I find there tends to be two general categories of books; those that are exciting and interesting, so much that I want to recommend them immediately, and “slogs” that are just slow and unappealing regardless of the content. Some I get the jist of fast and a lot seems irrelevant like What is to Be Done, some like Fresh Banana Leaves the writing is just dislikable and repetitive. This is in sharp contrast to books like Half Earth Socialism or State and Revolution where I may be familiar with some of the content, but I really like the style and new information and want to recommend to people.

Do you agree with this categorization? Are there any books that you feel strongly about either way? I’m sure I’ve heard a lot of your recommendations before, but I want to know what will actually be fun to read, because some aren’t even if the content is good. I want to know which to prioritize reading.

Edit: to answer my own question: socialism or extinction is top tier

  • loathsome dongeaterAEnglish
    11·
    10 months ago

    In my uneducated opinion the quintessential good book is Blackshirts and Red by Michael Parenti:

    • topical
    • interesting
    • easy to read
    • hypes you up
    • QueerCommieOPM
      5·
      10 months ago

      I should reread it. It is great. To Kill a Nation was also a “pleasant” read.

      • LarkinDePark
        2·
        10 months ago

        My wife got me Contrary Notions as a stocking filler for Christmas. Just starting it now.

      • Absolute
        2·
        10 months ago

        Washington Bullets by Vijay Prashad is another “enjoyable” read like that but have your blood pressure medication nearby

        • QueerCommieOPM
          1·
          10 months ago

          I think I listened to the audiobook and didn’t like it much. Maybe the physical book is better.