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Nonfiction Book Reviews Written by Mr. Sharkovitz's AP English Class (2006-2007) Edited by Bethany Pennington POLITICS The Audacity of Hope by Barrack Obama This book chronicles the political life and fundamental beliefs of Illinois Senator and 2008 Presidential candidate, Democrat Barack Obama. With a refreshing, genuine political sentiment, this book explains Obama’s views on issues of partisanship, morals, faith, race, opportunity, family, and international relations. Though optimistic, this book also discusses how difficult it is for politicians to stay true to their beliefs in a world where you need money to have power. The book is not short, but it reads easily, especially for those interested in politics.
Don't Think of an Elephant by George Lakoff
State of Denial by Bob Woodward Written by one of the reporters that brought the truth of the Watergate scandal into the light of the public eye, Bob Woodward’s State of Denial exposes the faults of the Bush administration in the events leading up to the conflict in Iraq. The rhetoric is seemingly unbiased, but upon a closer look, points the finger of blame at certain officials. This is an informative read, good for those interested in anti-Bush arguments and current events.
Vice: Dick Cheney and the Hijacking of the American Presidency by Lou Dubose and Jake Bernstein This book documents Dick Cheney’s quiet rise to prominence, asserting that Cheney has always held important positions in government and has dangerously reached a new level of influence in the Bush administration. Revealing startling anti-Cheney theories regarding Enron, the War in Iraq, and Cheney’s supposed secret counsel, Vice is both challenging and provocative.
Collected Works of Thomas Paine Written by one of the most influential writers in America’s history, Thomas Paine's “Common Sense” helped persuade colonists to support the revolution. In his writings, Paine not only voices his opinions, but describes his views on religion and its paradoxes. Those curious as to how Paine's works influenced the masses through his use of logical examples and effective metaphors should read this book.
CURRENT EVENTS
Resurrecting Empire by Rashid Khalidi This book attempts to explain the current situation in the Middle East by evaluating past western involvement. Though the rhetoric is slanted and the writing mediocre, Khalidi does a decent job of assessing blame for the conflicts in Asia Minor to oil-hungry western imperialists. Those curious about the conflicts surrounding fossil fuels will enjoy this book.
Shah of Shahs by Ryszard Kapuscinski Written by an experienced Polish journalist, Shah of Shahs is an account of America’s attempt to turn Iran into a Democracy. Eloquent and fascinating, this book explains Iran’s overnight collapse into chaos. This book will be a good read for anyone inquisitive of American attempts to establish democracy in weaker nations.
Necessary Illusions by Noam Chomsky This book professes the influential role of the media in our capitalist society. With immense support for his claims, Chomsky asserts that the media twists information to best suit its interests and succeeds in swaying the minds of viewers. Though originally printed in 1989, the main messages in the text are still highly applicable today. This is a must-read for all concerned with the validity of the media’s reports.
Class Matters In this book, reporters from the New York Times assert that class determines every aspect of a person's life, from clothes to education. This collection of stories describes the lives of individuals from many parts of society, explaining how class affects everyone, even in our supposed classless society. Those curious as to how people’s lives differ drastically in the land of opportunity should read this book.
Active Liberty by Stephen Breyer Grounded on Stephen Breyer’s concept of “active liberty,” this book promotes justice by encouraging citizen involvement in shaping our administration’s principles. Asserting that the purpose of the Constitution is to protect and promote active liberty, this provoking book will interest those fascinated with politics and leadership.
The Tipping Point Malcolm Gladwell The Tipping Point explains the spread of ideas through social systems: when an idea becomes so omnipresent that its growth becomes exponential, it is accepted. The book discusses the spread of ideas with a clear, elegant voice, complex theories, and intriguing examples. It will prove interesting for those interested in fad development, marketing, and business.
LEADERSHIP
The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader by John C. Maxwell
The Living Leader by Penny Ferguson This book explores the qualities of a good leader and the value of strong leadership. Though the book is directed toward aspiring business leaders in the corporate world, the concepts discussed will prove useful to anyone seeking to improve their leadership skills. Aspiring leaders and curious followers should read this book.
The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli This early 15th century leadership manual is still fiercely debated and effectively emulated today. Controversially removing ethics from politics, it tactfully covers topics including the extent to which a ruler should go to maintain order, whether it is better to be loved or to be hated, and methods for destroying enemies and dissenters. With its relevant examples and straightforward style, this book will prove excellent for those interested in history, business, politics (esp. tyrannical dictatorships), and leadership in general.
PSYCHOLOGY & RELIGION Becoming: Basic Considerations for a Psychology of Personality by Gordon Allport This valuable book discusses the process of human personality development. It looks at major theories of psychology and thoroughly explains important factors in the process of becoming an individual. Though full of hard content, this book will provide a better understanding of human psychology as a whole. Anyone interested in learning about the ins and outs of the human mind should read this book.
The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis This book compares and explains the four loves of human nature: friendship, affection, eros, and charity. It divides common love into two categories: need-love and gift-love. For each type of love, Lewis gives helpful examples from history and everyday life. This informative book is applicable to all works of literature. All interested in knowing more about the nature of love in humans should read this book.
The Seven Sins of Memory: How the Mind Forgets and Remembers by Daniel L. Schacter In The Seven Sins of Memory, Daniel L. Schacter uses the seven deadly sins to illustrate the seven transgressions of memory. He explains his assertions with case studies, literary excerpts, experimental evidence, and news events. Though interesting, the book provides an overwhelming amount of information. Those inquisitive of the human mind should read this book.
Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil by Hannah Arendt Published by a reporter who attended the Nuremberg trials, this book focuses on the behavior of Nazi mastermind Otto Adolf Eichmann. It looks deeply into human psychology and also provides historical context. Controversially suggesting that Holocaust victims were just following orders, aided in their own death, and were abused not by psychos but by ordinary men out of touch with morality, this book evokes anger and sadness.
Goddesses in Every Woman: A New Psychology of Women by Jean Shinoda Bolen This book attempts to compare all women to nine Greek goddesses by dividing them into three categories of goddesses: virgin, vulnerable, and alchemical. With the aid of Freudian theory and Greek mythology, Bolen explains different characteristics of women and the tendencies of each personality type. This book presents an interesting theory as to the development of a woman’s personality.
The Faith section of a World of Ideas by various authors This collection of essays covers a wide array of religions. Using personal experiences, Biblical passages, and the writings of modern religious philosophers, this book highlights the basis of major religions and provides significant opinions regarding moral codes. As the ancient writings are relevant to current events, this book is an important read for anyone curious of religion, philosophy, foreign affairs, politics, morals, or the meaning of life.
The Popul Vuh The Popul Vuh is the last remaining sacred book of the ancient Quiché Maya. It was originally translated into Spanish by Father Ximinez, a priest at the time of the Spanish Inquisition in Central America. Similar in structure to the Bible, this book contains the remaining creation stories of the ancient Maya people. Those interested in mythology, religion, or comparative religion should read this book.
HISTORY & LITERARY ANALYSIS
Hegemony or Survival by Noam Chomsky This book examines contradictions between the motives and actions of the United States government. Using examples from the end of WWII to present, it unveils private communications and alleged agendas that have driven our government. Chomsky highlights worldwide use of propaganda to persuade a populace. Providing a liberal view of modern imperialism and a darker side of U.S. foreign policy, this is an important book for anyone concerned with international welfare.
You Can’t Be Neutral on a Moving Train: A Personal History of Our Times by Howard Zinn By the author of A Voice of a People’s History of the United States, this book cover’s Howard Zinn’s experiences with the Vietnam War, the Alabama school system, and current events. Throughout the book, Zinn argues that “to be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic.” This book is eye opening, well argued, and inspiring.
Bob Marley: Lyrical Genius by Kwame Dawes This book analyzes the lyrics of Bob Marley, finding them purposeful and meticulous, with heavy attention paid to syntax and diction. Dawes asserts that Marley would change his method of communication depending on his message and intended audience. Marley fans and those who enjoy poetry analysis should read this book.
Lies My Teacher Told Me by James W. Loewen As in A Voice of a People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn, this book focuses on historical events that are regularly overlooked and stand absent from many students’ textbooks. Those who seek to look deeply into American history will enjoy this book.
SCIENCE
Brief History of Time: From the Big Bang to Black Holes by Stephen Hawking This book is challenging for those not familiar with or interested in science. If you can grasp its scientific terminology and complex ideas, it provides a general knowledge of Hawking’s take on the arrow of time. Though there were some interesting parts, this book is best enjoyed by those who like quantum mechanics.
Six Easy Pieces, by Richard Feynman This book explains the essentials of physics without the intimidating jargon. Written by a former Cal Tech professor, Six Easy Pieces demonstrates the progression of physics over the centuries due to the rise of new theories. Discussing Newton’s laws, planetary motion, Quantum Theory, and Geocentric Universe Theory, this book will be best enjoyed by those interested in physics.
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