Social Science Book Reviews

Review: The Stuff of Life by Asif Zaidi

The Stuff of Life by Asif Zaidi

Former Chairman of the Management Board of Citibank Kazakhstan, Pakistani author Asif Zaidi presents essays on a myriad of eclectic subjects in The Stuff of Life. Not hesitant to weigh in on such topics as philosophy, religion, social issues, anthropology, and even evolution, Zaidi is after finding the very meaning of life in this intriguing and wide-ranging collection of essays.

Zaidi spends a lot of time on the subject of religion, and how it defines or derails us. His focus may not always be popular, but it is certainly interesting. The expectation of the coming of a Messiah anticipated […]

Fair Weather People by Roshni Hemraj Mudliar

Fair-Weather People by Roshni Hemraj MudliarFair Weather People by Roshni Hemraj Mudliar is a work of fiction about weathering bad people and bad events in one’s life – especially when it comes to earning money. The book begins with a short expose of people most of us know all too well: people who are there for you when you’re doing well, but turn their back when things turn south. Mudliar’s focus is fair-weather people in the workplace. After the introduction, the book then tells the story of a man named Henry, an immigrant, who struggles with difficulties both in the workplace and in his adopted […]

2017-10-09T06:50:49+02:00January 20th, 2017|Categories: New Releases|Tags: , |

Review: The Evolving Peacemaker: A Commitment to Nonviolence by Leona Evans with Matthew J. Evans

The Evolving Peacemaker by Leona Evans

It is rare for a book to seem “perfect” for an era or moment in history, and while the concept of nonviolence is far from modern, The Evolving Peacemaker is a book desperately needed by the present generation. Author Leona Evans takes a wise and comprehensive look at every angle of nonviolence – from protests and politics to peace and personal reflection. For anyone who is unfamiliar with the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, which was furthered by historical figures like Martin Luther King and others, this book is essential reading.

It is an intensely personal book, and the author reflects […]

Review: Strangers I Have Known by Melissa Kotler Schwartz

★★★★★ Strangers I Have Known by Melissa Schwartz

When people think back on the story of their lives, the “main characters” are typically family members, friends, lovers, children, co-workers and the myriad other people who receive Christmas cards or occasional texts. However, a large portion of our time as human beings consists of interactions with strangers. In Strangers I Have Known by Melissa Kotler Schwartz, the author takes readers on a journey through her everyday life, not depicting the time spent with family and friends, but rather her tiny interactions with cashiers, locals, passers-by and one-conversation friends that act as the glue tying all of humanity together.[…]

Cooperative Wisdom by Donald Scherer, PhD and Carolyn Jabs

Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart by Donald Scherer and Carolyn JabsDespite their best efforts, why do good people find themselves in conflict so frequently?

Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart, written by acclaimed philosopher Dr. Donald Scherer and award-winning journalist Carolyn Jabs, introduces a novel approach to ethics that consistently dissolves conflict, restores goodwill, builds common purpose, and helps people thrive. Written as a spirited exchange between the two authors, Jabs brings up tough and pointed questions a smart reader would raise while Scherer lays out the human virtues that promote sustainability in natural and social environments. Their collaboration distills a lifetime of research and analysis […]

2016-06-10T10:05:17+02:00June 9th, 2016|Categories: New Releases|Tags: , |

Review: The Sibold Effect by John David Miller

★★★★ The Sibold Effect

The Sibold Effect: Beyond Science, History, Ghosts, and the Appalachian Supernatural by John David Miller is a comprehensive look at supernatural activity at Clover Hollow in the Appalachian Mountains. Purchasing a property in the area, Miller discovers that the property actually belonged to his ancestors, raising questions about the nature of coincidence, destiny, and how history is shaped by forces we cannot see. A thoroughly-researched and intriguing look into the paranormal and how it affects people both personally and historically.

John David Miller is an expertly detailed writer with an engaging voice. His interests in the region are varied […]

Overcoming the Lie of “Race” by John L. Hodge

Overcoming the Lie of “Race” by John L. HodgeOvercoming the Lie of “Race”: A Personal, Philosophical and Political Perspective, by John L. Hodge, is a treatise from every angle on the supposition that race doesn’t exist. It’s a thorough, well-researched look into this oft-times controversial topic, injected with Hodge’s evocative personal tales in his own life being defined by race, as well as his family. Because of Hodge’s sincerity and passion for the subject, the book is well-argued and persuasive.

Hodge’s book is a good introduction for those who may not be familiar with all the angles of this debate. The fact that some people have darker […]

2016-03-04T09:52:14+02:00March 4th, 2016|Categories: New Releases|Tags: , |

Review: Human Behavior in Extreme Situations by Robert H. Koff & Kathryn Hanna

★★★½ Human Behavior in Extreme Situations

Human Behavior in Extreme Situations by Robert H. Koff and Kathryn R. Hanna is a book that unfortunately needed to be written, given that school shootings have become the “new normal.” Investigating a number of tragic events throughout history, Koff and Hanna examine what we can learn from them in order to be better prepared when a similar events happen in the future.

Koff and Hanna make clear at the outset that this book isn’t about preventative methods. They don’t delve into the gun control/mental health debate. They reference the head of the NRA saying “We need to be […]

2019-01-22T15:21:54+02:00February 25th, 2016|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: , , |
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