Binyamin Appelbaum

Explore the origins and evolution of the Western mind and its impact on the world in The WEIRDest People in the World. By delving into global psychological diversity, Harvard professor Joseph Henrich illuminates the cultural transformations that led to highly individualistic, nonconformist societies like ours. Drawing on research in anthropology, psychology, economics, and evolutionary biology, Henrich maps the shifts in family structures, marriage, and religion that laid the foundation for the modern world. This highly engaging and provocative investigation reveals the fascinating interplay between culture, institutions, and psychology that shapes human history.

Explore the devastating impact of dwindling blue-collar jobs on working-class families across America with Tightrope. Authors Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn use poignant storytelling to depict the lives of children in rural Oregon, representing the experiences of many across the country. One-quarter of Kristof's school busmates passed away due to drugs, alcohol, suicide, or accidents - a statistic mirrored in places ranging from Dakotas to New York. But amidst the despair, the book also shares stories of hope and resilience, offering a nuanced look at the solution to America's drug epidemic. A must-read for all who care about America's working-class and its future.

Discover the revolution that transformed the way governments, businesses, and everyday life operate. The Economists' Hour showcases how free market economists reshaped taxation, public spending, and regulation from 1969 to 2008. The United States was at the forefront of the movement, but it had a global impact, influencing countries like the United Kingdom, Chile, and New Zealand. However, this biography is also a reckoning, as the promised prosperity failed to materialize, and the cost of the failure has been steep. Find out how the focus on efficiency came at the expense of education, infrastructure, and the environment.