Some notable books readers may find of interest - both new and classic books (please feel free to email me your synopsis/critique of c. 70-100 words of an interesting book you would recommend reading)
On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century, by Timothy Snyder (New York: Tim Duggan Books, 2017).
Written by an award-winning scholar of the totalitarian regimes of the Third Reich and Stalin’s Russia, On Tyranny lists 20 lessons as a guide to resistance against fascism, Nazism, or communism. Lessons include “Do not obey in advance”, “Defend institutions”, “Listen for dangerous words”, and “Be calm when the unthinkable arrives.” A chilling observation of the similarities between authoritarian regimes and the present American presidency, this pocket-sized, 128-page book, is well worth reading. (Gail Hook, Oct. 2020).
Blood and Oil: Mohammed Bin Salman's Ruthless Quest for Global Power, by Bradley Hope and Justin Scheck (New York: Hatchett, 2020).
Good and very readable book on the antics of the Saudi Arabian crown prince, on his rise to power and his ruthless consolidation of power within a surprisingly short period of time. At times the book remains a little on the surface, in particular regarding Saudi Arabia's foreign policy such as, for instance, the war in Yemen and relations with Israel. Still a good read which can be recommended for getting a good overview of recent Saudi politics. (Klaus Larres, Oct. 2020).