Books matching: political connections
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Readers have praised 'Yakuza: Japan's Criminal Underworld' for its in-depth exploration of the history and origins of the Yakuza organization, providing a comprehensive overview of Japan's criminal underworld. The book is commended for its well-researched content, intricate details, and the author's ability to present a thorough account of organized crime in Japan, including its connections to conservative politicians, financial elites, and law enforcement. The writing style is described as engaging, informative, and academic, offering insights into the societal, political, and cultural influences surrounding the Yakuza.
ONE MIGHT CALL GORO FUJITA THE BARD OF THE YAKUZA AND HE WOULD NOT object. His business card, ornate even byJapanese standards, introduces the man by asking for forgiveness, explaining in humble terms...A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea by Masaji Ishikawa is a heartbreaking memoir detailing the author's life in North Korea and his eventual escape. The book sheds light on the horrific living conditions, starvation, and suffering endured by the people of North Korea. Ishikawa's story of being lured to North Korea with false promises and the harsh realities he faced there is a chilling and eye-opening account that highlights the struggles and hardships faced by individuals in oppressive regimes.
The narrative in A River in Darkness is described as heart-wrenching, raw, and full of emotion, evoking a deep sense of empathy and understanding towards the plight of the author and others living in similar conditions. The book serves as a poignant reminder of the lack of freedom, basic rights, and the inhumane treatment faced by individuals in countries like North Korea. Ishikawa's writing style, although simple and straightforward, effectively conveys the atrocities and hardships he endured, leaving a lasting impact on readers and prompting reflection on the importance of compassion and awareness towards global issues.
You don’t choose to be born. You just are. And your birth is your destiny, some say. I say the hell with that. And I should know. I was born not just once but five times. And five times I learned the ...- #3
Save:Conversation in the Cathedral by Mario Vargas Llosa is a challenging historical novel set in Peru during the 1950s, delving into themes of political turmoil, corruption, and personal freedom. The narrative style is complex, with multiple simultaneous conversations, non-linear storytelling, and shifts between different characters and time frames, creating a layered and immersive reading experience. The book follows the life of Santiago Zavalita, a wealthy businessman's son, and his interactions with characters like Ambrosio, his father's old chauffeur, as they discuss their lives against the backdrop of a country torn between different ideologies and social classes.
The author, Mario Vargas Llosa, employs a fragmented writing style that reflects the state of the country and its people, with intricate narratives and stylistic pyrotechnics that gradually give way to a more linear storyline towards the end. Through political, psychological, and spiritual layers, the novel unfolds as a Bildungsroman of Santiago, exploring his disillusionment with various -isms and his quest for integrity amidst a corrupt society. Despite its challenging nature, the book offers a deep dive into Peru's recent history, presenting a nuanced portrayal of characters and events that resonate with readers long after they finish the book.
FROMTHE DOORWAY of La Crónica Santiago looks at the Avenida Tacna without love: cars, uneven and faded buildings, the gaudy skeletons of posters floating in the mist, the gray midday. At what precise ... - #4
Save:In "Die Trying" by Lee Child, Jack Reacher, a retired Army officer, gets inadvertently involved in a crime when he helps a young woman on the streets of Chicago and ends up being kidnapped along with her. They are taken across the country to a destination where they face a major conspiracy involving an independent militia group. The plot is fast-moving and tension-filled, with the FBI and law enforcement trailing behind as Reacher and the young woman navigate through betrayal, loyalty, and a fight for survival. The book delves into themes of conspiracy theories, political conflicts, and the capabilities of the protagonist, Jack Reacher, to outwit his adversaries using his military training and resourcefulness.
The writing style of "Die Trying" is described as smooth, engaging, and captivating by readers. Lee Child is praised for his ability to craft a plot that is both alarming and funny, balancing the seriousness of the conspiracy with moments of humor. The character of Jack Reacher is highlighted as being courteous, skilled, and fearless, adding depth to the story as he faces off against a militia group with a different idea of freedom, resulting in a thrilling and fast-paced narrative.
He left home early, as he always did, six days a week, fifty weeks a year. A cautious breakfast, appropriate to a short round man aiming to stay in shape through his forties. A long walk down the carp...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Jack Reacher ) - #5
Save:'Cross Country' in the Alex Cross series by James Patterson follows Detective Dr. Alex Cross as he investigates a murder that leads him from Washington, DC to Africa, specifically Nigeria. The plot revolves around the hunt for a mass killer known as the Tiger, who commits brutal murders that eventually lead Cross to Africa where he encounters violence, genocide, and dangerous situations. The writing style of the book is described as fast-paced, filled with action, and focused on shedding light on real-world issues such as atrocities and struggles in Africa.
Despite the familiar setting of the Alex Cross series, this book takes a different turn by sending Cross to Africa, which some readers found to be a refreshing change. The story delves into the horrors of genocide, political connections, and the ruthless underworld in Nigeria, offering a thrilling and intense read that keeps the readers engaged till the end.
The surname of the family was Cox, the father a very successful trial lawyer, but the target was the mother, Ellie Randall Cox. The timing was right now, tonight, just minutes away. The payday was exc...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Alex Cross ) - #6
Save:The Unfortunate Fursey by Mervyn Wall is a humorous and imaginative story set in medieval Ireland, revolving around a monk named Fursey who is not very intelligent. The Devil and his friends use Fursey's room as a bridgehead for a takeover of a monastery, leading to a whimsical romp through the Irish countryside as the fiends follow Fursey. The book makes fun of the Roman Catholic Bishops, challenges the political connection between the Church and State, and includes heroic portrayals of monks amidst satirical elements. The writing style is described as witty, whimsical, and filled with insightful character observations.
- #7
Save:'Why I Write' by George Orwell is a collection of essays that delve into various topics such as Orwell's reasons for writing, his analysis of England during wartime, the interrelationship between politics and the English language, and reflections on societal issues. Through Orwell's direct and radical writing style, the essays provide compelling and lucid insights on propaganda, political principles, journalism standards, and the societal landscape during Orwell's time. offers a mix of personal reflections, political commentary, and societal critiques, showcasing Orwell's unwavering support for democratic Socialism and his keen observations on the world around him.
From a very early age, perhaps the age of five or six, I knew that when I grew up I should be a writer. Between the ages of about seventeen and twenty-four I tried to abandon this idea, but I did so w... - #8
Save:'No Is Not Enough: Resisting Trump?s Shock Politics and Winning the World We Need' by Naomi Klein delves into the intersection of climate change, social justice movements, and the rise of Trump as a brand in the political landscape. The author provides insights into the strategies used by Trump and other politicians to push through agendas, while also emphasizing the need for compelling alternatives in the face of current politics. Klein's writing style combines extensive research with personal experiences and popular culture references to explain the driving forces behind Trump's presidency and the impact of neoliberalism on society.
The night Donald Trump was declared the winner of the 2016 election and forty-fifth president of the United States was particularly disorienting for me because it wasn’t a night at all. I was in Sydne... - #9
Save:'The Tears of Autumn' by Charles McCarry follows the journey of Paul Christopher, a CIA intelligence officer, as he investigates the assassinations of Ngo Dinh Diem, Ngo Dinh Nhu, and John F. Kennedy. Christopher's relentless pursuit of the truth leads him across continents, facing danger and intrigue while uncovering a connection between these political murders. The plot is described as complex and realistic, with a post-war era spy novel style that keeps readers engaged with its clear and crisp writing.
Paul Christopher had been loved by two women who could not understand why he had stopped writing poetry. Cathy, his wife, imagined that some earlier girl had poisoned his gift. She became hysterical i... - #10
Save:Pachinko by Min Jin Lee is a multi-generational family saga that follows a Korean family's struggles and hardships from the early 20th century in Korea to their migration to Japan and eventually the United States. The story delves into the historical context of the Japanese occupation of Korea, discrimination against Koreans in Japan, and the challenges faced by the family through wars, poverty, and cultural clashes. The narrative spans several generations, portraying the characters' resilience, sacrifices, and the impact of world events on their lives. The writing style is straightforward, with a focus on character development and exploring themes of identity, belonging, and survival.
At the turn of the century, an aging fisherman and his wife decided to take in lodgers for extra money. Both were born and raised in the fishing village of Yeongdo—a five-mile-wide islet beside the po...
