How the Chief of Staff Shapes the Presidency: The Gatekeepers, by Chris Whipple: Book Review

The success or failure of a presidency largely depends on whether or not the president is able to deliver on the agenda he or she sets upon taking office. Are they able to get things done? Can they focus and prioritize their goals so they don’t waste time on something that isn’t achievable or realistic … More How the Chief of Staff Shapes the Presidency: The Gatekeepers, by Chris Whipple: Book Review

A Culture of Violence: The Association of Small Bombs, by Karan Mahajan: Book Review

The Association of Small Bombs begins with a sudden explosion in a Delhi marketplace in 1996. Two young brothers, Tushar and Nakul Khurana, are killed. Their friend Mansoor Ahmed survives. The novel then follows what happens over the next twenty years in order to show the ripple effect that this “small bomb” has. Tushar and … More A Culture of Violence: The Association of Small Bombs, by Karan Mahajan: Book Review

Coming of Age in a Cult: The Girls, by Emma Cline

“There was so much to destroy.” Every reader knows the sensation of getting really excited by the idea behind a book, then finding the execution is totally meh. When it happens, it’s natural to experience denial. You try to like it in spite of itself. You make excuses for the problematic areas. In your head, … More Coming of Age in a Cult: The Girls, by Emma Cline

Rising China and the Dashed American Dream: The Wangs vs. the World

“Every immigrant is the person he might have been and the person he is” Charles Wang left China for the American dream and made it big. He’s been living it up ever since and he has the vain, empty, emotionally distant family to prove it. But now he’s lost everything in the financial crisis of … More Rising China and the Dashed American Dream: The Wangs vs. the World