● The Art of Risk: What We Can Learn From the World’s Greatest Risk Takers
Richard Harris
Summary via the publisher (Simon & Schuster)
In this ultimate armchair adventure, Harry takes us into the lives of other “risk takers” to find out why they do what they do. We meet people who venture from the highest skies to the deepest oceans – BASE jumpers, drag racers, snipers and surfers – including mountaineer Alex Honnold (from the movie Free Solo), sailor Jessica Watson, director and deep-sea diver James Cameron. Each captivating story is a risk masterclass from experts: when to go, when to say no, how to prepare, and most importantly, how to push ourselves a little further helps us become more courageous and resilient in the face of all our challenges.
● Why We Disagree on Inequality: Social Justice vs. Social Order
John Iceland, et al.
Summary through the editor (Wiley)
Why do we disagree about the causes and solutions to social inequalities? What explains our different views on Black Lives Matter, #MeToo, income inequality and immigration? In this well-argued book, John Iceland, Eric Silver and Ilana Redstone show how two opposing worldviews – one emphasizing social justice and the other social order – keep Americans from solving their problems. most pressing social issues. The authors show how each worldview provides a different understanding of human nature, morality, social change, and the wisdom of the past. They argue that before Americans can find lasting solutions to today’s seemingly intractable societal challenges, they will need to recognize that each side has wisdom that the other lacks. Only then can we achieve the common ground and consensus that we seek.
● We Hold Our Breath: A Trip to Texas Between Storms
Fields of Micah
Review via The Wall Street Journal
Although Texas’ population is roughly 85% urban and the state has three of the nation’s 10 largest cities (with a fourth, Austin, set to break that group soon), there is a lack of urban history on the Lone Star State. Such inattention, perhaps, is rooted in the state’s enduring reputation for the great outdoors, as a land of cattle ranches and oil derricks. The fix offered by Micah Fields’ engaging – if sometimes maddening – book on Houston is the only reason to take it. But more than that, “We Hold Our Breath: A Journey to Texas Between Storms” is a meditation on what many cities stand to lose in the Anthropocene.
Please note that the links to the books above are affiliate links with Amazon.com and James Picerno (aka The Capital Spectator) makes money if you purchase any of the titles listed. Also note that you won’t pay extra for a book even if it generates revenue for The Capital Spectator. By purchasing books through this site, you are providing support for The Capital Spectator’s free content. THANKS!