fascinating and compelling, albeit depressing and infuriating

How the South Won the Civil War: Oligarchy, Democracy, and the Continuing Fight for the Soul of America by Heather Cox Richardson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"How the South Won the Civil War" presents a fascinating and compelling, albeit depressing and infuriating look at the background, actual events , and the aftermath of The Civil War. But then, as a follow up (really the meat of the book), the author traces the spread of the same oligarchy, white supremacy, and class struggle, starting from the defeated confederacy, out westward. She shows quite clearly how the same model for class and race discrimination was used to continue the domination over non-white men, women, and immigrants by the wealthy and powerful who funded and exploited the westward conquest and domination of the western part of the continent. The myth of the American Paradox, as practiced by the founders, and then the southern slaveholders, was reworked to accommodate the westward expansion, and to ensure the domination and enrichment of the wealthy white few who held all the power and resources. Then as their worldview and power structure was threatened in the aftermath of the great depression, the myth was re-spun once again to provide the mythical and false narrative needed to rekindle the white supremacist oligarchy in the mid 20th century, and that we are still suffering from today, and that will destroy the U.S. if we can't reverse its course. This is a depressing history, but it offers rational discussion of where we are, how we got here, and perhaps how to recover and proceed.

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amazing reflection on many important issues

Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis by Jimmy Carter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published in 2005, this book is an amazing reflection on many of the important issues faced by the United States in recent years. Given President Carter's deep religious background, his faith and values inform his discussion of the topics. Even read from a post-evangelical, and even post-religion viewpoint, the wisdom conveyed in this book deserves serious respect and consideration. I highly recommend it, especially for those who have, in the past, been involved in or had interaction with the evangelical movement. Carter has so much intellectual, moral and spiritual depth, and in light of the past few decades, it is remarkable that he was once our president and leader.

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The Umbrella Academy - complex and engaging story

The Umbrella Academy, Vol. 1: The Apocalypse Suite by Gerard Way
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After watching season one of Netflix "The Umbrella Academy", i wanted to read the graphic novel upon which it was based. The graphic novel is an interesting and creative story, with some depth of character, and a dynamic plot line. The series definitely measures up and stays fairly true to the novel, but exceeds it in depth and richness. I will definitely be moving on to season two of the series, but may not read any more of the graphic novel volumes. That being said, the novel deserves respect and credit for setting up this complex and engaging story. Will report back after season two.

 

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Excellent book!

The View from Flyover Country: Dispatches from the Forgotten America by Sarah Kendzior
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"The View from Flyover Country" is a collection of op-eds published by the talented and well informed Sarah Kendzior between 2012 and 2014. She covers a range of topics, describing, explaining, and analyzing many critical issues we face as a nation. Sadly, the issues are as relevant now as they were then, if not more so. The author's keen insight, rich experience, and deep knowledge of the topics shine through in precise and clear essays that cut to the heart of the issue, and then offer meaningful, thoughtful, and knowledgable challenges to solutions. The book is FULL of excellent quotable passages that so accurately encapsulate the issues and solutions. Despite the essays not targeting current events, they are valuable and powerful insight to help us sort through the mess we are in, and shine some hope that together we can work through to solutions. Excellent book!

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