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My favorite book recs

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Books that helped me develop my worldview
 
Vinod Bala profile picture
The story of Chris McCandless taps into the desire to break free from society and live on one's own terms. If you’ve ever dreamed of ditching your phone and heading into the mountains, this book will resonate. McCandless wrestles with big questions—...
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®
 
Vinod Bala profile picture
This is a very very very eye opening book about how soft power can influence governments and countries. Famously invented by the US, now polished by China. This is a great read if you like learning about how major superpowers go about strengthening t...
Confessions of an Economic Hit Man
 
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This is a very gripping book, Craig Reed proposes a very credible yet incredible theory about who or what caused the sinking of the Kursk nuclear submarine.
Spies of the Deep: The Untold Truth
 
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Oil is a blessing and a curse for the people of Africa. Blessing for those in power and a curse for those who are not. Great read about how oil has affected peoples lives in a dozen African countries.
Untapped: The Scramble for Africa's Oil
 
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This book traces the origins of al-Qaeda, examining the lives of key figures and the geopolitical events leading up to the September 11 attacks.​
The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11, by Lawrence Wright ...
 
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An in-depth look at the CIA's covert operations in Afghanistan, detailing the rise of Osama bin Laden and the agency's role in shaping the region's future
Ghost Wars: CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden
 
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This book analyzes U.S. foreign policy responses to genocides in the 20th century, highlighting failures and the moral dilemmas faced by American leaders.​
"A Problem from Hell": America and Genocide
 
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A comprehensive account of the Soviet Union's forced labor camps, exploring their impact on individuals and Soviet society through personal stories and historical analysis.​
Gulag: A History by Anne Applebaum
 
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Blackmon uncovers the system of forced labor that continued to oppress African Americans long after the Civil War, challenging perceptions of post-slavery America.​
Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from ...
 
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Friedländer provides a detailed history of the Holocaust, combining Nazi policies with Jewish experiences to offer a comprehensive view of this dark period.​
The Years of Extermination: Nazi Germany and the Jews, 1939-1945
 
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This book chronicles the history of cancer, from ancient times to modern treatments, blending science with personal stories of patients and researchers.
The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer
 
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The author examines the ongoing mass extinction event caused by human activity, exploring its causes and potential consequences for the planet's biodiversity.​
The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History: Kolbert, Elizabeth
 
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This book tells the story of African Americans moving from the South to the North and West, seeking better opportunities and escaping racial oppression.​
The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration
 
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Desmond follows eight families in Milwaukee, revealing the devastating effects of eviction on individuals and communities in urban America.​
Evicted: Poverty and Profit in America
 
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Griswold follows a family's battle against environmental degradation caused by fracking, highlighting the broader societal and political implications of energy extraction.​
Amity and Prosperity: One Family's Struggle
 
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The author delves into the Cold War's arms race, focusing on the Soviet Union's biological weapons program and the enduring threats they pose.​
The Dead Hand: Cold War Arms Race Story
 
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This book helps you trace the rediscovery of Lucretius's ancient poem, exploring its influence on the Renaissance and the development of modern thought.​
The Swerve: How The World Became Modern
 
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This book offers an intimate portrayal of life in Annawadi, a Mumbai slum, highlighting the impacts of poverty, inequality, and corruption through the stories of its residents.​
Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity
 
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Marshall examines how geography influences political decisions and conflicts, exploring regions like Russia, China, and the Middle East to explain global power dynamics.​
Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps Explained
 
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Tsu explores China's efforts to modernize its language in the 20th century, highlighting the cultural and political implications of these changes on Chinese society.​
Kingdom of Characters: China's Language Revolution