Mario Vargas Llosa's "A Fish in the Water" is a captivating memoir that chronicles his life and experiences, offering insights into his personal journey and intellectual development. The book provides a glimpse into his childhood, his literary career, and his political aspirations. Vargas Llosa shares anecdotes and reflections on his encounters with prominent figures and his observations on various social and political issues. The memoir is a testament to his intellectual curiosity and his commitment to freedom of expression. It is a compelling read for those interested in literature, politics, and the life of a remarkable individual.
The book 'The Capitalist' was intended as a fictional story set at a billionaire's estate in Jackson Hole, involving a discussion between family members about capitalism. However, Chris Widener was inspired to write 'The Coming American Revival' instead of completing this work.
In 'Hillbilly Elegy,' J.D. Vance recounts his life growing up in a dysfunctional family in Middletown, Ohio, with roots in Kentucky's Appalachia. The book details his experiences with poverty, addiction, and family violence, as well as his journey to joining the marines and eventually graduating from Yale Law School. Vance provides a personal and insightful look into the decline of the white working class in America, exploring themes of family, culture, and the loss of the American dream. The memoir also touches on the political swing of the region, particularly in relation to the 2016 presidential election and the appeal of Donald Trump to this demographic.
Mario Vargas Llosa's "The Time of the Hero" is a searing portrayal of life at a military academy in Lima, Peru. The novel delves into themes of power, violence, and the corrupting influence of authority. It explores the psychological toll of rigid discipline and the dehumanizing effects of militarism. Vargas Llosa masterfully weaves together realism and social commentary, offering a critical examination of Peruvian society. The novel's unflinching depiction of brutality and its exploration of moral ambiguity have cemented its place as a significant work in Latin American literature.
In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Nick Gillespie, Matt Welch, and special guest Mary Katharine Ham discuss President Donald Trump's trade war with China. They also talk about the taxes they hate the most—just in time to celebrate Tax Day.
4:30—Trump's trade war with China
15:36—How will Trump's tariffs affect the U.S. manufacturing industry?
23:06—Is the U.S. middle class hollowed out?
34:52—Tax Day is upon us, once again
43:31—Listener question about Thomas Jefferson's list of grievances
50:21—The Department of Government Efficiency's cost savings update
59:59—Cultural recommendations
Mentioned in this podcast:
"Apple, Nvidia Score Relief From US Tariffs With Exemptions," by Debby Wu, Josh Wingrove, and Shawn Donnan
"For me, one of the main benefits of making some money is not having to wear a gimp suit for anybody," by Cliff Asness
"Taxes: The Price We Pay for Civilization," by Meredith Bragg and Nick Gillespie
"A Current Snapshot of the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefit," by Juliette Cubanski
"Medicare Madness," by Katherine Mangu-Ward
"Global Village or Global Pillage?" by Mario Vargas Llosa
"Viva Mario!" by Michael Valdez Moses
Reason on Mario Vargas Llosa
Hearts of Fire, starring Bob Dylan, directed by Richard Marquand
"Even on Pause, Trump's Trade War Runs Up a Big Price Tag," by J.D. Tuccille
"Trade War With China," by Liz Wolfe
"Rand Paul on China, Free Speech, and Banning TikTok," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown
"America Gained Nothing From Trump's Latest Tariff Stunt," by Eric Boehm
"Markets Rally as Trump Pauses Tariffs. Should Presidents Have This Much Power?" by Joe Lancaster
"Trump's Tariffs Violate the Constitutional Separation of Powers," by Damon Root
"Dealing with Despots," by Virginia Postrel
"Happy Birthday, Medicare Part D! Now Die! Die! Die!" by Nick Gillespie
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