationalism and division among audiences. It explores how this business model exploits readers' biases and fears, leading to a more fragmented and antagonistic society.
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Red, White, and Black
Rescuing American History from Revisionists and Race Hustlers
Robert L. Woodson
The book challenges contemporary narratives about race in America, arguing against what the author perceives as distortive historical revisions and victimhood culture. It presents an alternative perspective on African American history, emphasizing resilience and self-empowerment over systemic oppression and racial grievance.
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Intellectuals and Society
Thomas Sowell
The book critically examines the influence of intellectuals on public policy and society, arguing that their ideas are often insulated from real-world consequences. It scrutinizes the track record of intellectuals in various fields and challenges the credibility of their impact on laws, economics, and social outcomes.
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True Crimes and Misdemeanors
The Investigation of Donald Trump
Jeffrey Toobin
The book delves into the details of the investigation led by Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and the potential connections to Donald Trump and his campaign. It provides an in-depth look at the legal battles, political confrontations, and the eventual impeachment proceedings that stemmed from the inquiry.
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