Books matching: economic decline
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- #1
Save:A dark, literary dive into the fallout of America’s industrial decline - beautifully written, quietly devastating, and perfect for those who appreciate realism and tough, thought-provoking stories.
'American Rust' by Philipp Meyer is a novel set in a decaying mining town in Western Pennsylvania, focusing on the lives of two high school friends, Poe and Isaac, who dream of escaping their deteriorating surroundings. The story unfolds as a crime occurs, altering the course of their lives forever. The novel delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, broken dreams, and the consequences of choices made in a bleak and harsh environment.
Isaac's mother was dead five years but he hadn't stopped thinking about her. He lived alone in the house with the old man, twenty, small for his age, easily mistaken for a boy. Late morning and he wal...2008•409 pages - #2
Save:A classic snapshot of social striving and family drama - dated in places, but still poignant. Worth it for period fiction buffs and fans of character-driven stories, but might not wow readers looking for contemporary values or high stakes.
'Alice Adams' by Booth Tarkington is a story set in the 1920s Midwest, focusing on a young woman named Alice Adams who comes from a middle-class family but yearns to climb the social ladder. Her mother is determined to see her marry into wealth and status, while her father struggles with his wife's aspirations and a business opportunity. The novel delves into the themes of social climbing, family dynamics, and the changing roles of women in society during that era. The narrative follows Alice's attempts to fit in with the upper class, her romantic pursuits, and the challenges faced by her family members, ultimately culminating in a bittersweet ending.
The patient, an old-fashioned man, thought the nurse made a mistake in keeping both of the windows open, and her sprightly disregard of his protests added something to his hatred of her. Every evening...1921•300 pages A haunting, well-researched look at the unraveling of small-town America, Glass House packs an emotional punch and brings the hidden consequences of economic shifts into sharp focus. It's dense at times but absolutely worth it if you want to understand why the American Dream can seem so out of reach.
"Glass House: The 1% Economy and the Shattering of the All-American Town" by Brian Alexander is a compelling account of the economic collapse of Lancaster, Ohio, a small industrial town in America. The author weaves together the story of the Anchor Hocking Glass Company and the lives of the people dependent on it, showcasing the impact of corporatization, private equity, and the decline of manufacturing on the town. Through a mix of nostalgia, sadness, and rage, the book takes readers on a journey through the town's history, from its industrial heyday to its struggles in the face of globalization and the opioid epidemic.
Brian Gossett worked the late shift, running an H-28 job: football-size vases, about the most difficult ware he made. A 2,400-degree lava-like ribbon of glass flowed out of Tank 3, a refractory furnac...February 2017•332 pages- #4
Save:Gripping and unsettling, "When Money Dies" is a must-read for anyone curious about the dangers of hyperinflation and the echoes these historical lessons have in today's world. Not always a light read, but a highly recommended and sobering journey through a pivotal moment in economic history.
'When Money Dies' by Adam Fergusson is a detailed account of the Weimar hyperinflation in Germany during the early 1920s. The book covers the economic, political, and social aspects of this period, highlighting how the debasement of the German Mark was engineered through deliberate policies of monetary expansion. Fergusson weaves together historical events, personal anecdotes, and observations by individuals living through the hyperinflation, showcasing the winners and losers amidst the financial chaos. The narrative unfolds as an accelerating economic and human disaster, shedding light on the consequences of bad government policies, speculators, and industrialists profiting at the expense of society.
The book captures the horrors of the Weimar hyperinflation, where individuals witnessed the rapid devaluation of the German Mark, leading to widespread suffering, riots, and looting. Fergusson's writing style effectively conveys the personal experiences of ordinary Germans, industrialists, and speculators during this tumultuous period, illustrating the stark contrast between those who benefited from the inflation and those who saw their wealth evaporate. Through a mix of historical sources and personal accounts, the author paints a vivid picture of a society grappling with economic turmoil and social upheaval.
“Yes I heard you, Helen.” Fina juggled her cell phone, keys and shoulder bag. She shut the car door with a quick punch of her backside. “I did ask and no we can’t get the keys early. Why? Because the...1975•288 pages A haunting, beautifully written, and seriously weird novel that blends horror with raw emotion - perfect for readers craving something off the beaten path, but maybe too surreal and slow for traditional tastes.
'Break the Bodies, Haunt the Bones' by Micah Dean Hicks is a dark and surreal story set in a town infested with ghosts and haunted by unsettling entities. The plot revolves around characters who navigate a world where ghosts can take control of inanimate objects and people, causing chaos and danger. The writing style is described as accessible, with vivid imagery that allows readers to easily immerse themselves in the macabre and weirdly fascinating world created by the author. The narrative blends elements of contemporary setting, science fiction, and fantasy, creating a unique and otherworldly atmosphere that challenges readers to explore themes of societal commentary and human resilience.
Swine Hill was full of the dead. Their ghosts were thickest near the abandoned downtown, where so many of the town’s hopes had died generation by generation. They lingered in the places that mattered...February 2019•305 pagesA riveting mid-air nuclear apocalypse tale with lots of 80s baggage - gripping concept, but let down by dated attitudes and uneven character work. Read if you love disaster fiction and can overlook its flaws.
In 'Down to a Sunless Sea' by David Graham, the story unfolds as a commercial jet pilot navigates a post-apocalyptic world caused by Peak Oil and nuclear war. The plot follows the crew and passengers of the plane as they try to find a safe haven amidst the chaos and destruction. The book combines elements of a dystopian world, aviation details, and survival themes, keeping readers on edge with tension and suspense. Despite some cliched characters and cheesy dialogue, the narrative grips readers with its believable depiction of a world on the brink of collapse.
The book delves into themes of human behavior in crisis situations, providing an interesting character study of ordinary individuals facing extraordinary circumstances. Set against the backdrop of a nuclear apocalypse, the story explores the actions and decisions of the characters as they navigate through a world plunged into chaos and uncertainty. Despite its gloomy premise, the book offers memorable moments that keep readers engaged and invested in the characters' fates.
Flight decks are traumatic places. Memory storages impregnated with sweat, fear, boredom and stress. Somewhere in there, traces of pleasure, satisfaction: nostalgic echoes of vast starry nights like i...1979•352 pages- #7
Save:A beautifully written, poignant family saga that’s as much about home as it is about hope, flaws, and forgiveness. Strongly recommended for fans of nuanced, character-driven fiction.
The Turner House by Angela Flournoy is a family saga set in Detroit, focusing on the Turner family and their struggles with issues such as alcoholism, depression, poverty, and housing discrimination. The story spans multiple timelines, delving into the family's history and dynamics, particularly highlighting the lives of a few key family members. The narrative explores the journey of Viola and Francis Turner from Arkansas to Detroit, raising 13 children and dealing with addictive personalities and hidden family secrets.
The eldest six of Francis and Viola Turner’s thirteen children claimed that the big room of the house on Yarrow Street was haunted for at least one night. A ghost—a haint, if you will—tried to pull Ch...April 2015•372 pages - #8
Save:A brisk, inventive debut that takes high-concept sci-fi and runs with it - messy but memorable. Worth checking out if you’re into classic PKD or love your speculative fiction wild and unpredictable.
In "Solar Lottery" by Philip K. Dick, the story is set in the year 2023 where the world ruler is chosen randomly through a game controlled by the Quizmaster. The plot revolves around Ted Bentley, who unknowingly gets involved in a scheme to assassinate the new Quizmaster, Leon Cartwright, orchestrated by the previous Quizmaster, Reese Verrick. The narrative unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, introducing elements of a futuristic society, telepaths, and a complex system of governance designed to outsmart human failings. The writing style is fast-paced, engaging, and blends old and new elements to create a world that feels both familiar and unique, reflecting societal issues and human nature.
There had been harbingers. Early in May of 2203, news-machines were excited by a flight of white crows over Sweden. A series of unexplained fires demolished half the Oiseau-Lyre Hill, a basic industri...1955•205 pages - #9
Save:A thought-provoking look inside the minds of rural voters - insightful, empathetic, and eye-opening, though a bit dense. Essential reading for anyone curious about America’s political divides.
'The Politics of Resentment: Rural Consciousness in Wisconsin and the Rise of Scott Walker' by Katherine J. Cramer delves into the political paradox of rural voters electing politicians whose policies seem to go against their own interests. Through interviews with upstate Wisconsin residents, Cramer uncovers a perspective she terms as 'rural consciousness,' where rural individuals feel marginalized and resentful towards urban and political elites. explores the origins of this resentment and how it led to the transformation of Wisconsin from a reliably progressive state to a red state under Scott Walker's leadership.
March 2016•282 pages A compelling, thoughtful look at crime, love, and the slow erosion of rural America - perfect for true crime enthusiasts seeking something off the beaten path.
American Fire: Love, Arson, and Life in a Vanishing Land by Monica Hesse is a nonfiction account that delves into the record-breaking string of arsons that occurred in Accomack County, Virginia. The book introduces readers to the principles of fire investigation, local law enforcement, volunteer firefighters, and the lives of the people in the towns affected by the fires. Through a captivating narrative style, the author explores the intertwined stories of the arsonists, Charlie and Tonya, as well as the dedicated volunteer firefighters and police detectives who worked tirelessly to solve the crimes. The book not only details the series of fires that terrorized the community but also paints a vivid picture of the rural area's economic decline and the impact on its residents.
IT WAS COLD AND DRY, and Deborah Clark found herself wondering, briefly, whether the dryness was important. Fire had to come from somewhere, and if the dry ground had caused an electrostatic spark, th...July 2017•273 pages
