Summaries of books about Politics & Social Sciences:
What Unites Us
Reflections on Patriotism
Dan Rather|Elliot Kirschner
The book is a collection of essays that explore the fundamental principles and values that underpin American society, such as freedom, community, exploration, responsibility, and character. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, it delves into the author's understanding of patriotism and the importance of unity in a diverse nation.
See full summary
Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, 12th edition
Henry M. Robert
The book provides comprehensive guidelines for conducting meetings and making decisions in a formal assembly, detailing procedures for debates, amendments, motions, voting, and minute-taking. It serves as an authoritative reference for parliamentary procedure to facilitate orderly and efficient meetings with a focus on fairness and democratic principles.
See full summary
White Rage
The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide
Carol Anderson
The book examines the structural and systemic racism faced by African Americans in the United States, tracing a historical pattern of policies and legal decisions designed to undermine black success and civil rights progress. It highlights the backlash against African American advancement from the Reconstruction era through to the Obama presidency, revealing the often-subtle mechanisms of white resistance to racial equality.
See full summary
The Prince
Niccolò Machiavelli
The book is a seminal political treatise that outlines the strategies by which a ruler can acquire and maintain political power. It discusses various principles of statecraft, including the use of cunning, pragmatism, and, when necessary, ruthlessness, to achieve and secure a prince's authority over a state.
See full summary
Landslide
The Final Days of the Trump Presidency
Michael Wolff
The book provides an insider's account of the tumultuous end of Donald Trump's term, focusing on his refusal to concede the 2020 election and the events leading up to the January 6 Capitol riot. It delves into the chaos within the White House, the internal conflicts among Trump's advisors, and the former president's mindset during this period of political and social upheaval.
See full summary
The Audacity of Hope
Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream
Barack Obama
The book presents Barack Obama's vision for America, reflecting on the nation's political landscape, core values, and his beliefs regarding the direction the country should head. It covers topics such as the Constitution, faith, race, family, and global relations, offering personal anecdotes and policy discussions.
See full summary
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down
A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures
Anne Fadiman
The book explores the cultural clash between a Hmong refugee family in California and the American medical community when the family's daughter, Lia Lee, is diagnosed with severe epilepsy. It delves into the misunderstandings and miscommunications that arise due to the vastly different beliefs and traditions surrounding health, illness, and healing.
See full summary
Chasing the Scream
The Inspiration for the Feature Film "The United States vs. Billie Holiday"
Johann Hari
The book explores the origins and impact of the War on Drugs, tracing its history from its inception to its effects on individuals and societies. It weaves personal stories, including that of jazz singer Billie Holiday, with a broader analysis of addiction, challenging conventional views by arguing that the antidote to addiction is not sobriety but human connection.
See full summary
Betrayal
The Final Act of the Trump Show
Jonathan Karl
The book provides an insider's account of the final days of Donald Trump's presidency, detailing the chaos and conflicts within the White House and the Republican Party. It examines key events such as the 2020 election, the Capitol riot on January 6, and Trump's relationships with members of Congress and his own administration during the tumultuous end of his term.
See full summary
How Democracies Die
Steven Levitsky|Daniel Ziblatt
The book examines the gradual breakdown of democratic institutions and norms from a historical and comparative perspective, highlighting how elected leaders can subvert democracy without blatant violations like coups. It discusses warning signs of democratic erosion and emphasizes the importance of unwritten rules like mutual tolerance and restraint among political rivals.
See full summary