The book provides a comprehensive history of hip-hop culture, tracing its roots from the streets of the Bronx in the 1970s to its global influence in the 21st century. It explores the socio-political and economic conditions that gave rise to the movement, highlighting key figures, events, and the evolution of its music, art, and dance. Through detailed narratives and interviews, the book delves into how hip-hop has been a voice for marginalized communities, addressing issues of race, class, and identity, while also examining its commercialization and impact on mainstream culture.

After the Music Stopped is a comprehensive analysis of the 2008 financial crisis and its aftermath. Alan S. Blinder, a former vice chairman of the Federal Reserve, examines the causes of the crisis, the government's response to it, and the ongoing challenges facing the global economy. Blinder argues that the crisis was caused by a combination of factors, including lax regulation, excessive risk-taking, and a housing bubble. He also explores the various policy responses to the crisis, including the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Finally, Blinder offers recommendations for preventing future financial crises and ensuring long-term economic stability.

This book delves into the complex and controversial issue of mass incarceration in the United States, particularly within the African American community. It explores the historical, social, and political factors that contributed to the high rates of black imprisonment. The author examines the role of African American leaders in advocating for tough-on-crime policies and their unintended consequences. The book is a thought-provoking analysis of the intersection of race, crime, and justice in America.

This book provides a comprehensive history of the polio epidemic in America, highlighting the nationwide fear and panic it caused, and the subsequent race to find a cure. It chronicles the journey of scientific discovery, from the early days of the disease, through the development of the Salk and Sabin vaccines, to the eventual eradication of polio. The book also explores the role of politics, philanthropy, and public relations in the fight against polio, and the impact this had on modern medicine and society.

This graphic novel continues the memoir of a prominent civil rights leader, chronicling his commitment to nonviolent protest in the fight for racial equality in the United States. It delves into his personal experiences during the early 1960s, including his participation in the Freedom Rides, the historic 1963 March on Washington, and his leadership in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. The narrative captures the intensity of the movement, the confrontations with segregationist forces, and the internal struggles within the civil rights organizations, all set against the backdrop of the growing civil rights movement and the push for legislation that would eventually lead to the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The book explores the concept of "neoslavery," which entrapped thousands of African Americans in the South in a system of forced labor after the Civil War. This system was perpetuated by local laws, racial prejudice, and economic manipulation, where black men were arrested on false charges, then sold to companies as cheap labor. The book illuminates the forgotten history of this "age of neoslavery" that persisted into the 20th century and its profound impact on the racial disparities that exist today.

"Empire of Cotton" by Sven Beckert is a comprehensive global history of cotton, exploring its impact on the world economy, politics, and society from the 18th century to the present day. Beckert argues that cotton played a crucial role in the development of capitalism, colonialism, and imperialism, and that its production and trade were intimately linked to the exploitation of labor, the growth of slavery, and the rise of industrialization. The book offers a fascinating and thought-provoking perspective on the complex and often violent history of cotton and its enduring legacy in the modern world.

"Thirteen Days In September" by Lawrence Wright is a detailed account of the historic peace negotiations that took place between President Jimmy Carter, Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat at Camp David in September 1978. The book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the intense negotiations and personal dynamics between the leaders, as they worked to reach a peace agreement that would end decades of conflict in the Middle East. Wright's narrative is a gripping and informative account of a pivotal moment in modern history.

"Nixonland" is a detailed historical account of the political and social climate in America from the mid-1960s to mid-1970s, focusing on the rise and fall of President Richard Nixon. The book explores the divisive issues of the time, including the Vietnam War, civil rights, and the Watergate scandal, and how Nixon's manipulation of public fears and prejudices led to a new era of American conservatism. It also delves into the impact of these events on American politics and society, creating a landscape that still resonates today.

The book delves into the disturbing world of religious extremism within certain sects of the Mormon faith, particularly focusing on a brutal double murder committed by two brothers who believed they were commanded by God to kill. Through meticulous research and interviews, the narrative explores the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and examines how its teachings have been interpreted and misused by fundamentalist offshoots. The author intertwines the true crime investigation with a broader discussion on the nature of faith and the potent influence of religious belief on human behavior.

"Night Draws Near" provides an in-depth exploration of the Iraq War's impact on Iraqi citizens, delving into the everyday lives of people caught in the crossfire of conflict. Through a series of personal stories and interviews conducted by the author, a seasoned Middle Eastern correspondent, the book paints a vivid picture of the cultural, social, and political upheaval experienced by the Iraqis. The narrative captures the resilience and suffering of individuals as they navigate the complexities of occupation, insurgency, and the struggle for democracy, offering a poignant critique of the broader implications of U.S. foreign policy in the region.

"Grant" is a comprehensive biography of the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow, the book explores Grant's early life, military career, presidency, and post-presidential years. Chernow portrays Grant as a complex and often misunderstood figure, highlighting his military genius and leadership during the Civil War, as well as his struggles with alcoholism and financial ruin later in life. The book also delves into Grant's relationships with his wife, Julia, and political figures such as Abraham Lincoln and William Tecumseh Sherman. Overall, "Grant" offers a detailed and nuanced portrait of one of America's most significant historical figures.

"The Wordy Shipmates" is a historical narrative that explores the journey and lives of the Massachusetts Bay Colonists, who left England in the 1630s in pursuit of religious freedom in America. The book delves into the paradoxes of these Puritans, who were both freedom seekers and authoritarians, and their influence on American identity. It also provides a detailed look at their relationships, conflicts, and the hardships they faced, all set against the backdrop of their religious and political beliefs.

This book delves into the historical patterns of inequality, arguing that significant reductions in inequality have only ever been brought about by cataclysmic events, which the author terms as the "Four Horsemen": war, revolution, state collapse, and plague. Through a comprehensive examination of societal structures from the Stone Age to the modern era, it presents a compelling case that peaceful reforms have rarely led to lasting decreases in inequality. The work challenges readers to confront the uncomfortable reality that significant improvements in equality have often been forged in the crucible of immense human suffering, thereby questioning the prospects for achieving future equality without such extreme catalysts.

"Blood at the Root" is a compelling historical analysis that uncovers the racial cleansing that took place in Forsyth County, Georgia, in 1912. The book details how white residents violently expelled the entire Black population of the county, using intimidation, terror, and murder. This event led to a racial purity that persisted in the county for nearly 80 years. Through meticulous research and personal narratives, the book examines the broader implications of racial violence and the shadows it casts over generations, challenging the reader to confront the deep roots of racism and injustice in America.

"The American Crucible" furnishes a comprehensive analysis of the politics and power dynamics of slavery and emancipation across the Americas from the colonial period through the 19th century. It explores how the interplay of various economic, cultural, and political forces influenced the systems of slavery and their eventual dismantlement in regions such as the Caribbean, Brazil, and the United States. The book delves into the contradictions of these slave systems and the global impact of their existence, examining the struggles for power among different social groups and the ideologies that underpinned and justified slavery and its abolition.

"Almost Astronauts" is a compelling non-fiction book that chronicles the story of thirteen American women who, in the 1960s, underwent rigorous tests to prove they were as capable as men to become astronauts. Despite successfully passing the same physical tests as their male counterparts in NASA's astronaut program, these skilled female pilots faced insurmountable sexism and political obstacles that ultimately prevented them from going to space. The book highlights their struggle for equality in the space race and sheds light on the broader societal challenges and discrimination women faced during that era, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and courage in the face of injustice.

"Shakespeare In A Divided America" by James Shapiro explores the role of Shakespeare in American history and culture, particularly during times of political and social division. From the Civil War to the present day, Shapiro examines how Shakespeare's plays have been used to both unite and divide Americans, reflecting the country's ever-changing values and beliefs. Through interviews with actors, directors, and scholars, as well as analysis of performances and adaptations, Shapiro offers a fascinating look at the enduring power of Shakespeare in America.

"On Juneteenth" is a memoir by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annette Gordon-Reed that explores the history and significance of Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Gordon-Reed reflects on her own experiences growing up in Texas and the ways in which Juneteenth has been celebrated and politicized over time. She also delves into the complex legacy of slavery and racism in America, offering a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of this important holiday and its ongoing relevance.

The book examines the social and cultural history of African American women in the early twentieth century, particularly in New York and Philadelphia. It explores the ways in which these women defied conventional norms and constraints, creating new forms of intimacy, kinship, and freedom amidst the harsh realities of racism and sexism. Through a blend of historical research and imaginative reconstruction, the narrative delves into the intimate lives of young black women who sought to carve out a space for themselves, challenging the pathologized narratives that have often overshadowed their agency and innovation in the face of systemic oppression.

This book is a detailed account of a family living in rural Pennsylvania, whose lives are disrupted by the fracking industry. It explores the economic desperation that leads small towns to welcome fracking, the environmental and health disasters that follow, and the legal battles that families must wage to protect their rights. The narrative also delves into the political and social divides that the fracking industry exacerbates, providing a comprehensive look at the impact of this controversial practice on American society.

"Sons of Mississippi" is a powerful exploration of the legacy of racism in the American South. The book uses a famous photograph of seven Mississippi sheriffs preparing to thwart James Meredith's integration of the University of Mississippi in 1962 as a starting point. The author then traces the lives and descendants of these men, providing a deep and nuanced look at the enduring effects of prejudice and discrimination, as well as the struggle for civil rights and racial equality in the United States.

"Rough Crossings" is a historical account of the experience of African American slaves during the American Revolution. It focuses on the British promise to grant freedom to slaves who joined their cause, and the subsequent journey of these former slaves to Nova Scotia and Sierra Leone. The book explores the complexities of this period in history, questioning the traditional narrative of the American Revolution and shedding light on the struggle for freedom and equality by African Americans.

This book provides a comprehensive examination of American presidents who have led the nation through times of war, from the early 19th century to the modern era. It delves into the complexities of presidential power, exploring how these leaders managed the immense responsibilities of wartime command, navigated the politics of war, and made decisions that shaped the course of American history. Through meticulous research and compelling narrative, the author reveals the personal and political challenges faced by these presidents, the impact of their decisions on the battlefield and home front, and the ethical and constitutional dilemmas posed by the expansion of executive power during times of conflict.

The book provides an in-depth exploration of the American Revolution's aftermath, focusing on the lives of the founding fathers and the complex relationships between them. It delves into six key moments in early American history, including the duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, the secret dinner that determined the site of the nation's capital, George Washington's farewell address, John Adams's presidency, and the correspondence between Thomas Jefferson and Adams. The book emphasizes the crucial role of these individuals in shaping the nation's future and the profound impact of their decisions.