Books matching: wealth and power
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- #1
Save:A fascinating, engaging exploration of something we all take for granted, but not everyone will love the sometimes meandering narrative. If you're intrigued by the hidden power and history behind addresses, it's definitely worth a read!
The Address Book by Deirdre Mask explores the significance of physical addresses in society, delving into how they impact identity, race, wealth, and power across different countries. Through a collection of stories, the author highlights the complexities surrounding street addresses and the disadvantages faced by those without them. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the historical development of addresses to the social implications of not having a fixed address, offering insights into the importance of geographical infrastructure systems.
On a hot, fragrant February morning in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), I took a walk with Subhashis Nath, a social worker, to the Bank of Baroda in Kalighat, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. We do...April 2020•351 pages A deeply researched, engrossing look at how a handful of men shaped modern Russia - fascinating for understanding power and corruption, but may feel tedious if you crave a more personal or fast-moving narrative.
'The Oligarchs: Wealth and Power in the New Russia' by David E. Hoffman delves into the rise and fall of the Russian Oligarchs during the Yeltsin era, showcasing their manipulation of the new capitalist system in post-Soviet Russia. Through detailed accounts of the Oligarchs' acquisition of massive wealth and power, the book sheds light on the corruption, abuses, and major errors that characterized the period, offering insights into the political and economic landscape of Russia at that time. Hoffman's writing style captures the essence of the era, portraying a narrative filled with money, power, corruption, and the complex interplay between Oligarchs, politicians, and mobsters.
IN THE SUMMER HEAT, the glass facade of Kursky Station loomed above the sweaty crowds. The train station hall was a monumental box of glass, concrete, and space; it was stark, modern, even utopian, an...February 2002•605 pages- #3
Save:A quick, entertaining, and candid memoir offering a unique glimpse into Saudi elite life - unpolished and eye-opening, but best read as one personal perspective among many.
'Paramedic to the Prince' by Patrick Notestine is a gripping memoir that offers a unique perspective on life in Saudi Arabia, particularly for Western expatriates working in the medical field. The author paints a vivid picture of the cultural differences, daily frustrations, and shocking realities faced by professionals living and working in the Middle East. Through his personal experiences as a paramedic, Notestine delves into the intricacies of Saudi society, shedding light on the corrupting influence of wealth, the pervasive sexism, and the clash of values between Western and Saudi culture. His writing style is engaging and informative, providing readers with a compelling insight into a world that is often misunderstood and misrepresented in the media.
I was working in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in my office at the King Faisal Hospital, where I managed the ambulance service. It was late afternoon, on a Tuesday, in September 2001. I got a call from a Sout...March 2007•318 pages - #4
Save:A clever, darkly funny romp through 18th-century society with one of literature’s most unforgettable (and unreliable) rogues. Not as well-known as Vanity Fair, but a must for fans of sharp social satire and audacious antiheroes.
'The Luck of Barry Lyndon' by William Makepeace Thackeray is a satirical novel narrated by the unreliable protagonist Barry Lyndon, an Irish scamp who embarks on a series of adventures that lead him through various societal circles. The book offers a glimpse into eighteenth-century high society, exposing its hypocrisy and foibles through the lens of a charming yet flawed character. Despite the character's relentless boasting and questionable actions, readers are taken on a journey filled with humor, social commentary, and a tinge of sadness at his eventual downfall.
Thackeray's writing style in 'The Luck of Barry Lyndon' is noted for its satire of manners and the use of an unreliable narrator, creating an engaging narrative that showcases the author's wit and keen observations of society. The novel presents a blend of entertainment and social commentary, offering readers a chance to delve into the world of a lovable scoundrel whose larger-than-life adventures are both captivating and thought-provoking.
Despite the slowness with which it was written, and the seeming neglect with which it was permitted to remain unreprinted, Barry Lyndon was to be hailed by competent critics as one of Thackeray’s fine...1844•358 pages - #5
Save:Mastered by Maya Banks is a scorching hot romance novel that delves into the BDSM lifestyle, albeit in a relatively tame manner compared to other popular works. The story follows the romance between the main characters, Evangeline and Drake, which is divided into two parts due to the length of the book. Set in the Enforcers series, the book ends on a cliffhanger, leaving readers eager for the conclusion in the next installment.
Evangeline stared in the mirror, barely recognizing the wide-eyed woman staring back at her. She didn’t react as her friends Lana, Nikki and Steph hovered around her, putting the finishing touches on...December 2015•366 pages - #6
Save:A deeply researched, thought-provoking history lesson on capitalism and lost activism in America, but be prepared for a heavy, sometimes overlong read if you're not already a fan of dense historical writing.
'The Age of Acquiescence: The Life and Death of American Resistance to Organized Wealth and Power' by Steve Fraser delves into the contrast between the first gilded age, known for active left resistance, and the current 'age of acquiescence,' where the American left has seemingly lost its voice. Fraser discusses how the working class has acquiesced to the power of capital and moneyed interests, leading to widening inequalities. also explores the shift from an era of egalitarian class struggle to one where unemployment is accepted as a norm, consumer culture shapes identity, and the trade union movement weakens.
When the railroad threatened to come to Lancaster, Ohio, back in the mid-1840s, the local school board greeted the prospect as a looming moral disaster. The board refused to make its building availabl...2015•484 pages - #7
Save:A bold, intricate King Lear remix set in modern India - brilliantly executed but demanding. Worth tackling for literary fans and adventurous readers, but expect a challenging journey.
'We That Are Young' by Preti Taneja is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's King Lear set in contemporary India. The novel delves into the intricate family dynamics of an ultra-wealthy Indian family, exploring themes of power, wealth, patriarchy, and cultural contrasts. Through multiple perspectives and intricate plotlines, the book navigates through the complexities of family relationships, business dealings, and societal issues in modern India, drawing parallels to the original play while adding its own unique cultural insights.
Punj drives back to the bunker. Jivan’s body flops, mind floats. He knows this feeling well: for days after Ma’s funeral he gave in to it, riding troughs of grief, rage, hilarity, hearing her during h...2017•528 pages - #8
Save:A clever, page-turning spin-off perfect for Coben loyalists and lovers of rogue antiheroes. But if you like your protagonists warm-hearted or relatable, this one might leave you cold.
'Win' by Harlan Coben revolves around the character Windsor Horne Lockwood III, known as Win, who takes center stage in this novel. The story follows Win as he investigates a murder involving the Jane Street Six, a group tied to a past act of terrorism and a stolen painting from the Lockwood family. As Win delves into the case, he uncovers dark secrets, including the abduction and abuse of his cousin, Patricia. The plot is fast-paced and filled with unexpected twists, showcasing Win's unconventional methods and his personal quest for justice. The writing style combines clever dialogue, intricate storytelling, and a mix of dark humor, keeping readers engaged until the last page.
My seat is courtside, of course, near the center line. An A-list Marvel-Superhero actor sporting a tourniquet-tight, show-biceps black tee sits on my left, you know him, and the celebrated rapper-mogu...October 2021•408 pages - #9
Save:A juicy, wickedly smart classic that's all about the art of seduction and deceit - perfect if you like your literature clever, layered, and deliciously dark.
"Dangerous Liaisons" by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos is an epistolary novel that includes multiple characters writing to each other, each with unique points of view and goals. The book revolves around two manipulative narcissists who take on a bet to destroy people around them, showcasing intrigues, manipulations, treachery, promiscuity, and horribleness. The story is set in the 18th century and features characters that may live in a different era but feel very real, engaging readers with its psychological games, slow pay off of revenge, and toxic, narcissistic relationships.
You SEE, MY DEAR friend, that I keep my word to you, and that bonnets and frills do not take up all my time; there will always be some left for you. However, I have seen more adornments in this one si...1782•374 pages - #10
Save:A razor-sharp, scandalous, and expertly crafted classic - chock-full of drama, decadence, and surprisingly modern observations about love, power, and games people play. Worth reading, especially if you enjoy your classics with a side of poison.
In the epistolary novel 'Les Liaisons dangereuses' by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, set in 18th-century France, two aristocrats, the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont, engage in a dangerous game of seduction and manipulation. Through a series of letters, they plot to ruin the lives of innocent individuals for their own amusement and revenge, leading to a web of deceit, betrayal, and scandal. The characters' intricate schemes and immoral actions reveal the dark side of human nature and the consequences of selfish desires in a society on the brink of change.
The novel's writing style, characterized by vividly portrayed characters and cleverly crafted letters, immerses the reader in the morally complex world of the French aristocracy. Themes of love, revenge, morality, and manipulation are skillfully woven into the narrative, creating a compelling and thought-provoking tale of intrigue and deception that challenges societal norms and explores the boundaries of human behavior.
You SEE, MY DEAR friend, that I keep my word to you, and that bonnets and frills do not take up all my time; there will always be some left for you. However, I have seen more adornments in this one si...1782•451 pages
