My non-fiction bookshelf

I have recently added a few books to my non-fiction, must-seriously-read bookshelf. I have been reading one chapter from each book per week, and hoping to continue to do so until I finish them all. These books have been interesting and challenging in various ways, and I want to share them with you now.

“The American Pageant” by Thomas Bailey
The first edition of this book was published in 1956. My copy is the second edition, published in 1961. It is an American history textbook, much like what we used in high school―some of you might have used it in high school. Because I didn't pay much attention in my history class, I have to spend the time now to catch up on what I've been missing. (I'm totally serious, up until now I knew next to nothing about the New World, and how this country came about. I really didn't pay any attention.) This book, though old, is very well written and enjoyable. Even though a lot of details are omitted, it is unbiased and doesn't embellish the dark side of the truth. I am convinced that even if you got an A in history, there is no way that you would have remembered everything you learned back then. So if you want to brush up on your history, this is a good one. There are newer editions in which other authors added chapters on the later eras that Bailey didn't cover, and they are expensive, but you might be able to grab an old edition for cheaper prizes. (Mine ends with the 60s.)

“A People's History of the United States: 1492 – Present” by Howard Zinn
This is a great supplementary text to Bailey's. I've been reading the two books side-by-side. Zinn's text omits the key facts and focuses more on the deeper context. The second chapter, for example, is about the nature slavery and racism as was apparent in the way black slaves were treated during the early years of the US. Zinn's writing is insightful, and he cold-heartedly captures the brutal truths. It is depressing to read but it will make you understand and remember the history.

“Social Theory” by Jonathan Joseph
Last year I took a course called “Modern Marxist Theory” out of which I didn't get much. The subject was too difficult―I was not well prepared for it―and the texts too far beyond my level. This book, however, discusses the works of the same theorists taught in the class, and explains a lot of the things I didn't understand before in a much clearer way than the stuff I read in class. Mind you it is still pretty challenging, but it is a fairly good introductory guide for those who are interested in theory/philosophy/sociology. It is really helping me to prepare for my future education. The eight chapters of the book discuss Marx, Engels, Gramsci, Durkheim, Weber, the Frankfurt school, and Foucault.

"Freud: A Very Short Introduction" by Anthony Storr

This is going to be a quick one. I just want to write a quick recommendation to those of you who, like me, have to study theory and have a rather hard time with it. Earlier this month I finished reading this very slim introductory guide to Freud, his life and works. It is very well written and rather entertaining, if you could believe it. Anthony Storr writes about Freud's life, explains his major works, and gives a brief account of his challengers and the development of his studies. This guide is great for beginning students and for reviewing what you have already learned. As a conclusion to the book, Storr describes the influence that Freud's works had on the world, and notes that while much of his works are flawed, he had open many doors to greater developments, and that his works are so superbly written they become within themselves great works of literature.

David M. Halperin's "Saint=Foucault: Towards a Gay Hagiography"

Ever since I was first introduced to Queer Theory almost two years ago, my knowledge and understanding of the field have continued to expand, and along with it my affection. It is my most favorite field of cultural studies and literary theory, and it is a subject that I constantly hunger for and never get tired of. Currently I'm reading David M. Halperin's book about my favorite queer theorist entitled "Saint=Foucault: Towards a Gay Hagiography." It offers insights into Foucault's life and work, as well as how his works influence queer activism and communities. It also discusses how his theories can be related to other theorists' works, and how they might help us to understand sexuality and our cultures. I find it very much enjoyable, and even more enjoyable than some of the works of fiction that I have been reading recently. I'm not done with it yet, but I'm already ready to recommend it to those who are interested in queer issues. It is informative yet very readable.