In 'Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City,' Matthew Desmond offers a poignant and eye-opening exploration of the devastating impacts of eviction on the lives of the urban poor in America. Through intimate narratives of individuals struggling to keep a roof over their heads, Desmond shines a light on the systemic issues of poverty, housing insecurity, and institutional neglect. This meticulously researched book delves into the complex web of relationships between landlords and tenants, revealing the harsh realities faced by those living on the margins. Desmond's writing is powerful, compassionate, and thought-provoking, challenging readers to confront the inherent injustices of our housing system.
Matthew Desmond is a sociologist and Pulitzer Prize-winning author renowned for his work on poverty, housing, and inequality in America. A professor at Princeton University, he gained national attention with Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, which revealed the devastating impact of eviction on low-income families. His follow-up, Poverty, by America, challenges the systemic causes of poverty and examines how wealthier Americans unknowingly perpetuate it. Desmond combines academic rigor with immersive storytelling, making complex social issues accessible to general audiences. His work advocates for structural reform and justice for those living on the margins of society.
Pulitzer Prize-winning sociologist Matthew Desmond examines why poverty persists in one of the world’s wealthiest nations. Drawing on extensive research, Poverty, by America argues that the United States maintains poverty through policies and choices that benefit the affluent at the expense of the poor. Desmond reveals how housing, wages, taxation, and welfare systems are structured to keep millions in hardship while others profit. The book is a passionate call for systemic reform, challenging readers to rethink their complicity in economic inequality and to imagine a society rooted in justice, dignity, and shared prosperity for all.
In 'The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness' by Michelle Alexander, readers are confronted with a powerful and meticulously researched examination of the US criminal justice system. Alexander eloquently argues that America's mass incarceration policies have perpetuated a racial caste system akin to the Jim Crow laws of the past, disproportionately affecting Black and Brown communities. Through compelling narratives and sobering statistics, she sheds light on the systemic inequalities, racial profiling, and biases that perpetuate this modern-day form of oppression. This book challenges readers to critically examine the intersection of race, justice, and society, making it an essential read for anyone seeking to understand and address issues of racial injustice in America.
In 'Civilization: The West and the Rest,' Niall Ferguson delves into the history of Western civilization, exploring the factors that propelled the West to its position of global dominance. Ferguson discusses the key institutions, technologies, and cultural values that set the West apart from other societies. Through a meticulous analysis, he argues that these unique factors enabled the West to surge ahead economically and politically. By comparing Western achievements to those of other civilizations, Ferguson prompts readers to ponder the future trajectory of global power. This thought-provoking book offers a fresh perspective on the roots of Western supremacy and challenges readers to contemplate the fate of civilization.
by Jeremy Heimans, Henry Timms
New Power explores how influence, leadership, and engagement have evolved in the digital age. The authors contrast "old power"—top-down, closed, and leader-driven—with "new power"—open, participatory, and crowd-sourced. Through case studies like #MeToo, Airbnb, and TED, they show how modern movements and brands leverage community and transparency. The book offers tools for leaders, activists, and entrepreneurs to harness this shift effectively. Branson and other innovators have praised New Power for its relevance in today’s hyperconnected world, where collaboration and authenticity often matter more than hierarchy or control.
Rebecca Costa’s The Watchman’s Rattle explores how civilizations collapse when complexity outpaces our ability to solve problems. Blending science, history, and psychology, she argues that as global crises become more complex, society risks paralysis unless we evolve our cognitive strategies. Costa introduces the idea of “cognitive threshold,” suggesting we must adopt new ways of thinking—such as intuition and pattern recognition—to survive modern challenges. The book links ancient failures with contemporary threats like climate change and global instability. It’s a call to embrace adaptive thinking before our most pressing problems become unsolvable.