Books matching: political corruption
100 result(s)
- #1
"Blowout" by Rachel Maddow delves into the intricate web of corruption, power struggles, and environmental impact within the oil and gas industry, both nationally and internationally. Through a series of interconnected stories, Maddow explores the relationships between key players like Rex Tillerson and Vladimir Putin, the consequences of fracking and horizontal drilling, and the history of the industry from its inception to modern times. Maddow's writing style is described as informative, engaging, and filled with humor, making a complex and often dull topic palatable and enlightening for readers.
If you had to point to a beginning, to the exact location of the big bang from which American industrial and economic power began its astounding and sometimes reckless expansion, it would be at the en... - #2
The Gilded Age is a novel that delves into the post-Civil War era of America, exploring the pursuit of wealth and success through risky schemes and political machinations. The story follows characters consumed by the American Dream, illustrating the consequences of their pursuits and the impact on each other's efforts. Through satire, Twain provides insight into the societal beliefs and behaviors of the time, creating a narrative that reflects on the political and business landscape of the Gilded Age.
The writing style of The Gilded Age combines Twain's satirical prowess with a slow-building plot that eventually grips the reader's interest. The novel offers a family saga aspect that, although needing improvement in character development, presents a comparison between the Victorian melodramatic elements and the modern society and government, making it an intriguing read for 21st-century readers.
These neighbors stood a few moments looking at the mail carrier reflectively while he talked; but fatigue soon began to show itself, and one after another they climbed up and occupied the top rail of ... - #3
'Lay Down My Sword and Shield' by James Lee Burke is a narrative about Hackberry Holland, portrayed as a young man married to his first wife, Verisa, and aspiring to run for congress. The story delves into political corruption, racism, and the influence of Senator Dowling on Hack, leading to some questionable decisions fueled by his struggles with alcohol. The plot unfolds in southern Texas, highlighting a backdrop of violence, political manipulation, and a haunting past of Hack's experiences during the Korean War. The writing style captures the essence of the Deep South of America, portraying a compelling and complex narrative that keeps the reader engaged.
- #4
Rain Dogs by Adrian McKinty is a gripping crime thriller set in 1987 Northern Ireland, featuring the determined and methodical Detective Sean Duffy. The story revolves around a locked room mystery at Carrickfergus Castle, where Duffy unravels a web of high-reaching conspiracies while dealing with historical events and personal struggles. The plot is fast-paced, with twists and turns that transform the mystery into a compelling 'howdunnit' rather than a traditional 'whodunnit'. McKinty's writing style captures the mood and details of the time and place, expertly aging Duffy and crafting well-developed secondary characters.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Detective Sean Duffy ) - #5
Christopher Buckley's 'Boomsday' is a satirical novel that delves into the social security crisis in America, focusing on the conflict between the aging baby boomer generation and the younger generations who will bear the financial burden. The story follows Cassandra Devine, a young PR specialist, who proposes a controversial solution to the crisis by suggesting that boomers should commit suicide voluntarily transition in exchange for government incentives. Through a mix of humor and political commentary, the book explores themes of generational differences, political corruption, and societal apathy towards pressing issues.
Today’s media trainee was the chief executive officer of a company that administered hospitals, twenty-eight of them throughout the southeastern United States. In the previous year, it had lost $285 m... The War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts by Louis de Bernieres is a humorous and chaotic novel set in a fictional South American country filled with a diverse cast of characters including military officers, guerrillas, landowners, and spirits. The plot revolves around a series of events triggered by Dona Constanza's decision to divert a river to fill her swimming pool, leading to chaos and conflicts in the villages. De Bernieres skillfully incorporates magical realism, political satire, and dark humor into the narrative, creating a story that seamlessly weaves together elements of farce, tragedy, and social commentary.
The novel is praised for its vivid characters, sparkling prose, and the author's ability to blend humor and imagination with insightful social critiques. Readers appreciate the episodic structure of the book, which presents each chapter as a standalone story while interconnecting all characters and episodes in a cohesive manner. De Bernieres is lauded for his masterful writing style, which combines elements of magical realism, satire, and wry humor to create a unique and engaging reading experience.
It had been an auspicious week for Capitan Rodrigo José Figueras. On Monday he had with his platoon stopped a truck loaded with marijuana on the road from Chiriguaná to Valledupar and made the peasant...- #7
The Glass Key by Dashiell Hammett is a hard-boiled crime novel set in a town rife with corruption and political intrigue. The story follows Ned Beaumont, a professional gambler and racketeer working for political boss Paul Madvig, who becomes embroiled in the investigation of a murder involving a senator's son. As Ned navigates a web of suspicion and shifting loyalties, the narrative unfolds with seedy alliances between the underworld and politics, filled with twists and unexpected turns. Hammett's writing style is described as visual and stylistic, painting a vivid picture of a world where corruption, vice, and shady dealings reign, all leading to a gripping and suspenseful storyline.
The book is praised for its constantly shifting human relationships, intricate plot, and Hammett's ability to keep the reader guessing until the end. The characters are depicted as conflicted, slimy, and intriguing, adding depth to the noir atmosphere of the novel. Despite its complex narrative, the book is commended for its classic qualities, with references to old-fashioned black and white movies and the charm of a back-to-basics suspense story, making The Glass Key a compelling and engaging read.
Green dice rolled across the green table, struck the rim together, and bounced back. One stopped short holding six white spots in two equal rows uppermost. The other tumbled out to the center of the t... - #8
"Washington, D.C." by Gore Vidal is a historical novel set in the last years of FDR's presidency through that of Truman, focusing on the lives of politicians and the intersection of politics and the press in Washington DC. The story revolves around powerful conservative senator James Burden Day, his ambitious assistant Clay Overbury, and the wealthy publisher Blaise Sanford and his children. The novel delves into the personal lives and political ambitions of these characters, portraying a backdrop of real historical events with Vidal's signature humor, cynicism, and interesting storytelling style. offers a glimpse into a lesser-explored period of American history through a narrative filled with intrigue and complex relationships.
The storm broke over the house. Rain fell in dark diagonals across the summer lawn. An abrupt wind bent willow trees, tore sumac, shook elms. The storm’s center was now so near that the flash of light...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Narratives of Empire ) - #9
'An Ideal Husband' by Oscar Wilde is a play that delves into the life of Lord Robert Chiltern, a successful politician whose past mistake comes back to haunt him, threatening his political career. The story explores themes of morality, marriage, love, and political corruption, all wrapped in Wilde's signature wit and humor. The play presents a satirical commentary on Victorian England's moral values and societal expectations, blending seriousness with light-heartedness to create a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged.
At the top of the staircase stands Lady Chiltern, a woman of grave Greek beauty, about twenty-seven years of age. She receives the guests as they come up. Over the well of the staircase hangs a great ... - #10
"Strip Tease" by Carl Hiaasen is a humorous and fast-paced story set in Florida that revolves around a strip club where government, sex, humor, and action collide. The plot involves corrupt politicians, objectification of women, and ecological wrongs, all intertwined with a mix of wacky characters and crazy plots typical of Hiaasen's style. The story follows the main character, Erin, a stripper fighting for custody of her daughter against her ex-husband, a drug addict who steals wheelchairs. As the narrative unfolds, we see how a simple incident in a strip club sets off a chain of chaotic events involving politicians, criminals, and law enforcement, leading to a thrilling and entertaining read.
On the night of September sixth, the eve of Paul Guber’s wedding, his buddies took him to a strip joint near Fort Lauderdale for a bachelor party. The club was called the Eager Beaver, and it was famo...