Galileo's Middle Finger
Alice Dreger
A historian of science recounts her journey through controversies surrounding human identity, exploring the conflicts between scientists and social justice advocates. From intersex rights to transgender issues, she delves into the pursuit of evidence and the importance of both science and social justice for human freedom, all while contemplating the meaning of Galileo's middle finger.
Gang Leader for a Day
Sudhir Venkatesh
A University of Chicago graduate student's firsthand account of immersing himself in the world of a Chicago crack-selling gang, offering a unique perspective on life in an urban ghetto. Venkatesh's experiences challenge conventional sociological methods and provide a compelling look at the lives of those living in marginalized communities.
Garlic and Sapphires
Ruth Reichl
Before Ruth Reichl was the Editor in Chief of Gourmet Magazine, she was the restaurant critic for the New York Times. In Garlic and Sapphires, Reichl recounts her experiences going undercover to review New York's finest restaurants, and the challenges of maintaining anonymity in a city where everyone knows her face. A delicious memoir about food, identity, and the ever-changing culinary landscape of New York City.
Gender Trouble
Judith Butler
A groundbreaking work that challenges conventional understandings of gender and identity. Judith Butler critiques the notion of a fixed and natural gender, arguing that it is a social construct shaped by power structures and discourse. This book is a provocative exploration of feminism, sexuality, and the subversive potential of challenging established norms.
Gentle and Lowly
Dane Ortlund
Discover the surprising depths of Christ's love and compassion for sinners and sufferers in this comforting and insightful book. Dane Ortlund explores the heart of Jesus, revealing his gentleness, lowliness, and unwavering embrace of those who need him most.
Gerald R. Ford
Richard Norton Smith
A comprehensive biography of Gerald Ford, exploring his formative years, political career, and presidency. It delves into his surprising decisions, including the Nixon pardon, and examines his role as a bridge between Nixonian pragmatism and Reagan's conservatism. The book offers a nuanced portrait of a man often underestimated, revealing the ambition and complexities behind his 'nice guy' image.
Germany
Neil MacGregor
Explore the complex and fragmented history of Germany through objects, buildings, people, and places that have shaped its modern national identity. From Gutenberg's bible to the restored Reichstag, this book delves into the formative strands of Germany's past, including the traumas of the Thirty Years' War, the Napoleonic invasions, and the Third Reich, offering a unique perspective on the nation's journey and its ongoing effort to confront its historical inheritance.
Getting Better
Charles Kenny
A compelling argument for optimism about global development, highlighting improvements in health, education, and quality of life, even in the face of income stagnation. It challenges the focus on income as the sole measure of progress and emphasizes the role of technology, ideas, and effective policies in creating a better world.