July Reading List 2021
Hey friends,
Another solid month of reading for me as I managed to get through some interesting books.
I’m not going to drag out this introduction, so let’s get into the nitty and gritty and look at these books.
Trouble in Paradise - This was the first of Slavoj Žižek’s books I’d read, and while it was interesting it was not an easy read. Žižek is heavy with his use of language and you can find yourself reading the same passage a few times to understand what he meant. That said, I did enjoy the book and its use of pop culture to reflect on society today. Whatever the qualms I have with his writing style, Žižek’s instincts are fascinating.
Why We’re Polarized - Ezra Klein’s look at why the United States has become so polarized in recent years is an important read. I learnt a lot from this book and was surprised to find it may be the nature of American democracy itself which is causing this divide. Would the US be a healthier democracy if elections were based on proportional representation as in most of Europe? It’s a good argument and one you might hear more of if the current polarization continues or worsens.
Permanent Record - Edward Snowden’s autobiography may be one of the most important books written so far this century. I know that’s a big statement but when you consider what he laid bare in 2013, it might just be true. Snowden’s account of what he uncovered and why he blew the whistle is thrilling. The recent Pegasus project expose is a reminder of how fragile our privacy is in the age of smartphones.
The Fall - This is the first of Albert Camus’ novels I’ve read. I was expecting a lot from this book and I left it feeling slightly underwhelmed. The story follows a French lawyer down on his luck in Amsterdam as he recounts his story to a stranger he meets in a bar. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but the story felt a little flat to me. Although it’s only a short read, I was left with a sense of disappointment once I finished.
The Utopia of Rules - I don’t think I’ve ever highlighted a book as much as this one. David Graeber’s account of the relentless march of bureaucracy in the western world is a joy to read, even if the subject matter makes you despair! This is one of the best books I’ve read this year and has made me think about topics I hadn’t considered before. It also made me realise just how much bureaucracy is involved in our daily lives. Considering capitalism is supposed to reduce bureaucracy, which is becoming as widespread as it was in the USSR, Graeber’s book asks some searching and uncomfortable questions.
I hope you get around to reading a few of these selections. Whether you read them in the next month or year, I’m not bothered. The idea of my reading lists is to encourage you, the reader, to read more.
If more of us read, and read books outside of our comfort zone, the world would be a better place. You don’t know what you don’t know. Reading is one of the best ways to fill in those gaps in your knowledge.
If you have any comments about the books, maybe you’ve read one before. Or if you have some recommendations for me, I’m all ears. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Until next time,
Tom