The World's Best Book Summaries
How long was Walter McMillian in prison? When was Walter McMillian released? Bryan Stevenson’s book Just Mercy studies the case of Walter McMillian, which he took on when he suspected McMillian was wrongfully convicted of a murder he was accused of. Stevenson was successful in freeing McMillian from death row, but it was a long process. Keep reading to learn about the journey to free McMillian.
What was Nelson Mandela’s childhood like? Why, exactly, did he go to prison? What legacy did he leave? Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela chronicles his extraordinary life story. Mandela is known as one of history’s great peacemakers, but his own life wasn’t a peaceful one. He had to fight, every step of the way. Continue reading for an overview of this important book, along with a short exercise to reflect on what you’ve read.
How did Nelson Mandela get involved in the struggle against apartheid? Why didn’t he stick to nonviolent methods? Nelson Mandela fought against South Africa’s racist government policies and its system of apartheid from the 1940s to the 1960s. He then spent 27 years in prison, where he became a worldwide symbol of the South African struggle for freedom. He tells his story in Long Walk to Freedom. Continue reading to see three Long Walk to Freedom quotes that provide insight into Mandela and his life.
Who is William Cooper? What are his theories? What are his claims based on? Milton William Cooper was a U.S. Navy veteran, a UFOlogist, and the author of Behold a Pale Horse. In one of the most influential conspiracy theory books ever written, Cooper lays out the roots and methods of a secret movement to topple the American government and establish a global totalitarian order. Continue reading to learn about this intriguing figure.
Who was Fred Koch? How did he make his money? How did he use it? According to Jane Mayer, the Koch brothers’ political beliefs were influenced heavily by those of their father, Fred Koch. She discusses his influence and legacy in her book Dark Money. Keep reading for Mayer’s synopsis of the financial and political life of Fred Koch.
Who’s Richard Fink? What’s his relationship with the Koch brothers? How did he help them wield their political influence? According to journalist Jane Mayer, Charles and David Koch used their fortunes to propagate far-right ideology in American politics between the 1970s and 2016. Richard Fink is the advisor who devised their strategy. Continue reading to learn about Richard Fink’s plan to influence American politics.
What’s it like to experience a stroke? What are some of the ways to recover with strength? Can you actually end up a “better” person as a result? Neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor suffered a stroke in 1996. In her book, she gives an account of her stroke and her recovery, and she shares the insights on mental and emotional self-care that the stroke gave her. She also provides recommendations on how best to support stroke survivors. Keep reading for an overview of My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor.
How did the Koch brothers impact the 2016 presidential election? Did they explicitly back Trump? In Dark Money, award-winning journalist Jane Mayer explores the influence that the Koch brothers have had on American politics for decades. She includes a discussion of the 2016 election of Donald Trump. Keep reading for a quick overview of the direct and indirect connections between the Koch Brothers and Trump.
What’s it like to have a stroke? What happens afterward? How can you best recover from a stroke? When neuroscientist Jill Bolte Taylor suffered a stroke on the left side of her brain, she was uniquely qualified to observe and report on the experience of losing her cognitive functions. However, she was surprised by what she learned—and gained. Keep reading to discover the amazing story of Jill Bolte Taylor’s stroke and recovery.
How have the Koch brothers influenced American politics? What policies and candidates have they supported, and why? In Dark Money, award-winning journalist Jane Mayer argues that the wealthy elite in America has used their fortunes to propagate far-right ideology in American politics between the 1970s and 2016. She discusses conservative business tycoons Charles and David Koch in particular. Continue reading for an overview of Dark Money by Jane Mayer.