Review of Newark: A History of Race, Rights, and Riots in America (American History and Culture) (Hardcover)

The city of Newark's story is, in a few ways, not unlike that of many post-Reconstruction, pre-Civil Rights movement Northeastern United States cities. Though not rife with bigotry as the South, such municipalities were not especially hospitable to African-Americans. What makes this New Jersey metropolis unique is the fact Black residents chose to become an electoral powerhouse in the spirit of ethnic minorities which had done the same thing before them. Though the explosive rebellions are the backdrop for this book, African-American political activism, the knotty alliances it created, and the aftermath of those efforts in a post-Civil Rights era are at the core of this book.

Mumford helps you understand the city of Newark and its tradition of African-American civic involvement by detailing the role of those most would consider militants in leading insurrectionist as well as mainstream efforts. Inevitably, the Newark clashes of old take center stage. But, more importantly, Mumford is intent on telling readers what happened before the uprisings, and after.

The author pens a colorful read, whose personalities leap off the page. Whether it's the poet turned radical messiah Amiri Baraka, white establishment types or the tangles for leadership of a burgeoning voting bloc, Mumford's book is an astute, opinionated primer on a slice on Newark's political pedigree. From the city's early days, where African-Americans fought for recognition and dignity, to their ascension to elected office in the midst of the Black Power movement, and then through countless though crucial fragments as new power brokers emerged amid old differences in vision, tactics and goals, this tome is spellbinding, and worth your attention.




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Review of Lou Henry Hoover: Activist First Lady (Modern First Ladies) (Hardcover)

Since her husband is now permanently associated with the Great Depression, and subsequently banished to history's 'bad presidents' list, Nancy Beck Young's book accomplishes a formidable task: encouraging readers to find something positive about the Hoovers, especially Lou Henry.

Flouting her generation's ideas about what a woman (especially a 'public' woman) loved or did, Lou Henry Hoover was involved with the outdoors, particularly the Girl Scouts. Although this participation does not seem very revolutionary today, it was remarkable for a woman who had grown up when women running around in the outdoors actually was considered a very scandalous activity.

Although she did not have her own radio show or chair a presidential task force, Lou Henry Hoover was a revolutionary force in her own right.

Mrs. Hoover similarly became engaged with private-sector relief efforts which attempted to end the Great Depression, but these proved much less successful than her other projects. Like her husband, Mrs. Hoover could not realize that the private sector lacked the resources to salvage a decimated economy, the same government which printed the nation's money supply would have to step in.

Clearly empathetic towards her subject, Young is also objective enough to avoid romanticizing the Hoover's strong free-market economic beliefs. Her scholarship adds a complexity to both the Hoovers and an understanding of the first lady's constantly evolving role.

A relatively 'traditional' public demeanor ultimately enabled Mrs. Hoover to begin a transition of the "First Lady" role AND "American Womanhood" which her successors are only continuing.




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Review of Managed by the Markets: How Finance Re-Shaped America (Hardcover)

This is hands-down one of the most well written books covering the current economic crisis that I've read to date...and as a college instructor (business) and writer, I've read more than my share. It's intelligent, well organized, clear and right on the mark.

Those that are trying to make sense of what is taking place and why will find the background information easy to understand without insulting ones intelligence...however, unlike the vast majority of writers, the author doesn't stop with the basics. He takes time to explore where we came from, where we are today (as a nation and globally) and where we are likely heading in the future but without giving into the "easy money" hype of trying to forecast the future or make wild claims. Instead, he presents the information in a factual manner that allows the readers to draw their own conclusions and spot opportunity as well as risk inherent in the system itself.

During every major transition there are those that continue to work/invest from the former perspective while others realize that change is taking place. This is not an investment book per se but rather an in-depth exploration of the transition along a likely continuum.

Who Will Like This Book...
-Investors - those that want to understand the investment environment not merely those searching for a 'how to' or checklist.
- Business Owners
- Government Officials
- Political and/or Social Science Buffs
- Anyone seeking to better understand how we got here and were it heads into the future

Plain and simple, this is for those that don't mind to think...and think you will because the information, direction and long term consequences will not be easily digested - or resolved. Inform yourself.



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Review of The Age of Reagan, 1964-1980: The Fall of the Old Liberal Order (Hardcover)

The Reagan Revolution started with Barry Goldwater getting pounded like a disobedient mule back in 1964.That's pretty much common knowledge.Reagan campaigned for the GOP presidential candidate and delivered a well-received prime time televised speech on Goldwater's behalf.From there Reagan went to the Governorship of California and the rest is history.For those who think this is a study of Reagan, should be informed that it is instead the story of what changed America's mood in the years 64-80...a study of the politics, social changes, and what-have-you.Reagan in the early portions maks infrequent, almost cameo appreances.

Steven Hayward charts the death of small "L' liberalism (at the hands of the radical New Left) and the rise of the conservative tide which led to Reagan's victory in 1980.Much of the material has been printed before, but when it is all accumulated and is digested in full, the the effects are mind-boggling.

Thanks to Steven Hayward the history of the US from 1964 to 1980 comes alive in this absolutely brilliant book.As a Canadian, I found much of the material that related to the mid-sixties to early-seventies to be fascinating (even the economic portions were well done...and I'm no wizard with numbers!).Hayward's obvious dislike of the left's 'usual suspects' comes through on every page.Liberals may not like this book, but for the rest of us, it's a mighty fine read.



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