Stephen Kinzer’s Overthrow reviews a century of America’s overthrowing governments from Hawaii to Iraq. Overthrow is simply one of the most consequential books I have ever read about American foreign policy. Given what is happening in Syria and Chile and the reality of the 2020 election, people interested in politics would do well to read… Continue reading Reviewing Overthrow
Tag: history
Reviewing Beaten Down Worked Up
Steven Greenhouse’s Beaten Down Worked Up is a critical look at the past, present and future of unions in America. While Greenhouse’s work, as he acknowledges, doesn’t provide the detail into historical incidents other books do, Beaten Down Worked Up is an important read.
The Teller and Platt Amendments Explained
I consider myself a student of history. I like to believe I have a good grip on why American history has unfolded the way it has unfolded. Yesterday, I learned about the Teller and Platt Amendments for the first time. I’m writing about them because they say so much about the dominance America wishes to… Continue reading The Teller and Platt Amendments Explained
Reviewing The Impeachers
Brenda Wineapple’s The Impeachers covers the impeachment of Andrew Johnson. Given the current impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump, The impeachers is an important read. The reality that many don’t understand the Johnson impeachment, makes The Impeachers even more important.
Reviewing All the President’s Men
With the House finally beginning an impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump, I decided to read Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein’s All the President’s Men. The book is about the Watergate scandal and coverup that resulted in Richard Nixon resigning and several members of his administration serving time.
Reviewing Serhii Plokhy’s Chernobyl
After watching the HBO series about the disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine during the Soviet Union, I wanted to read more about the tragedy. Readers of my blog know, I’m an avid reader. While there is a place for television, books, especially if done right, tell a more accurate picture of… Continue reading Reviewing Serhii Plokhy’s Chernobyl
Reviewing the Poisoned City
Anna Clark’s The Poisoned City is about the contaminated drinking water crisis in Flint, Michigan. The Poisoned City is a difficult, necessary read. It says so much about America and human nature; unfortunately, it too often highlights the worst of both.
Reviewing the Flu that Killed 50 Million
The Flu that Killed 50 million is a BBC documentary on the worldwide pandemic of 1918. As someone who enjoys history and didn’t know much about the pandemic, I found The Flu that Killed 50 million to be an interesting documentary. I’m not entirely sure it’s completely accurate, but the documentary paints a reasonable picture… Continue reading Reviewing the Flu that Killed 50 Million
Reviewing Bag Man
Bag Man is a podcast produced by MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow about the criminal investigation and resignation of Richard Nixon’s vice president Spiro Agnew. Bag Man is one of the most informative, thought-provoking podcasts I have ever heard.
Reviewing Godless Citizens in a Godly Republic
Godless Citizens in a Godly Republic addresses the history of atheists in America. As an atheist, I have a personal interest in this subject, but I think this book is worth a read for anyone interested in history, law, politics, and/or religion.