Take a photo of a barcode or cover
ste3ve_b1rd's reviews
233 reviews
The Post-American World by Fareed Zakaria
4.0
Very well researched with a precise and reassuring, non-apocalyptic analysis of our current world situation--that being China, India, Russia and Brazil, among others, rising up to challenge the economic and even military prowess of the USA. The pros and cons of the various emerging nations and their development are presented in a balanced and rational fashion. Written in simple, uncomplicated prose and polished with a team of editors/writers/researchers ETC to make the text accessible to the non-academic reader. However, the language of economics when dealing with subjects such as GDP, current account deficit, budget deficit, trade deficit, was often difficult for me to absorb (specifically the mathematical aspect of economic "science" which I find to be confusing). This book helped me to flesh out my own geopolitical world view as I gained insight into issues I was familiar with (IE through my sometime reading of The Economist) where I lacked detailed knowledge. The ultimate question posed by this book was: "Will the USA accept its position as a declining superpower and adapt/negotiate with its fellow nations, or will it continue to be lost in the delusion of its own greatness?" "Post-American World" was a fast and informative read and I plan on reading Mr. Zakaria's other books after reading this title.
The Letters of William S. Burroughs: Volume I: 1945-1959 by William S. Burroughs
5.0
This book, like "Literary Outlaw: The Life and Times of Williams S. Burroughs" (by Ted Morgan)--which I read shortly after "The Letters"--was inspiring, enlightening, and often disturbing (as would be expected with Burroughs). These letters are often businesslike--IE Allen Ginsberg was Burroughs' agent in the 50's and was responsible for the publishing of "Junky" in 1953. I'd recommend reading "The Letters" after "Literary Outlaw", as "Literary Outlaw" provides a detailed context for these letters. In "The Letters" I felt a genuine shift once Burroughs started working on what would eventually become "Naked Lunch" in Tangier. During that period, the quality of the letters (the majority are written to Allen Ginsberg, some to Jack Kerouac, as well as sporadic communications with other members of Burroughs' international community) becomes more focused, forceful and driven. Nonetheless, in this body of work, the emotional state of Burroughs remains elusive and mysterious. I believe this collection of letters would be very helpful to anyone pursuing the path of avant-garde writer. Burroughs was not interested in creating compromised or "saleable" work, and while he was tormented by this aspect of his profession, in the end he did exactly what he wanted to do and became influential in the process.