Can Democracy Survive Global Capitalism?

Progressive. Conflict and imbalance between labor and capital isn’t new, but Robert Kuttner proposes what he views as a clear path toward a contemporary model for balance. In his book titled, Can Democracy Survive Global Capitalism?, Kuttner looks at the United States and other countries as he surveys the current state of labor and capital and the consequences of the current state of affairs. He proposes a progressive populism as a way to put some constraints on capitalism so that labor can thrive, communities be sustained, and countries maintain democracy. Whether you agree with his analysis and solutions or not, his writing is clear, and is likely to stimulate the thinking of anyone interested in the health of society and the state of our current world. Rating: Five-star (I love it) Click here to purchase Can Democracy Survive Global Capitalism from amazon.com.

Beartown

Hockey. I’ve never lived in a small town, and have no interest in hockey, but I recognized the range of familiar behavior in a large cast of characters in Fredrik Backman’s novel titled, Beartown. Set in a rural town in Sweden, the lives of many inhabitants revolve around their hockey team, and their plans for a community renewal after their junior team wins a championship. Along the way, Backman injects class conflict and an accusation of rape on the eve of the big game. Every character in the novel is complex and well-drawn. After a few dozen pages, most readers will feel as if we are living in Beartown and will root for our favorite characters. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase Beartown from amazon.com.

Reporter

Independence. Seymour M. Hersh admits often in his memoir titled, Reporter, that he’s not much of a team player. He also conveys that he has never been uncomfortable in being independent, and in not ingratiating himself as a way to join the “in” crowd. Those traits have served him well during a long career as a successful investigative journalist. Throughout the memoir, Hersh explains journalism, and reveals his hard work as a reporter. Powerful people in government have lied to him over many decades, but sooner or later, Hersh has brought their lies to the attention of all citizens, supported by evidence that has been irrefutable. Imagine my interest, and perhaps yours, as you read that he has material for a book on Dick Cheney but has to wait a while since some of his sources would be too exposed. Any reader interested in public policy will find something of interest in this finely written memoir. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase Reporter from amazon.com.

Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America

Optimism. Readers looking for stress relief from the divisive and tense partisan shouting may want to read an optimistic view of the health of the United States in a book by James and Deborah Fallows titled, Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America. The couple describe their immersion into multiple towns across the country for enough time to get a real feel for those places that are undergoing transformation and renewal. There’s lots of good news about our future in this book, given all that is happening all over the United States. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase Our Towns from amazon.com.

The Restless Wave

Farewell. Most readers will finish reading John McCain’s memoir titled, The Restless Wave: Good Times, Just Causes, Great Fights, and Other Appreciations, and anticipate how much his values and character will be missed in Washington. This patriot delivers a heartfelt farewell in this book, expressing positive views about our future and how much appreciation he has for all the opportunities he’s had during his life, and how much he appreciates what others have done for him. If you’re expecting this maverick to speak out of school and take a shot or three at some people he disagrees with, you will get what you expect, and more. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase The Restless Wave from amazon.com.

Macbeth

Driven. I braced myself when I saw that the Hogarth Shakespeare assignment for the Scottish play went to Jo Nesbø. Usually, I don’t like contemporary staging of Shakespeare in offbeat ways, but this Hogarth series has been terrific. Nesbø’s Macbeth provided the perfect blend: Shakespeare’s core story in the form of a dark crime story set during the 1970’s drug wars. Macbeth takes drugs and is the head of a police SWAT team. His ambitious wife runs a casino and is called, “Lady.” All the elements of love, ambition, guilt, crime and greed are present, and fans of Nesbø and Shakespeare alike should be pleased by this novel. Rating: Five-star (I love it) Click here to purchase Macbeth from amazon.com.

The Night Market

Memories. Ross Carver is confused and keeps struggling to remember what happened. Jonathan Moore’s novel titled, The Night Market, keeps readers confused as well, which is very tolerable since the pace of this thriller has two settings: fast and faster. Readers who enjoy an offbeat and not necessarily reality-baked novel are those most likely to enjoy this book. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase The Night Market from amazon.com.