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owl_the_bookworm's reviews
900 reviews
Όλα για καλό by Giannis Makridakis
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism by Martin Wolf
challenging
informative
slow-paced
4.0
Democratic capitalism is a political-economic system that blends the principles of democracy and capitalism. It is based on the idea that economic freedom is essential for democracy and that a market economy is the most efficient way to generate wealth. However, the current state of democratic capitalism is under threat, and with this well-researched and engaging book, “The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism,” Martin Wolf explores the reasons behind this crisis.
One of the main challenges that threaten liberal democracy is the rise of authoritarianism. Wolf argues that authoritarianism is on the rise in many parts of the world and poses a serious challenge to democratic institutions. The decline of trust in politics is also damaging democracy and society. It is both a cause and consequence of the rise in support for populist movements and political parties. Trust is essential for the functioning of democracies, as it relies on the public’s belief that officials are competent. However, the inability of these institutions to address the concerns and needs of the public, scandals, and corruption have undermined people’s trust and the notion of truth, leading to a decline in public confidence in political figures and institutions. The consequences of the undermining of trust in liberal democracy can lead to the erosion of democratic values, the rise of authoritarianism, and the potential for political instability.
One of the book’s strengths is Wolf’s scathing criticism of the elites who run major institutions of society and their failure to make globalization work for everyone and unskilled workers in particular. The failure of elites to make globalization work for everyone has been a topic of discussion for many years.
Inequality is also a fundamental issue that democratic capitalism has failed to address adequately. Wolf argues that increasing inequality is a threat to democratic institutions and undermines the legitimacy of democratic capitalism. Despite what many on the right think, and the way right-wing media outlets frame discussions of this issue, economic inequality and insecurity are problems for everyone, not just the poor or those ideologically committed to egalitarianism. If left unchecked, inequality and widespread popular disillusionment, can erode social order and lead to the emergence of demagogues and the transformation of democracy into a “plebiscitary dictatorship”. Some modern examples of plebiscitary dictatorship include Russia, Turkey, Hungary and Venezuela.
Martin Wolf proposes several reforms to address the crisis of democratic capitalism. He argues that citizenship is the fundamental concept that can save democratic capitalism and that we need to make democratic capitalism work better for all citizens, by providing better welfare, economic dynamism, dignity and hope. Globalization is one of the most powerful forces affecting the modern world. It changes the way nations, businesses and people interact, promotes cultural diversity and makes us more tolerant towards others. It has resulted in a huge acceleration in global growth by expanding trade, opening global supply chains and providing access to less expensive natural resources and lower-cost labour. But if we want to move towards a more sustainable and equitable future, we need to change the goal from endless GDP growth to creating a system that considers the well-being and quality of life for all individuals within the boundaries of the planet.
Wolf also calls for a new alliance of reformed democratic capitalist states to tackle the geopolitical challenges and protect global peace, inclusive prosperity, and the planet against plutocratic populism and tyranny. By implementing these reforms, we can counteract the influence of antidemocratic forces and ensure that democracy and capitalism continue to thrive and work better for all citizens.
Η δίκη Σουάρεφ by Χρήστος Α. Χωμενίδης
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
adventurous
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
August Blue by Deborah Levy
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
August Blue, written by Deborah Levy, is a captivating and emotionally powerful novel that delves deep into the complexities of personal identity and self-exploration. The protagonist, Elsa, a talented concert pianist, embarks on a journey throughout Europe while being shadowed by her doppelgänger. The novel raises questions about the nature of identity and the various factors that influence and shape how we view ourselves and our place in the world.
Music holds a significant place in August Blue, serving as an integral part of Elsa’s life and journey of self-discovery. Levy examines the relationship between art and life, and how art can help us make sense of our experiences and emotions. Reflecting on her own experiences, Elsa’s connection to music also undergoes a transformation. She has a better understanding of herself and, by the end of the novel, she emerges as a different person.
As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that the pandemic is a significant part of the story. Levy explores how Elsa is coping with the pandemic, highlighting the ways in which it affects not only her life but also the lives of those around her. Isolation, uncertainty, economic adversity, anxiety, and depression are constant themes throughout the story.
I loved Levy’s insightful storytelling, intensity, and vivid imagery, as well as her ability to delve into the depths of the human experience. It is because of this quest for self-discovery and the exploration of the many facets of identity that August Blue is such a compelling reading.
Music holds a significant place in August Blue, serving as an integral part of Elsa’s life and journey of self-discovery. Levy examines the relationship between art and life, and how art can help us make sense of our experiences and emotions. Reflecting on her own experiences, Elsa’s connection to music also undergoes a transformation. She has a better understanding of herself and, by the end of the novel, she emerges as a different person.
As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that the pandemic is a significant part of the story. Levy explores how Elsa is coping with the pandemic, highlighting the ways in which it affects not only her life but also the lives of those around her. Isolation, uncertainty, economic adversity, anxiety, and depression are constant themes throughout the story.
I loved Levy’s insightful storytelling, intensity, and vivid imagery, as well as her ability to delve into the depths of the human experience. It is because of this quest for self-discovery and the exploration of the many facets of identity that August Blue is such a compelling reading.