Reading summary — Q1 2017
My informal new years resolution for 2017 has been to read a book a month, a significant uptake from last year.
Most of the people I interact with, or those who read my work, automatically seem to assume that I read like a machine. Truth is, it was only till last year that I started enjoying reading again. My new found enjoyment developed after I stumbled across a charity shop in Edinburgh and picked up a copy of “Rights of Man” by Thomas Paine. Since then, I’ve been addicted to wandering into charity shops and second hand book stores and buying whatever I come across that intrigues me.
Now that I’m taking my reading a bit more seriously, I’ve actually been able to compile a reading list. Which I must admit, has created some self imposed pressure to keep up.
Either way, I thought one way to help keep myself accountable is to share, on a quarterly basis, the books I’ve been reading and my impressions. In the event that I get ahead of my target, I’ll start reviewing every three books in a post.
Book 1: Status Anxiety — Alain de Botton
I got this book as a birthday gift from my co-founder Gavin Morrice. For its length, I was surprised with the speed at which I was able to get through the 303 page book.
The book is divided into two section, the first explores the causes of status anxiety, the social pressure attached to individual “performance” and the importance of social belonging. Lovlessness, snobbery, expectation, meritocracy, and dependence.
The second part of the book deals with possible solutions. Philosophy, Art, Politics, Christianity, Bohemia.
For the breadth of topics covered de Botton is skillful at weaving in and out of several theories. What really impressed me most about the book, and what I enjoyed the most, is the extent of referencing done to works by classical writers and philosophers, making Status Anxiety a formidable reflection on society as it stands.
Verdict: Go buy this book
Book 2: A Revolution Undone — H.A. Hellyer
This is a relatively new book, and perhaps the only one I haven’t purchased from a charity shop.
A hardback spanning 205 pages, A Revolution Undone explores the budding days of the Egyptian revolution of 2011, as well as the aftermath leading to the current status quo.
The book draws on first hand experience as well as survey work done by Gallup. What I enjoyed most about the book was that Hellyer didn’t she from bringing up his personal views, experiences, and even involvement in the events that unfolded. This is an area of contention for a work that is meant to be an “objective” reflection, but as opposed to detracting from the reliability of the work, it actually provides a cultural insight that is more often than not missing from analysis.
You can read more of my thoughts on the book here.
Verdict: A great scholarly work for those interested in the specific topic
Book 3: Mastering the Past — Ellen Hinsey
Ellen Hinsey’s work in this collection of essays is worth admiration. I came across this book via a friend of mine who is running PR for the author so I was able to nab an advanced copy.
Spanning over three decades Ellen utilizes impeccable story telling skills to bring historical events to life across five countries.
The book explores, as the subtitle suggests, “Contemporary Central and Eastern Europe and the Rise of Illiberalism”.
At 171 pages long, exploring Russia, Poland, Hungary, The Czech Republic, and Germany, this is ironically the shortest book I’ve read this year.
Merging first hand accounts with interviews conducted by the author, Mastering the Past provides insights into the struggles of these post-soviet countries as their movement towards greater democratic process and civic engagement is usurped by populists.
You can read an in-depth critique I’ve written here.
Verdict: A good general primer/ introductory text into illiberalism
Needless to say, the rigor and commitment it takes to write books like these continues to amaze me, especially in the case of the last two. Not only do they show a deep understanding of the topics at hand, from a research perspective, but also a personal investment that has spanned a lifetime.
Next on my list:
- The Sublime Object of Ideology — Slavoj Zizek
- The Republic — Plato
- The Communist Manifesto — Friedrich Engels and Karl Marx
