Summaries of books about Politics & Social Sciences:
Sundown Towns
A Hidden Dimension of American Racism
James W. Loewen
The book examines the widespread practice of creating "sundown towns" in America—communities that were exclusively white and often used laws, threats, and violence to exclude African Americans and other minorities. It explores the history and lasting impact of these towns on racial segregation and race relations in the United States.
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KERI 3
The Original Child Abuse True Story
Kat Ward
The book continues the harrowing autobiographical account of Kat Ward's childhood, detailing the ongoing abuse and neglect she endured. It delves into her experiences of survival and the psychological impact of the trauma she faced during her formative years.
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American Prison
A Reporter's Undercover Journey into the Business of Punishment
Shane Bauer
The book chronicles the author's experiences working undercover as a guard in a private prison in Louisiana, exposing the harsh realities and abuses within the for-profit prison industry. It intertwines this narrative with a historical analysis of the development of private prisons in America, revealing the economic and political forces that sustain this system.
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Capital
Volume I
Karl Marx
The book is a critical analysis of capitalism and its dynamics, focusing on the concept of surplus value, the exploitation of the working class, and the intricacies of the capitalist mode of production. It delves into the economic laws governing the production and exchange of commodities, the accumulation of capital, and the role of labor in creating value.
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The Spirit Level
Why Greater Equality Makes Societies Stronger
Richard Wilkinson|Kate Pickett
The book presents evidence that societies with more equal distribution of incomes have better health and fewer social problems than societies with greater disparities in wealth. It argues that addressing income inequality leads to a higher quality of life for all, including improvements in trust, community life, mental health, and life expectancy.
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Black Man in a White Coat
A Doctor's Reflections on Race and Medicine
Damon Tweedy
The book is a memoir that explores the intersection of race and medicine through the author's experiences as a Black medical student and physician. It delves into the challenges of navigating a predominantly white profession, the impact of racial disparities on patient care, and the author's personal journey toward understanding and addressing these issues.
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Yes We (Still) Can
Politics in the Age of Obama, Twitter, and Trump
Dan Pfeiffer
The book provides an insider's perspective on the evolution of American politics during the Obama administration, highlighting the impact of social media and the rise of Donald Trump. It offers analysis and commentary on the changing political landscape, drawing from the author's experiences as a former senior advisor to President Obama.
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The End of Policing
Alex S. Vitale
The book critiques the role of policing in society, arguing that law enforcement exacerbates social inequalities and fails to address underlying social issues. It advocates for alternative approaches to public safety, including decriminalization, restorative justice, and investment in community services.
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A Stolen Childhood
A Dark Past, a Terrible Secret, a Girl Without a Future
Casey Watson
The book recounts the harrowing story of a young girl named Eleanor who is placed into foster care with the author, revealing the severe abuse and neglect she suffered in her past. As the narrative unfolds, the foster carer uncovers the dark secret that has left Eleanor traumatized and struggling to envision a hopeful future.
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Bring the War Home
The White Power Movement and Paramilitary America
Kathleen Belew
The book examines the rise of the white power movement in the United States, tracing its roots from the Vietnam War to its impact on contemporary domestic terrorism. It explores how these extremist groups have used paramilitary tactics and a unifying narrative to mobilize and carry out acts of violence.
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