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tyberius's review against another edition
good primer/FAQ on how modern (democratic) socialists generally think about a number of issues - race, feminism, war, etc. perfect for those for whom Sanders was an introduction and are wondering what's next.
Jacobin continues to prove itself a valuable beacon of the modern left.
Agree w/ other commenters that the writing/vocabulary was obtuse at times, which can be particularly unhelpful in persuasive leftist literature for obvious reasons. Most effective when handed out in reading circles rather than the streets, but motivating nonetheless.
Jacobin continues to prove itself a valuable beacon of the modern left.
Agree w/ other commenters that the writing/vocabulary was obtuse at times, which can be particularly unhelpful in persuasive leftist literature for obvious reasons. Most effective when handed out in reading circles rather than the streets, but motivating nonetheless.
kitkats's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
4.5
An excellent primer for socialism in an interesting q&a format that works wonders to answer basic questions socialists might face. Still though this book really is the ABCs of Socialism through and through and should hopefully inspire people to continue to learn and imagine a new world.
notwaldorf's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this. I went in wanting to have better vocabulary (that wasn't pretentious and from philosophers) about why I personally feel marxism had "good intentions, bad executions", and I found myself highlighting so many paragraphs. I liked the format of short essays that answer a specific question (like "is socialism anti-feminist?", for example), because these were actual questions I had. The language is very approachable and not at all boring, so this was 100% exactly what I looked for.
brownmartian's review against another edition
4.0
This is such an important book, whatever your view on socialism. The issues that are brought up and discussed. The various authors that have contributed their ideas and feelings on the topic. This is a book that is meant for us to get a better understanding of socialism and debunk OR explain some misconceptions or ideas that you might have about the movement, and it's done a good job I think.
This book promotes a world that is equal and just for all; a society that can work together and reap the benefits as a community and not put self interests as a priority. It shines a light on some glaring and brutal facts about capitalism and makes you wonder about our role in it.
Definitely a book worth reading if you care about this kind of stuff.
Additionally, this book is beautifully designed. I really like the quirky illustrations inside and outside on the cover. The unusual book dimensions add to that quirkiness.
This book promotes a world that is equal and just for all; a society that can work together and reap the benefits as a community and not put self interests as a priority. It shines a light on some glaring and brutal facts about capitalism and makes you wonder about our role in it.
Definitely a book worth reading if you care about this kind of stuff.
Additionally, this book is beautifully designed. I really like the quirky illustrations inside and outside on the cover. The unusual book dimensions add to that quirkiness.
aemac27's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
A very good beginner's guide, I just wish some asoects had been more thoroughly explored.
mayayayayaa's review against another edition
3.0
Maybe I’m at fault for not anticipating this based upon the title, but this book was fairly elementary. The essays lack cohesiveness and precision and are largely theoretical, which, while not inherently a bad thing, makes it difficult to pinpoint the work’s purpose. For someone who already agrees with the fundamentals of socialism, I don’t see this book as being particularly helpful. It lacks the statistics or empirical examples that could provide a more solid foundation to what is frequently criticized as a very idealistic and hypothetical ideology. Nor do I imagine it would appeal to a staunch capitalist, due to the slightly condescending tone and failure to make well crafted arguments backed in research. Perhaps I should have sought out the XYZs of socialism, or just read Marx himself.