Books Like...
'The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America' by George Packer is a narrative journey over the past 30 years of economic and social history in America. Packer weaves together the stories of various individuals to showcase the changes in American society, highlighting winners and losers, and how society has evolved over the years. The book delves into the impact of globalization, reactionary government policies, income inequality, and the concentration of power and wealth in fewer hands, painting a raw and intimate portrait of the struggles faced by ordinary Americans.
Packer's writing style in 'The Unwinding' is reminiscent of John Dos Passos's experimental novels, where he combines real people's stories with newspaper clippings to create a novel-like narrative. The book reads like a story, immersing the reader in the characters' lives and evoking emotions of anger, despair, and hope as it explores the societal changes that have led to the current state of America.
If you liked The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America, here are the top 17 books to read next:
'Nature's Metropolis: Chicago and the Great West' by William Cronon delves into the economic and environmental history of Chicago and its relationship with the Midwest during the nineteenth century. Cronon explores the intertwined development of the city and its surrounding countryside, showcasing how commodities and capital flowed between them. Through detailed accounts of industries like grain trade, lumber, and meat packing, the book paints a vivid picture of Chicago's rise and the impact it had on the region's ecology and economy. Cronon's writing style captivates readers with engaging storytelling, making a potentially dry subject intriguing and thought-provoking.
Born in Blood and Fire: A Concise History of Latin America by John Charles Chasteen is a thorough overview of Latin American history from 1492 to the present. The book covers major themes like colonialism, nationalism, and the cultural diversity of the region. Chasteen's writing is clear and engaging, making complex topics accessible to readers. It includes fascinating tales and insights into everyday lives, offering a rich backdrop of political and economic struggles.
The text is well-organized and employs a chronological approach to present a broad range of subjects. It highlights the impact of colonial legacies and the intricate class systems in Latin America. While some readers note the lack of citations, many appreciate its informative style and the author's ability to blend opinion with fact. This book serves as a valuable resource for anyone wanting to understand the complexities of Latin American history.
The semisedentary Tupi people of the Brazilian The nonsedentary, plains-dwelling Pampas peo-forests were destroyed and their labor replaced pie were eventually wiped out. Much later, by African slaves...- #3
Save:'The American West' by Dee Brown is a detailed narrative history that delves into the development of the West in the 1800s. The book covers the stories of various key figures such as Native Americans, settlers, cowboys, ranchers, and businessmen, highlighting the conflicts, struggles, conquests, and the eventual colonization of America. The author provides a well-documented and well-written account, with chapters dedicated to different subjects, making it an informative yet entertaining read. The book captures the essence of the American West, bringing to life the diverse characters and events that shaped the country during that era.
The writing style of Dee Brown in 'The American West' is described as very readable, engaging, and easy to follow. The book is praised for its detailed descriptions of both Indian and European situations, making it a recommended addition to any History library. Brown's storytelling is compared to that of a serious historian and a capable novelist, keeping the readers intrigued and engaged throughout the narrative. Despite some critiques about the lack of cohesive narrative and focus on Native Americans, the book is commended for its educational value and entertaining approach to exploring the history of the American West.
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Save:'Democracy in Chains' by Nancy MacLean is a deeply disturbing and important book that delves into the history of how libertarian ideologies, championed by figures like James Buchanan and Charles Koch, have been influencing American politics and policy-making. The book explores how these ideologies, rooted in public choice theory, aim to erode democracy and promote economic freedom at the expense of public institutions and social programs. Through detailed research and analysis, MacLean reveals the insidious strategies employed by these libertarian thinkers to shape public opinion and policy, ultimately leading to a potential shift towards oligarchy and plutocracy in the United States.
Virginia had become a defendant in one of the five cases folded into Brown v. Board of Education owing to the determination of one teenager who had had enough. Tired of taking classes in “tar paper sh... - #5
Save:"Hiding in Plain Sight: The Invention of Donald Trump and the Erosion of America" by Sarah Kendzior delves into the detailed changes that have occurred in America over the years, leading up to the election of Trump. Kendzior highlights the corruption and abuse of power that has been prevalent for years, painting a grim picture of American democracy being severely eroded. The author's meticulous research uncovers the ties between political elites, corrupt businessmen, and organized crime syndicates, ultimately pointing towards a dark money trail of reliance on oligarchs and mobsters. Through a decade-by-decade analysis, Kendzior exposes the intricate web of connections that suggest Trump's involvement in a transnational crime syndicate affiliated with the Kremlin, leading to a compelling narrative of an American kleptocracy in the making.
I live in Missouri, a state in the center of America, a state that sits halfway down the Mississippi River and whose northern border parallels the Mason-Dixon line. In the twentieth century, Missouri ... - #6
Save:Arlie Russell Hochschild, a sociologist from UC Berkeley, delves into the world of conservative right-wing individuals in Louisiana, aiming to understand their beliefs and deep stories. Through her immersive research, she uncovers the resentment, anger, and feelings of being left behind that drive the political ideologies of Tea Party members and Trump supporters. The book explores the paradox of individuals in a heavily polluted state vehemently opposing environmental protection measures, shedding light on the emotional and ideological factors that shape their views on politics and society.
When I began this research five years ago, I was becoming alarmed at the increasingly hostile split in our nation between two political camps. To many on the left, the Republican Party and Fox News se... "The Madness of Crowds: Gender, Race and Identity" by Douglas Murray is a critical examination of the mob-like behavior and outrage culture surrounding issues of gender, race, and identity in the modern Western world. Murray's writing style is described as insightful, precise, and level-headed, providing a detailed analysis of the descent into irrationality and extremism in topics such as identity politics, intersectionality, and social media influence. delves into the challenges of free speech, the impact of social justice advocacy, and the need to question societal norms and political correctness.
It is a chill February day in London in 2018 and a small demonstration is taking place outside a cinema just off Piccadilly Circus. Wrapped-up warm, the quiet protestors are holding up posters that sa...'Hate Inc.: Why Today's Media Makes Us Despise One Another' by Matt Taibbi delves into the current state of journalism and media in the US, highlighting the intentional manipulation that has led to societal division. Taibbi provides a critical analysis of the news industry, pointing out how it has evolved from unbiased reporting to tailored content aimed at specific audiences. He explores the impact of media on politics and society, emphasizing the need for readers to be discerning and critical of the information presented to them.
Many of the biggest journalistic fiascoes in recent history involved failed attempts at introspection. Whether on behalf of the country or ourselves, when we look in the mirror, we inevitably report b...War Against All Puerto Ricans: Revolution and Terror in America's Colony by Nelson A. Denis delves into the history of Puerto Rico, exposing the atrocities committed against its people by the US government. The book meticulously details the struggles faced by Puerto Ricans, from civil and criminal atrocities to covert sterilization programs and political oppression. Through extensive research and vivid storytelling, Denis sheds light on the colonial policies, racial discrimination, and violence inflicted upon the Puerto Rican population, particularly focusing on the life work of Nationalist Party leader Pedro Albizu Campos.
The abuse of the island started early. In 1493, Columbus made his second voyage to the New World with seventeen ships, 1,200 men, horses, cattle, guns, and smallpox. When he finally reached a major is...- #10
Save:"American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America" by Colin Woodard is a comprehensive exploration of the regional cultures that have shaped North America since the 18th century. Woodard divides North America into 11 ethnocultural nations, each with its own unique origins and characteristics, providing a different perspective on American history. The book delves into the historical development of these nations, their alliances, conflicts, and how they have influenced the political landscape of the United States. Woodard's writing style is informative and thought-provoking, offering insights into the complexities of American history and the ongoing impact of these regional cultures.
History has tended to portray the native peoples of the Americas as mere extras or scenery in a Western drama dominated by actors of European and African descent. Because this book is primarily concer...
