Weekly Non-Fiction Reading List 7.25.22
I haven’t read this many amazing books in one week in ages. There are four books on this list, and each of them are phenomenal. The list starts with the best book I’ve read on Marxism and socialism as well as the best book I’ve read on breaking down the constitution and how it’s not working for so many people. Both of these books are hilarious as well. There’s also a fantastic new book on Buddhism as well as my favorite book on Stoicism. Enjoy!
Each of the links to the books are affiliate links, so if you use my link to purchase any of these books, some comes back to support what I do (and it also helps fund my reading habit).
Total Propaganda by Helen Razer
Hot damn, this is one of my new favorite books on Marxism and socialism. If you’re a capitalist, calm down. The reality is that 90% of people who discuss this have no clue what it means or what it’s about. I’ve read a ton of books on the topic, and Helen Razer is the first person to break it down in a way that makes sense and that anyone can understand. So, even if you walk away from this book disagreeing with socialist ideas, at least you’ll have a proper explanation of it.
Aside from that, for someone like me who would love for the United States to adopt democratic socialism, this book as the best I’ve read. Helen Razer not only breaks down so many issues with capitalism and how broken it is, but it’s hilarious from start to finish. I listened to the audiobook, and Razer has the ability to keep you engaged throughout. She helped me better understand idealism vs materialism as well as some other topics that have confused the hell out of me in these discussions.
I’m going to recommend this book to everyone I know who wants to learn more about the topic and how capitalism is screwing all of us. Even as someone who agreed with most of the book, there are a couple of spots where Helen and I have different opinions, but that’s alright. We need to have more discussions about this because the reality is that a lot of people in capitalist nations are miserable, and we can do something about it.
Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy's Guide to the Constitution by Elie Mystal
I don’t care what you’re doing, but stop reading my review and go buy this book from Elie Mystal, and then you can come back and finish reading.
I’ve apparently been living under a rock and had no clue who Elie Mystal was until his recent appearances discussing the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Then, I followed him on Twitter and found out he recently released a book. Once I started reading this book from Elie, I could not put it down. Not only is it the best book I’ve written explaining and criticizing the constitution, but Elie’s such a great writer and hilarious as well. The audio version of this was fantastic.
I’ve read multiple books that “simplify” the constitution, but they’re all confusing as hell. Elie did such a great job structuring this book and taking very specific issues like police violence and explaining the constitution and history behind SCOTUS rulings and more. Elie is also extremely outspoken about how this document was not written with people of color, women, and other marginalized groups in mind. Most of all, I learned how much power we’ve given to law enforcement and how their accountability was far less than what I even thought.
Throughout the book, Elie is completely unfiltered, and I loved it. If you’re a conservative, you probably won’t make it through the end of this book because of how critical Elie is of right-wing views. But, if you’re on the left and want to better understand how the constitution and laws work so we can keep fighting for change, get this damn book. And give a copy to everyone you can.
A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy by William B. Irvine
I’m not going to lie, I’ve been far more annoyed with people lately. Not the people close to me, but just humans in general. Since I didn’t have an upcoming therapy appointment, I decided to reread this phenomenal book from William B. Irvine. I read this a year ago when I was going through one of the most difficult times of my life, and it helped me so much. This is my favorite book on stoicism, and I highly recommend it. And if you’re wondering, I’m far less annoyed with people since giving this book another read.
Buddhish: A Guide to the 20 Most Important Buddhist Ideas for the Curious and Skeptical by C. Pierce Salguero
I’ve been interested in Buddhist philosophy since I first got into mindfulness and meditation years ago. It’s helped me a ton with my sobriety and mental health, and there are such great lessons from Buddhism, so I love to learn more about it. Salguero nailed it with this short book by covering 20 Buddhist ideas but also discusses much more. He offers a fair, balanced view of what Buddhist practices can and can’t do, and he doesn’t shy away from the bad things that have come from the religion and some of its people. He also discusses how some have capitalized off of Buddhist teaches in Western society.
Salguero is extremely knowledgeable due to his decades of research as well as his own journey that he took years ago. If you’re interested in learning more about Buddhism but want an honest perspective, you should check this book out.
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