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Listen, Liberal

Thomas Frank2016

6 of 6 directions open

More like it

Same elegiac register, still nonfiction

1 more ↓

  • Bellevue

    David M. Oshinsky2016

    A chronological account of America's oldest public hospital, detailing its evolution from a colonial almshouse to a modern medical center.

    pace0·prose0·bleak+1

Denser prose

3 more ↓

  • The Tyranny of Merit

    Michael J. Sandel2020

    This book examines how the ideal of meritocracy creates social division. It argues that the system demeans those without degrees and fuels populism.

    elegiac → tense, still nonfiction

    pace+1·prose+1·bleak0

  • Antifragile

    Nassim Nicholas Taleb2012

    A philosophical exploration of systems that thrive under stress and disorder. It argues against fragility in economics and personal life.

    elegiac → reflective, still nonfiction

    pace0·prose+1·bleak-1

  • Seeing Like a State

    James C. Scott1998

    An analysis of how large-scale state projects fail by ignoring local knowledge. It covers forestry, city planning, and forced villagization.

    elegiac → analytical, still politics

    pace0·prose+1·bleak+1

To recover

3 more ↓

  • The Da Vinci Code

    Dan Brown2003

    A symbologist and a cryptologist flee the police while solving puzzles hidden in art. They search for a secret regarding the Holy Grail.

    elegiac → propulsive

    pace+2·prose-2·bleak-2

  • Fifty Shades of Grey

    E.L. James2000

    A college student enters a sexual contract with a wealthy businessman. The story focuses on their power dynamics and BDSM encounters.

    elegiac → earnest

    pace+1·prose-2·bleak-2

  • The Martian

    Andy Weir2011

    A man does arithmetic to stay alive on Mars. Problem, attempt, result, repeat.

    elegiac → wry

    pace+2·prose-2·bleak-2

Faster

3 more ↓

  • Astrophysics for People in a Hurry

    Neil deGrasse Tyson2017

    A summary of the origin of the universe, the laws of physics, and the nature of space and time.

    elegiac → playful

    pace+2·prose-2·bleak-2

  • Steal Like an Artist

    Austin Kleon2012

    A series of short, illustrated principles for creative work. It focuses on remixing existing ideas and establishing productive daily habits.

    elegiac → playful

    pace+2·prose-2·bleak-2

  • Poke the Box

    Seth Godin2011

    A short manifesto encouraging readers to start projects and take initiative. It argues that the greatest risk is staying in place.

    elegiac → earnest

    pace+2·prose-2·bleak-2

Slower

3 more ↓

  • Confessions

    Augustine of Hippo

    A 4th-century bishop writes a spiritual autobiography addressed to God. He recounts his sinful youth and his eventual conversion to Christianity.

    elegiac → meditative

    pace-1·prose+1·bleak-2

  • God's Junk Drawer

    fiyah Angelou2018

    elegiac → hopeful, still nonfiction

    pace-1·prose-1·bleak-2

  • How to Read a Book

    Mortimer J. Adler1940

    This is a guide to active reading techniques for different genres. It outlines levels of reading from basic literacy to syntopical analysis.

    elegiac → mysterious

    pace-1·prose+1·bleak-1

Heavier

3 more ↓

  • Mother Hunger

    Kelly McDaniel2021

    A counselor analyzes the psychological impact of missing maternal nurturance, protection, and guidance during infancy.

    Same elegiac register, still nonfiction

    pace0·prose0·bleak+1

  • Rough Sleepers

    Tracy Kidder2023

    A doctor and his team provide medical care to the homeless population of Boston, navigating the limits of the healthcare system.

    elegiac → tender, still nonfiction

    pace-1·prose0·bleak+1

  • Bellevue

    David M. Oshinsky2016

    A chronological account of America's oldest public hospital, detailing its evolution from a colonial almshouse to a modern medical center.

    Same elegiac register, still nonfiction

    pace0·prose0·bleak+1