Yes, I watch Married at First Sight. Yes, I’m very late with this review. I know season eight has begun.
I’m late because I watch the show with Aunt Barb, who got me into it, and we haven’t had time to finish. But I have caught up on what was the weirdest season so far.
Now because the Internet is clamoring for someone who has never been married to review a show on marriage, here is my review.
John Perkins’s New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man would be better named as an update to Confessions of an Economic Hit Man. Much of the New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man is stuff that appeared in the original book. So, I only read about 40 percent of this version. Still, New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man was decent read.
John Perkins’s Confessions of an Economic Hit Man is one of the most important books I have ever read. As an American who cares about people in other countries, Confessions of an Economic Hit Man was an infuriating read. The book is an excellent example of exactly how much America’s foreign policy has been designed around the interests of corporations.
American Prison by Shane Bauer tells the story of a journalist who worked undercover in a private prison.
Lee Child’s Past Tense is the latest in the Jack Reacher series. I have read and enjoyed all of the Reacher books, but this is the best one in years.
Gary Pomerantz’s The Last Pass is an interesting read about racism, friendship, and mortality. Told largely through the historic run of the Boston Celtics of the ’50s and ’60s, The last pass focuses on the relationship between Bob Cousy and Bill Russel.
As a Celtics fan from Boston who appreciates history and acknowledges the terrible racist history of Boston and Massachusetts, I really enjoyed The Last Pass.
The story is told by Bob Cousy. It walks us through the abuse Cousy watched his mother inflict on his father and discusses how that impacted Cous’s life. But the focus of the story is Cous’s regret that he didn’t speak out when Russell and his other African-American teammates suffered discrimination.
By the end of the book, Cousy who is nearly 90, sends a letter to Russel and shares his feelings and regrets.
If you enjoy true life stories and you are willing to confront racism, you should give The Last Pass a read. If you’re a sports fan, the book will be especially enjoyable for you.
Say Nothing by Brad Parks was a thoughtful thriller. My guesses at the ending weren’t even close to accurate until the book almost ended.
The Outsider is one of Stephen King’s better books. Since I have enjoyed a number of King’s books, I don’t say that lightly.
Michael Waldman’s The Fight to Vote is an incredibly timely, important look at the history of voting in America. Sadly, Waldman’s work highlights the systematic disenfranchisement of Americans (especially people of color and poor people).
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.
