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Book Review: The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels by Jon Meacham Chock full of actual history, all of it framed in meaningful context for our own time. Illustrates why it’s essential that all of good will must be active in politics, especially when demagogy is prominent; and that not to be …
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Book Review: Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle by Chris Hedges This book is an unpleasant but necessary read. Even if one is not absorbed in any of the spectacles Chris Hedges presents, the significantly large percentage of the population that is in the grip of at least one …
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Book Review: The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power by Shoshana Zuboff This book will boil your blood. Supported by extensive empirical research, Professor Shoshana Zuboff exposes the effective digital implementation of the late B. F. Skinner’s Beyond Freedom and Dignity. It centers around three …
Book Review: Austerity: The History of a Dangerous Idea by Mark Blyth Professor Blyth uses empirical data to effectively skewer austerity as a demonstrably counterproductive strategy. This book from 2013 is still current and will remain so with its long-view historical perspective applied to contemporary presuppositions and economic policies. From David Hume to current champions …
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Book Review: The Future of Capitalism: Facing the New Anxieties by Paul Collier A Must-Read for Everyone Well researched and full of real life examples. Skillfully puts ideologues in their place, both right and left, and insists on an effective pragmatism regardless as to whether the government or society provides it. Ranging far beyond mere …
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Book Review: The Inner Life of Cats: The Science and Secrets of Our Mysterious Feline Companions by Thomas McNamee As Applicable to Humans as to Cats I had already bonded with my cat, but after The Inner Life of Cats I have an even deeper human/animal relationship with this fellow sentient being. This book is …
Book Review: Camelot’s End: Kennedy vs. Carter and the Fight That Broke the Democratic Party by Jon Ward, John Pruden Covering what is now a historical period, which encompassed the presidential nomination contest between Jimmy Carter and Ted Kennedy, this book eerily mirrors today’s Democratic party with its familiar establishment versus progressive tensions. Jon Ward …
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Book Review: The Sultan and the Queen: The Untold Story of Elizabeth and Islam by Jerry Brotton The enticing title of this book belies its full scope, as it’s a window into more than just England, but documents the multinational intrigue of the 16th Century. The reader is transported between London, Constantinople, Moscow, Prague, Madrid, …
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