Books Like...
'Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic' by Sam Quinones is a wide-ranging narrative that delves into the intertwining stories of the oxycontin epidemic and the black tar heroin epidemic, focusing on the impact of pharmaceutical companies on the rise of prescription pain relievers and the subsequent emergence of the Opioid Crisis. Quinones provides a detailed account of how legal opiates led to the heroin epidemic, shedding light on the role of Purdue Pharma, unscrupulous doctors, and the Mexican black tar heroin trade in shaping America's current addiction problem. The book offers a mix of informative storytelling and insightful commentary, highlighting the societal ills facing America and the breakdown of community due to widespread addiction.
The writing style of 'Dreamland' is engaging and informative, presenting a sobering yet compelling narrative that keeps readers immersed in the harsh realities of addiction and the devastating consequences of the opiate crisis. Quinones skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, offering a nuanced perspective on the complexities of the epidemic while exposing the greed, negligence, and ignorance that fueled the drugging of America. Despite some pacing issues and repetitive elements, the book remains a powerful and essential read that provides valuable insights into the root causes of the opiate problem in the United States.
If you liked Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic, here are the top 100 books to read next:
'Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America' by Beth Macy is a meticulously researched non-fiction book that delves into the opioid epidemic gripping America. Macy provides a detailed account of the origins of the crisis, the role of Big Pharma in fueling addiction, and the devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities, particularly in Appalachia. Through personal stories and factual analysis, Macy sheds light on the complexities of addiction, the failures of the healthcare system, and the urgent need for effective solutions to combat this epidemic.
Though the opioid epidemic would go on to spare no segment of America, nowhere has it settled in and extracted as steep a toll as in the depressed former mill and mining communities of central Appalac...'Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs' by Johann Hari is a captivating exploration of the global war on drugs, shedding light on its impact on communities worldwide. The book delves into the history of drug enforcement over the last century, highlighting the failures and consequences of the war against drugs. Through a mix of research, personal narratives, and historical context, the author challenges conventional perspectives on addiction and drug policy, advocating for a more compassionate and evidence-based approach.
In the sunshine of Los Angeles, there was a doctor in the early 1930s named Henry Smith Williams, with a long, unsmiling face. He wore small wire-framed glasses through which he peered down on the wor...'Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty' by Patrick Radden Keefe delves into the unflinching examination of the Sackler family and their role in the opioid crisis in the United States. It uncovers the harsh reality of a family without compassion, the devastating impact of their pharmaceutical empire, and the systemic failure to hold them accountable. The author skillfully weaves together a narrative that reads like a thriller, providing an eye-opening and informative account of the greed, corruption, and lack of empathy that fueled the opioid epidemic.
arthur sackler was born in Brooklyn, in the summer of 1913, at a moment when Brooklyn was burgeoning with wave upon wave of immigrants from the Old World, new faces every day, the unfamiliar music of ...'Dark Alliance: The CIA, the Contras, and the Cocaine Explosion' by Gary Webb delves into the alarming connection between the CIA, the Nicaraguan Contras, and the rise of crack cocaine in Los Angeles. Webb uncovers a sinister operation where the CIA turned a blind eye to drug trafficking to fund right-wing guerrillas, leading to devastating consequences for black communities. The book is praised for its detailed investigation, revealing how the CIA knowingly allowed the drug trade to flourish and its impact on society.
When I came to work in the sprawling newsroom of the Cleveland Plain Dealer in the early 1980s, I was assigned to share a computer terminal with a tall middle-aged reporter with a long, virtually unpr...- #5
Save:All the President's Men by Carl Bernstein is a thrilling account of investigative journalism chronicling the Watergate scandal. The book follows the meticulous work of two reporters, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, as they uncover the political corruption that ultimately leads to President Richard Nixon's resignation. The writing style is described as engrossing, clear, and well-sourced, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the investigative process that brought down a president.
JUNE 17, 1972. Nine o’clock Saturday morning. Early for the telephone. Woodward fumbled for the receiver and snapped awake. The city editor of the Washington Post was on the line. Five men had been ar... - #6
Save:David Carr's memoir 'The Night of the Gun' takes a unique approach by using investigative journalism techniques to fact-check his own life story, particularly focusing on his struggles with addiction and recovery. The book delves into the complexities of memory and self-reflection, providing a raw and honest account of Carr's battle with drug and alcohol addiction, his journey towards sobriety, and the impact on his personal and professional life. Through a blend of journalistic writing and personal narrative, Carr navigates through his past experiences, revealing the harsh realities of addiction and the challenges of facing his own demons.
The voice came from a long distance off, like a far-flung radio signal, all crackle and mystery with just an occasional word coming through. And then it was as if a hill had been crested and the signa... 'McMafia: A Journey Through the Global Criminal Underworld' by Misha Glenny is a comprehensive investigation into organized crime worldwide, delving into the interconnected web of criminal activities that span different countries and continents. Glenny's writing style, while not overly stylish, is described as compulsively readable and plenty scary, keeping readers engaged with the dark and intriguing world of global criminal underworld. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the rise of the Russian mafia to the shadow economies in countries like South Africa, Brazil, Canada, Japan, and China.
The bells tolled uninterrupted for fifteen minutes as they carried the coffin into St. Nedelya’s Cathedral. At the head of the procession was Patriarch Maxim, head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, be...- #8
Save:'Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right' by Jane Mayer is a meticulously researched and eye-opening exploration of how ultra-wealthy individuals like the Koch brothers have used dark money to influence American politics. The book delves into the intricate web of think tanks, academic institutions, and political organizations funded by these billionaires to reshape the political landscape in their favor. Mayer's writing style is described as clear, compelling, and chilling, painting a vivid picture of the pervasive influence of dark money in the American political system.
The book uncovers the disturbing reality of how a small group of wealthy individuals, led by the Koch brothers, have been able to manipulate the political system to serve their own interests while undermining democracy. Mayer's in-depth investigation sheds light on the insidious ways in which dark money has infiltrated all levels of government, academia, and media, ultimately painting a bleak picture of the future of American democracy.
Oddly enough, the fiercely libertarian Koch family owed part of its fortune to two of history’s most infamous dictators, Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler. The family patriarch, Fred Chase Koch, founder ... 'Bottle of Lies: The Inside Story of the Generic Drug Boom' by Katherine Eban delves into the dark realities of the generic drug industry, focusing on the deceit and manipulation of companies like Ranbaxy. It highlights the urgent need for stringent regulations and oversight in the industry, especially in less developed countries where patients are at a higher risk due to substandard drugs. Eban's writing style, described as fast-paced, engaging, and thrilling, effectively captures the reader's attention while exposing the dangerous practices prevalent in the generic drug manufacturing sector.
Dinesh S. Thakur was fastidious. He wore perfectly ironed khakis, a white button-down shirt, a dark sports jacket, and well-polished loafers. Stocky and of medium height, he had a round face, full hea...- #10
Save:'Methland' by Nick Reding delves into the devastating impact of methamphetamine on small towns in America, using the town of Oelwein, Iowa as a microcosm of the larger issue. Reding explores how the rise of meth labs and addiction is intertwined with the economic struggles and societal changes faced by these communities. Through personal stories and in-depth analysis, the author uncovers the root causes of the meth epidemic, shedding light on the role of Big Pharma and the decline of traditional ways of life in rural America.
Nathan Lein, the assistant Fayette County prosecutor, is twenty-eight years old. He has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Luther College in Iowa, a law degree from Valparaiso State University in ...
