Apollo's Arrow
Nicholas A. Christakis
A comprehensive exploration of the coronavirus pandemic, examining its profound and enduring impact on society, culture, and our way of life. From its origins and spread to the social, economic, and political consequences, this book offers insights into how humanity has faced similar threats in the past and how we can navigate the challenges of this ancient threat.
Apology
Plato
In Plato's Apology, Socrates defends himself against the charges of corrupting the youth of Athens and not believing in the city's gods. This timeless dialogue explores themes of justice, truth, and the role of the philosopher in society. A powerful defense of a life dedicated to questioning and seeking wisdom.
Apropos of Nothing
Woody Allen
In this candid memoir, Woody Allen reflects on his life, from his childhood in Brooklyn to his celebrated career in film, offering a humorous and introspective look at his personal and professional experiences.
Are Prisons Obsolete?
Angela Y. Davis
Angela Y. Davis challenges the conventional understanding of the prison system, arguing for its abolition by meticulously tracing its historical development, its deep entanglement with racism, sexism, and capitalism, and its evolution into the 'prison industrial complex.' Drawing parallels with past abolition movements, she exposes how prisons perpetuate social inequalities and proposes radical alternatives for a more just and humane society.
Areopagítica
John Milton
A powerful defense of freedom of expression and against censorship, John Milton's 'Areopagitica' remains a timeless and relevant argument for the importance of open discourse in society. Written in 1644, this impassioned plea challenges the restrictive licensing orders of the English Parliament and champions the pursuit of knowledge and truth without constraint.
At the Existentialist Café
Sarah Bakewell
An exploration of existentialism through the lives and ideas of key figures like Sartre, Beauvoir, Kierkegaard, and Nietzsche. It delves into their personal experiences, philosophical insights, and the cultural impact of existentialism, from post-war Paris to contemporary society.
Back Channel to Cuba
William M. LeoGrande
A comprehensive chronicle of the history of dialogue between the United States and Cuba since 1959. This book assesses the historical record of negotiations—both secret and open—at a time when that record is especially pertinent to the political discourse over U.S. relations with Cuba.
Being and Nothingness
Jean-Paul Sartre
A radical exploration of the human condition, Being and Nothingness delves into the concepts of consciousness, freedom, and responsibility. Sartre argues that our lives gain significance not from external forces but from our own choices, painting a stark and controversial picture of our moral universe.