The Collaborators by Ian Buruma tells the story of three liars from World War 2. Each had their reasons; each rewrote their own lies; each ultimately believed their own lies. While history cannot forget what they were a party to, Buruma shows how they weren't outliers. Highly recommended.
learning
Review: A Mystery of Mysteries
A Mystery of Mysteries by Mark Dawidziak dispels the caricature of Edgar Allan Poe to show the real person. It turns that that the real Edgar Allan Poe is way more interesting than the caricature. Dawidziak's biography attempts to reframe the mystery surrounding Poe's death while enlightening readers to the oddities of Poe's life. Highly recommended.
Review: Personality and Power
Personality and Power examines the most influential leaders of twentieth century Europe to determine whether it was their personality or the circumstances that surround them that made them 'great.' Kershaw's compelling writing carries a well thought out argument. Highly recommended.
Review: Burning Down the House
Burning Down the House is an erudite, well-reasoned examination by Andrew Koppelman of how modern libertarian philosophy was corrupted. Koppelman builds his argument by defining his vision of libertarianism and then critiques other, 'corrupted' visions of it. His analysis is astute, surprising, and worth the read. This book isn't just for libertarians. I'd recommend it to all political junkies, especially those interested in political philosophy. Highly recommended.
Review: Thinking 101
Dr. Woo-Kyoung Ahn's Thinking 101 teaches us how we make mistakes in our thought process through clear definitions and many pertinent, interesting examples. By putting into place her strategies for combating biases, maybe we can make ourselves a little better and find a little more grace and patience for others. Highly recommended.
Review: Babel
Babel by R.F. Kuang tells the story of Robin Swift, a boy caught up in the games of empire. His journey is a moving tale of complicity. Does he continue to take the luxuries empire provides him - though it will never accept as fully human - or does he attempt to change the empire? Kuang's story still haunts me. Highly recommended.
Review: On Critical Race Theory
On Critical Race Theory introduces the non-academic to the field of Critical Race Theory. Victor Ray identifies key topics in accessible essays that prepares the reader for the ideas being debated among scholars. Dr. Ray's clear and concise writings make these complex topics easier for the non-academic to understand. It's a much needed bit of education for those of us trying to counter false narratives about CRT. Highly recommended.
Review: France: An Adventure History
France: An Adventure History by Graham Robb belongs on the shelf of any Francophile. This journey through the eras of French history is whimsical, nuanced, and memorable. Highly recommended.
Review: Putting the Fact in Fantasy
Putting the Fact in Fantasy contains 52 essays meant to help fantasy authors build believable worlds. This is an excellent resource that I'll use in my own writing.
Review: The Conductors
The Conductors by Nicole Glover is a wonderful introduction to Hetty Rhodes and her sigil magic. This opening to the Murder & Magic series had me glued to the page. Highly recommended.