Must read for socially conscious Americans
933918
If your are an academic or just a socially aware citizen, this book has something for you. Each chapter has a well written synopsis that provides the average reader with all of the information necessary to understand the political and economic conditions as they impacted the poor for specific time periods in American history. The solutions that are implemented and the results are also included, along with edititorials and similar papers from the time period being discussed. The summaries are easy to follow and the background information provides much more insight into areas the reader might wish to delve deeper into. The result is combination book, which should be of interest to the socially conscious and the academic. I definately left with a better understanding of just how complex the issue of poverty is.
2532884
One of the most important books on our anything but civil civic life in the United States to come along in quite a while.  Honest, insightful, heartfelt, compelling and very brave, too, for hitting so many harsh reality nails on the head that our nation must find ways to come to terms with. Should be required reading for every member of Congress, everyone else working in government (most especially at the VA and White House), and anyone else who cares for and about the collective well-being of our communities and place in the world.  Thank you Sebastian Junger for telling it like it is and for writing a book only someone with your experiences can deliver.
3901499
This is a must read for every voter in America.  It is a detailed analysis of why despite the Great Society and trillions spent on our programs, we actually find ourselves in a worse position.  What's going on?  This book explains it.  I plan on handing my copy to my Congressman.
3332053
Regardless of your politics or faith system this is a must read in these divisive times. Americans must learn how to have civil dialogs in the midst of competing views. Americans will learn to live together or we will tear one another apart. Slaughter, et al call people of faith especially to sit down at the table and discuss the implications of policy and faith.
2812544
This book is a must-read for any American. I especially hope that people on the right can look past Maddow's liberal bias on her show and give this book a real try; Drift isn't about democrats vs republicans; it's about history and how it has created an unsustainable US military and its impact on America's psyche, economy and safety. The writing style is witty and gets right to the main points.

For the conservative reader, yes, I know the beginning part may seem like Maddow is just focusing on Reagan but it's just to set the background and as you read on, you realize that everyone is accountable through action or inaction (including Clinton and Obama so it's not republican finger-pointing). I say this because I really don't want some people to feel alienated and give up before they get to the end.  It's not about blaming anyone so much as everyone did what they thought was right at the time, especially as accountability and transparency deteriorated.

War has been become so outsourced and invisible, it has become a (gigantic) number tagged onto taypayers' bill for very questionable and hidden purposes; as complicated as the current situation is, Drift identifies the problems that desperately needs to be addressed. The solutions offered are logical but the insulated and inert forces within the government makes execution extremely difficult. But war has been kept invisible for a reason; it's so people don't know and government can bypass public pressure. so by being informed, that's the first important step and the spirit of democracy.

Drift pays its respects to the founding fathers' original vision of a peaceful country that understood what it truly meant to go to war.  And it's time for America to return to its roots and remember what it truly means to be an American.
3538475
Van Fleisher's "Final Notice" is a must-read for anyone wanting to contemplate the political and social climate that Americans face daily. The book raises many tough questions about everything from gun control and the treatment of the elderly to technology and corporate business. Centered around advanced technology which has the power to inform people of their imminent death 30 days in advance, this book presents today's social problems from a myriad of perspectives and sends a message of hope despite its darker predictions for the near future.
1847962
I would just like to give a simple recommendation of this book.

This is a must read for every American. Mark Levin has passionately put into words what modern Americans have forgotten. Our Constitution is a social contract between the government and the governed clearly spelling out the rights, responsibilities and restrictions of each party. To think he started writing this before the Obama administration took over is startling. This book sheds light on the agendas of "the statists" as he calls them, and the dangers of allowing their policies to be implemented.

I have to admit that I needed a dictionary nearby to look up the definitions of some words he used, but that only added to the power and purpose of the book. Mark wants to educate as well as encourage. I found it refreshing that he was not afraid to include a chapter on faith. He rightly points out that this is a necessary component to successful government. The founding fathers knew that a reliance on God was the only thing that could keep this nation on track. We can see today that removing God from the public square had the exact effect the founding fathers knew it would.

Finally, the phrases "page turner" and "can't put it down" have lost their meaning through overuse. So whatever terms that can replace those and emphasize the joyful readability of this book are the terms I would use. You will gladly turn off the TV to read this book, get to the end and then read it again. And I would suggest buying multiple copies to give to those people that, well, you know, SHOULD read it.
1955158
Disturbingly important read. Highly recommend this book to anyone with genuine interest in the continued unraveling of our social fabric.
873155
having read my libraries copy of Dark Ages, i have immediately sent a copy to my son working for teach for america in Houston. This is simply a must read book. The comments and insight will spur constant thinking and evaluation of both your personal life choices and societal obligations. Its not a pretty picture but its worth looking at because it can affect our actions and our way of life.

a mind, and a life is a terrible thing to waste. Making the world a better place requires understanding what makes our lives and society what they are today.

Berman can see the big picture and relate it to the individual.

I enjoy reading R Falk, N Chomsky, A Roy, T Ali, C Johnson,  amoung others and i was thrilled to discover M Berman. A truely great read!!!
3332043
This short book carries plenty of punch.  Mr. Buchanan masterfully explains why things have gone wrong with America and the responsibility that the neoconservatives have in this debacle.  The American Right have been hijacked by a cabal of intellectuals that is steering the country into disaster.  From foreign policy to the culture war the neocon influence casts its sinister shadow on the Right.

  While discussing the historical parallels of other empires with our current day America and, the background of our most pressing problems, Mr. Buchanan suggests how things can be set aright.  His arguments are lucid and make a lot of sense.  This is required reading for any politically minded American.
4220095
This is a must read book for understanding the complex of bias and bigotry that continues to plague American society.  Too often writers, academics, politicians, journalists or others who broach this topic choose to identify a single component of the complex, such as economic parity, as the REAL issue  relegating race, gender rights, etc. as less worthy or unworthy of attention.  David Ikard challenges us instead to examine the interlocking pieces of prejudice that keep our diverse communities divided and facilitate dominance by the elite white male power structure.

This author has been genuine and generous in sharing his own struggles to overcome bias (not just as projected by others, but in his own attitudes as well).  He acknowledged that as a man (albeit a black man) within the social hierarchy of the United States, he is directed to assume a seat above that of black women and possibly all women of color.  However, he recognizes that the white power structure may pull that seat out from under him at any time.  Further, that though this positioning within the hierarchy may be presented as opportunity for leadership and advancement paralleling the white male it is illusory and fundamentally unsound.

While many readers are likely to disagree with some of Ikards concepts and interpretations and to find some passages unsettling the thought provoking nature of Blinded by the Whites is of immense value in eliciting crucial conversations and debates.  We, as US citizens, cannot afford to deny or ignore the ongoing influence of racism, gender bias and prejudices associated with sexual orientation, national origin, poverty, ethnicity, etc. if we want to construct an egalitarian society.  I hope that this book will be widely read  not just by college students taking Black Studies courses, but by people of all races and walks of life.
2458767
This is a very important book, for many reasons. Roxane Gay brings to light many aspects of American culture in this book that are ..well...awful. Her personal experience brings a sharp focus on how America treats people who are overweight and obese, how America treats women, black women, young black women and how we allow terrible things to happen to good people. And then we blame them for that. This is not an easy read. However, it is a very IMPORTANT and VITAL read. Colleges should require this for reading for all students. High school seniors should read this book. Roxane Gay has the courage and the voice to give words to her experience in a way that helps build empathy and understanding. I hope to see Roxane Gay writing for many years to come. And coming to visit Columbus, Ohio sometime soon too.
3129912
Must read for any and everyone who cares about eradicating social injustices, particularly as it relates to the mass incarceration of Black and Brown males
508603
This book was awesome! Forgetting about the rift, this is one of the most informative books I've found that is specifically about American religion and the SGI-USA (NSA). It made me deepen my reflection of, "What if". Great graphics and comparative data. Rate this this book very high for we Americans. At one time, we as an organization were very (almost over the top) patriotic. That period defined my love of country and the desperate need for Kosen Rufu in America. America (us) should get back to being the trail blazer for the world. Just saying.
3536562
Any socially conscious individual is worried about unemployment, however blame is widespread: Wall Street, banks, corporations, technology, big government...etc etc....finding the root causes, educating our criteria, and focusing the social agenda is a most. Erik Brynjolfsson and McAfee takes us thru an extremely interesting process that not only educate us on the impact of technology on unemployment but also on the great opportunities information technologies provide for society. The book perfectly fulfills its objective: to be a source for thought that focuses more attention on these complex issues and hopefully generates an effective action agenda.
4960532
Contrary to most of the views in today's America, this book is a grounding of the values that makes my America great.  This book is a must read for all Americans; even the extreme liberal.  It is not an easy, quick read, but worth the extra time to read and re-read if necessary.  You are missing a real Patriot's work if you do not buy this selection.
1102861
Addresses popular culture, race and social issues from a personal vantage point. Written clearly and movingly this is a book of contemporary non-fiction that is a must read for anyone living and breathing in North America. At times I wept at the stirring passages describing a young Baldwin dealing with a family structure constrained and defined by privileged white mainstream culture.