How Naziism arose
The Death of Democracy: Hitler’s Rise To Power by Bnjamin Carter Hett My rating: 5 of 5 stars This is the clearest and most concise of all the books I have read (many) to understand how Germany, known for its philosophers, scientists and artists, and with the largest social democratic party in Europe or anywhere … read more »
Ost-Afrika: what the Germans left
Afterlives by Abdulrazak Gurnah My rating: 4 of 5 stars Abdulrazak Gurnah has given us a vivid reimagining of the Africans’ experience during and following the German administration and wars in Deutsch-Ost-Afrika, German East Africa, from the 1880s until the defeat of Germany in November 1918, when the victors then divided up the enormous, formerly … read more »
Days of struggle in Chicago: the Rainbow Coaltion
Thanks to my good friend, novelist Pete de Lissovoy, for pointing me to this very very good documentary! The First Rainbow Coalition (55 minutes) Yes, I was there then, and as involved as I could be, given who I was: a grad student, white, at nearby (to Chicago) Northwestern University. I got to know Cha … read more »
Staying awake in the city that never sleeps
We used to say that New York was the city that never sleeps. More than that, it is a city that wants to keep you alert. However, the flashing signage, noise and bustling-hustling crowds in Times Square, the agitated foot and skateboard and motor traffic, the rattling subway and the hurried pace and startling changes … read more »