I spend a lot of time with books. I have written a few of them. More importantly, I read a lot of them. Usually two non-fiction books a week.
A few years ago, a friend took a look at the list of books on my iPad/Kindle and asked why I didn’t share my thoughts about what I was reading. She was right in suggesting that I should. However, I didn’t have a way of doing so other than posting reviews on Amazon and, now, Goodreads.
With the launch of this website, I now have a way of writing short reviews of books in comparative politics and peacebuilding, especially those that are written from a systems or complexity approach and/or that focus on wicked problems. As with Amazon, I will only review books I really liked and recommend reading. Only giving five star reviews hurts my rating on Amazon, but that’s not an issue here. I will add titles as I read them and, when time permits, add others from my “backlist.”
As with everything else on this site, I’d welcome suggestion(s), especially if they come with reasons why your choice(s) should be at the top of my very large virtual stack of books to read.
To read these short summaries and reviews, just hover over the book’s image below and click.
The War for Kindness
A remarkable book on the power of empathy in our dealings with each other and with ourselves.
Upheaval
A thoughtful and important--but flawed--book on social change in the face of crisis.
Biased
An important book on race in the United States that all peacebuilders should read.
Loonshots
This is a wonderful book about how crazy new ideas sometimes make it.
Fabric of Character
I read two or three nonfiction books a week. I'm rarely blown away. This one did just that. Anyone interested in social change and/or the divisions in this country must read it.
The Second Mountain
David Brooks' new book is must reading for all aging activists and others. As he always does, he overwhelms us with insightful ideas and how he has found new purpose in his life after a period of drift and crisis.