Because Internet
Gretchen McCulloch
A fascinating exploration of how the internet is changing the way we communicate, examining the patterns and rules that have emerged from online language and culture. From emojis to memes, this book delves into the evolution of language in the digital age and its impact on society.
Crowds and Power
Elias Canetti
A Nobel Prize-winning exploration of the dynamics of crowds and power, examining how crowds form, behave, and influence society, as well as the psychological underpinnings of power and leadership. Canetti delves into the nature of crowds, packs, and the elements of power, offering a profound analysis of human behavior in groups and the individual's relationship to authority.
Racism in America
Anthony Abraham Jack; Kwame Anthony Appiah; Vivek Bald
This comprehensive reader delves into the multifaceted history and ongoing impact of racism in America. Featuring excerpts from seminal works by leading scholars such as Toni Morrison, Walter Johnson, Kwame Anthony Appiah, and others, it explores the systemic nature of racial injustice across historical, social, economic, and cultural landscapes. From the antebellum slave market to mass incarceration and unconscious bias in healthcare, this anthology offers critical insights into the enduring presence of racism and its profound influence on American society and identity.
Billionaire Wilderness
Justin Farrell
Dive into the exclusive world of the ultra-wealthy in Teton County, Wyoming, where immense fortunes intersect with pristine wilderness. This groundbreaking sociological study explores how the super-rich navigate economic dilemmas, social stigmas, and personal guilt by leveraging nature and romanticized rural communities. Through extensive research and paired interviews with both billionaires and the working poor, the book uncovers the complex interplay of wealth, inequality, and environmentalism, revealing the profound impact of this powerful, yet rarely studied, social group on the American West and beyond.
The Influencer Industry
Emily Hund
Dive into a critical history of the influencer industry, tracing its evolution from nascent online communities to a multibillion-dollar global phenomenon. Emily Hund meticulously unpacks how the elusive concept of 'authenticity' became a commodified asset, shaping not only digital marketing but also our understanding of self, culture, and economic value. This book reveals the complex interplay between influencers, brands, social media platforms, and society, exposing the profound societal consequences of an industry built on curated reality.
American Prison
Shane Bauer
An eye-opening account of the American prison system, blending first-hand reporting with historical analysis to reveal the disturbing realities of for-profit incarceration. Shane Bauer goes undercover as a prison guard, exposing the inner workings of a private prison and its impact on inmates and society.
Americanah
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Americanah is a sweeping and incisive novel that follows Ifemelu, a young Nigerian woman, as she navigates the complexities of race, identity, and belonging in America. After leaving military-ruled Nigeria for a promising academic career in the United States, Ifemelu discovers that her blackness is suddenly defined in new and unexpected ways. Through her insightful and often humorous blog, "Raceteenth or Various Observations About American Blacks (Those Formerly Known as Negroes) by a Non-American Black," she explores the nuances of race in America, while grappling with her own evolving sense of self. Meanwhile, her first love, Obinze, struggles with his own immigrant journey in London, facing the harsh realities of undocumented life. As their paths diverge and converge, the novel delves into themes of love, loss, ambition, and the enduring question of where one truly belongs.