I’m looking forward to reading your review! Empireland really made me question how we teach history in school and how we can explore different narratives and perspectives about Empire within the curriculum. The legacy of colonisation is also something I explore in my writing.
Yes it is - my novel is set between 1947-73 and it follows a Punjabi family as they escape the turmoil of Partition and attempt to build a new life in England. So the legacy of colonialism is definitely a theme!
But what an intriguing list - I say Empireland has been already been mentioned in the comments, that really is a terrific book, and I loved his writing style. It's suitably complex but also so readable and the words were poetic in parts. There's a sequel, btw, which is - no surprises! - on my TBR (a great cover too).
I have Amanda Montell's latest book - on irrationality - on my Kindle and I skimmed the Introduction and it sounds promising.
I read Say Nothing (about Northern Ireland) by Patrick Radden Keefe, I'm not sure I have the time or energy for Empire of Pain, especially since I've seen the Netflix series.
Hahaha well you're not getting any apologies from me about your TBE! :p
Agreed on Empireland—his writing is really readable. I didn't know there was a sequel, so will check it out (and my TBR...).
Oh, is this about irrationality in a particular domain?
Empire of Pain is incredibly long but I enjoyed the different aspects of it that the series didn't get to cover, especially the start of the Sackler family itself. There's also Dopesick on Disney+.
I came across Amanda Montell's newest book from someone's Note ages ago and the title grabbed me - The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality. This is me, the overthinker with what I think are irrational thoughts. And when I saw this description in the blurb - "a delicious blend of cultural criticism and personal narrative that explores our cognitive biases and the power, disadvantages, and highlights of magical thinking" I was hooked. I know we can't always trust the blurbs but from what I've read so far, it was a good purchase. Cognitive biases is another one of my hobby horses.
An interesting note on the Sackler family - they, like me, are Tufts graduates and they've poured a lot of money into the university. After the opiates scandal, Tufts had to rename a few buildings, notably the Sackler Medical School.
Oooh that definitely sounds like an interesting book! I'm glad you're enjoying so far—would love to know your overall thoughts when you've finished it.
Oh dear. I know lots of institutions had to rename things because of this...
So many great recommendations here to explore. Empireland is one that I learnt so much from too and Bethnal Green is on my TBR
Ooh you read Empireland as well! It really gave me a different perspective that I appreciated, especially having grown up in a former colony.
My review of Bethnal Green will be out next week! :)
I’m looking forward to reading your review! Empireland really made me question how we teach history in school and how we can explore different narratives and perspectives about Empire within the curriculum. The legacy of colonisation is also something I explore in my writing.
Thank you! :) Yes exactly about narratives and perspectives—it’s not just about the what happened. Ooh, is this a theme in your book?
Yes it is - my novel is set between 1947-73 and it follows a Punjabi family as they escape the turmoil of Partition and attempt to build a new life in England. So the legacy of colonialism is definitely a theme!
That sounds fascinating actually!
Thank you so much Arbaaz - I hope others feel the same as I’ll be on going on submission to editors later this year!
Oooooh I really hope this gets published!! And if you need a beta reader… ;)
can i also throw my hat in the ring for it? lol
You’re at the top of the list!
Love this list, Alicia. Seven moons and We Do Not Part is on my TBR.
Thank you! :) Both of them are really good reads and taught me lots about history I wasn’t familiar with.
I'm not even going to say a word about my TBR! 😂
But what an intriguing list - I say Empireland has been already been mentioned in the comments, that really is a terrific book, and I loved his writing style. It's suitably complex but also so readable and the words were poetic in parts. There's a sequel, btw, which is - no surprises! - on my TBR (a great cover too).
I have Amanda Montell's latest book - on irrationality - on my Kindle and I skimmed the Introduction and it sounds promising.
I read Say Nothing (about Northern Ireland) by Patrick Radden Keefe, I'm not sure I have the time or energy for Empire of Pain, especially since I've seen the Netflix series.
The others all sound so interesting as well!
Hahaha well you're not getting any apologies from me about your TBE! :p
Agreed on Empireland—his writing is really readable. I didn't know there was a sequel, so will check it out (and my TBR...).
Oh, is this about irrationality in a particular domain?
Empire of Pain is incredibly long but I enjoyed the different aspects of it that the series didn't get to cover, especially the start of the Sackler family itself. There's also Dopesick on Disney+.
I came across Amanda Montell's newest book from someone's Note ages ago and the title grabbed me - The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality. This is me, the overthinker with what I think are irrational thoughts. And when I saw this description in the blurb - "a delicious blend of cultural criticism and personal narrative that explores our cognitive biases and the power, disadvantages, and highlights of magical thinking" I was hooked. I know we can't always trust the blurbs but from what I've read so far, it was a good purchase. Cognitive biases is another one of my hobby horses.
An interesting note on the Sackler family - they, like me, are Tufts graduates and they've poured a lot of money into the university. After the opiates scandal, Tufts had to rename a few buildings, notably the Sackler Medical School.
Oooh that definitely sounds like an interesting book! I'm glad you're enjoying so far—would love to know your overall thoughts when you've finished it.
Oh dear. I know lots of institutions had to rename things because of this...