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Books matching: socio political context

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  1. "Seductive Poison" by Deborah Layton is a gripping memoir that delves into the author's personal experience within the People's Temple led by Jim Jones. Layton recounts her journey from being lured into the cult by Jones's magnetic appeal to her eventual escape from the horrors of Jonestown, Guyana. The narrative exposes the manipulative tactics, deception, and mind control practiced by Jones, shedding light on the inner workings of a cult that ultimately led to a tragic mass suicide.

    Through Layton's vivid storytelling, readers are immersed in the chilling atmosphere of the People's Temple, witnessing the gradual realization of its dark reality and the struggle to break free from its grip. provides a detailed account of Layton's harrowing escape, offering a firsthand perspective on the psychological and physical abuse inflicted by Jones and the extreme measures taken to maintain control over the cult members.

    My mother was a mystery to me. Beautiful, often quiet, she secretly sketched portraits of women, closing her portfolio whenever I came unexpectedly into the sunroom. I often felt I was intruding on so...

  2. #2

    The Tattoo Murder Case by Akimitsu Takagi
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    'The Tattoo Murder Case' by Akimitsu Takagi is a classic Japanese locked room mystery set in postwar Japan. The story follows a series of murders connected to the tattoos of the victims, with the main character, Kenzo Matsushita, seeking help from his detective brother to solve the case. The book provides a glimpse into postwar Japanese society and culture, detailing the aftermath of World War II, the destruction in Tokyo, and the unique cultural aspects such as tattoo art and yakuzas. The plot unfolds with a mix of suspense, ambiguity, and a masterfully executed locked room mystery, offering an engaging read that combines elements of classic crime thrillers with a focus on Japanese customs and nuances.

    It was the summer of 1947, and the citizens of Tokyo, already crushed with grief and shock over the loss of the war, were further debilitated by the languid heat. The city was ravaged. Seedy-looking s...

  3. #3
    Slightly Tempted
    Book 4 in the series:Bedwyn Saga

    Slightly Tempted - Bedwyn Saga by Mary Balogh
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    'Slightly Tempted' in the 'Bedwyn Saga' series by Mary Balogh follows the story of Lady Morgan Bedwyn, the youngest sibling in the family. Set in the backdrop of the days leading up to the Battle of Waterloo, Morgan finds herself in Brussels where she meets Gervase Ashford, the Earl of Rosthorn, who harbors a secret revenge against her brother. As war looms closer, Morgan and Gervase navigate their growing friendship and budding romance amidst the turmoil of historical events and personal vendettas. The book delves into themes of forgiveness, revenge, love, and the complexities of relationships in high society during the Regency era.

    IT STILL FELT SOMEWHAT STRANGE TO BE PART OF A gathering of the crème de la crème of English society again and to hear the English language spoken by virtually everyone. Not that the English were the ...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Bedwyn Saga )

  4. "The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined" by Steven Pinker is a comprehensive exploration of the decline of violence throughout human history. Pinker presents a compelling argument backed by data and analysis, showcasing how rates of violence have decreased over time and how factors such as government, commerce, empathy, and reason have contributed to this trend. The book delves into the darker periods of world history, delving into the physiology of the human brain, evolutionary reasons for human behavior, and the importance of reading in pacifying societies. Despite its length, Pinker's writing style is engaging, humorous, and thought-provoking, making the reader question their perceptions of violence in today's world.

    1–1Everyday violence in a bodybuilding ad, 1940s 25 1–2Domestic violence in a coffee ad, 1952 26 2–1The violence triangle 35 2–2Percentage of deaths in warfare in nonstate and state societies 49 2–3Ra...

  5. Pictures at a Revolution: Five Movies and the Birth of the New Hollywood by Mark Harris is a thorough and enjoyable look back at the five movies nominated for the Best Picture at the 1968 Academy Awards. The book offers intriguing information about iconic films like Bonnie and Clyde, The Graduate, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, In the Heat of the Night, and Doctor Dolittle, which played a significant role in the birth of the New Hollywood. The author provides detailed insights into each movie, the actors, and directors involved, while also shedding light on their careers post the groundbreaking movies. Despite the scattered information throughout the book, a bookmark in the index is recommended for easy reference due to the frequent need to revisit details.

    Mark Harris presents a fascinating chronicle of Hollywood's evolution, particularly focusing on the casting off of the Production Code and the emergence of a new era in the film industry. Through a blend of interviews and narrative drive, the book delves into the behind-the-scenes history of the five films nominated for the Best Picture Oscar in 1967, offering readers a compelling journey from the inception of these movies to their impact on Hollywood's changing landscape.

    One afternoon in the spring of 1963, Robert Benton went to the New Yorker Theater to see François Truffaut’s Jules and Jim. It was not his first time; it may have been his tenth or twelfth. Benton, th...

  6. #6

    Just as I Am by Cicely Tyson
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    "Just as I Am" by Cicely Tyson is a captivating memoir that delves into the legendary actress's personal life, career, and relationships. The book is narrated in a unique, non-linear style that offers a glimpse into the ups and downs of Cicely Tyson's life, from her tumultuous relationships to her unwavering dedication to breaking stereotypes in the entertainment industry. Through poignant storytelling, Tyson shares her experiences dealing with racism, workplace challenges, and personal struggles, painting a picture of a strong, tenacious woman who used her art as a form of protest and empowerment.

    IKNOW instantly whether I should take a role. If my skin tingles as I read the script, then it is absolutely something I must do. But if my stomach churns, I do not touch the project, because if I did...

  7. #7

    Gorillas in the Mist by Dian Fossey
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    Dian Fossey, a fearless woman, dedicated her life to studying and protecting the mountain gorillas in Africa. She established the Karisoke Research Centre in Rwanda and spent nearly two decades observing and documenting the lives of these majestic creatures. Despite facing challenges such as poaching and habitat infringement, Fossey's unwavering commitment to the gorillas shines through in her chronicle, "Gorillas in the Mist." The book provides a detailed account of Fossey's interactions with the gorillas, highlighting their behaviors and personalities, while also shedding light on the threats they face in the wild.

    Through Fossey's narrative, readers are immersed in the world of mountain gorillas, gaining insight not only into their lives but also into the extraordinary efforts of a woman who fought tirelessly to protect them. The book captures Fossey's passion for wildlife conservation, her unconventional methods of research, and her ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of safeguarding these endangered animals.

    ISPENT MANY YEARS longing to go to Africa, because of what that continent offered in its wilderness and great diversity of free-living animals. Finally I realized that dreams seldom materialize on the...

  8. #8

    Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic by Tom Holland
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    Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic by Tom Holland is a lively and engaging account of the self-destruction of the Roman Republic, covering the period from Marius through the death of Caesar. Holland delves into the personal characteristics of major players like Augustus, while contrasting Roman culture with that of the eastern empires. The book is praised for its breezy writing style, informative content, and focus on the political struggles that led to the establishment of the Roman Empire.

    January 10, the seven-hundred-and-fifth year since the foundation of Rome, the forty-ninth before the birth of Christ. The sun had long set behind the Apennine mountains. Lined up in full marching ord...

  9. #9

    Brave New World Revisited by Aldous Huxley
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    'Brave New World Revisited' by Aldous Huxley is a retrospective nonfiction essay that reflects on the state of the world, providing a thought-provoking analysis of the modern society. Huxley compares his original novel 'Brave New World' with Orwell's '1984' to formulate an idea of how a modern dictatorship might function in the future. Through well-written and insightful essays, Huxley guides the reader through a remarkable world that shares uncomfortable truths about our current society and potential future dystopias.

    In 1931, when Brave New World was being written, I was convinced that there was still plenty of time. The completely organized society, the scientific caste system, the abolition of free will by metho...

  10. 'Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women' by Geraldine Brooks provides a deep and personal look into the lives of Islamic women from different countries and regimes. Brooks, a journalist, delves into the hidden and often surprising world of Muslim women, exploring issues such as the treatment of women in Islamic societies, the interpretation of the Quran, and the various cultural practices that shape the lives of these women. Through her experiences and interviews, Brooks offers a full and balanced spectrum of information, shedding light on the complexities of the intersection between culture, religion, and human rights in the Islamic world.

    Brooks' writing style in 'Nine Parts of Desire' is laconic and well-written, managing to disseminate a torrent of information within its relatively short length of 289 pages. She presents a fascinating perspective on women in Islam, drawing from her experiences as a foreign correspondent in the Middle East and weaving together personal accounts, interviews, and historical insights to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by Muslim women in various countries.

    As the bus full of women inched and squealed its slow way through Tehran traffic toward Khomeini’s home, I was the only one aboard who wasn’t weeping. We eased to a stop beside a black-bannered alley....

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