RaveLibrary JournalJournalist McHangama has written an insightful, nicely woven history that provides a coherent picture of how free speech has developed globally ... Using numerous anecdotes, the author makes this well-researched narrative both informative and entertaining as he recounts accusations of heresy and restrictions on the freedom of religion during the Inquisition and Martin Luther’s invention of the printing press, which challenged conventional ideas of disseminating news ... With accessible and engaging writing, McHangama’s book is a highly recommended intellectual history for casual readers and those interested in the currency of free speech.
Bryan Burrough, Chris Tomlinson, and Jason Stanford
RaveLibrary Journal... riveting ... The narrative flows seamlessly as it explores the complicated legacies of Stephen F. Austin, known as the Father of Texas, and Sam Houston, the first and third president of the Republic of Texas, as well as the many places and institutions named in their honor. Bringing Mexican voices to the forefront, the authors argue that it is necessary to diversify perspectives in order to create a comprehensive historical narrative of Texas, and especially San Antonio ... Not only an essential work of Texas history, but popular history at its best. The book shines when detailing the power of telling one’s own story.
Michael Burlingame
MixedLibrary JournalWhile Burlingame makes a considerable effort to recast the historiography of the marriage, his aim appears to be rehabilitating Lincoln’s image and casting doubt on the legacy of Todd...More time could have been spent detailing the effects of Todd’s difficult childhood or the deaths of her three of her four children ... The latest by Burlingame is primarily recommended for Lincoln completists.
Adam Jentleson
RaveLibrary Journal... informative and timely ... Given that this book is written by a former deputy chief of staff to Senator Harry Reid, one might throw out the hypothesis due to partisan lenses. But Jentleson, public affairs director at Democracy Forward, takes care to trace the key points in the development of minority rule as well as legislative tools associated with it ... Unlike a bill, readers will not get lost within the legislative process in this comprehensive yet accessible account. What emerges is a picture of how the filibuster and cloture rules and the centralization of power within the political party leader’s hands create the tools that Senator Mitch McConnell has effectively used during his time as Senate Majority Leader. However, Jentleson deftly explains how both parties are at fault in terms of quashing majority viewpoints. In the prolog, the author suggests practical ways the Senate can be reformed to prevent and undo gridlock ... A startling read that will provoke tough questions about governance, this is highly recommended to all interested in government reform.
Robert M. Gates
RaveLibrary JournalThis work is not a political treatise, and remains accessible throughout as the author defines 15 components as tools that administrations have used to define power ... This important work dives deep into the past three decades of American foreign policy to provide a realistic picture of how key policy decisions were crafted. Highly recommended for those wanting an examination of America’s role within the global community.
Stephen L Klineberg
RaveLibrary JournalSociologist Klineberg...gives a fascinating portrait of Houston in this debut ... The author believes that diversity is Houston’s biggest asset because it offers new perspectives and allows the city a chance to become an inclusive community and metropolitan area. In his words, these are lessons that the rest of the country can learn from ... A must-read, highly recommended sociological perspective of America’s future.
Fred P. Hochberg
RaveLibrary JournalHochberg has written an expert defense of trade while also explaining the myths that have clouded our understanding of the ways in which trade fits into everyday life ... The author distills for readers the fact that there will always be winners and losers in trade relationships, but that trade supports a greater good for American society—and this point needs to be better understood ... Hochberg has written an accessible, necessary book that will increase our understanding of trade and economic policies and the ways in which they impact our daily lives. Highly recommended.
Stephen Kinzer
PositiveLibrary Journal...Kinzer does a thorough job of detailing how LSD affects the brain at the time of use and its aftereffects. This is not a light read and, at times, is infuriating. Exploring how hysteria fueled perverse policy decisions during the Cold War, Kinzer reveals how disturbing the ramifications of these policy decisions can be if left unchecked ... Highly recommended. This work sheds light on misdeeds done in the name of American democracy and should have wide appeal among general readers.
Ronald C. Rosbottom
RaveLibrary JournalRosbottom...has written an exceptional account about the French Resistance. His melding of foreign conquest and adolescence offers a unique perspective of what happened in France during the Occupation ... Highly recommended for Francophiles and those interested in World War II; this work adds to World War II and French historiography.
Eric Dezenhall and Gus Russo
PositiveLibrary JournalRusso...and Dezenhall...weave an engrossing tale ... This book adds knowledge to recent works such as Jack Barksy\'s Deep Undercover and Eva Dillon\'s Spies in the Family ... Highly recommended for those who miss the show The Americans and others who immerse themselves in intelligence intrigue.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay[/caption]
