Ep. #496: Fran Lebowitz, Jonathan Metzl

George Packer's 'Our Man' is a detailed biography of Richard Holbrooke, a diplomat who played significant roles in U.S. foreign policy over four decades. The book delves into Holbrooke's personal and professional life, highlighting his ambition, brilliance, and flaws. It also examines the broader context of American foreign policy during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

In 'The End of Europe: Dictators, Demagogues, and the Coming Dark Age', James Kirchick examines the challenges facing Europe, including the rise of populist nationalism, anti-Semitism, and the destabilizing influence of Russia. The book provides a firsthand account of these crises and their implications for the future of liberal democracy in Europe.

In 'Dying of Whiteness,' Jonathan M. Metzl explores the unintended public health consequences of right-wing backlash policies related to taxes, gun control, social safety nets, and healthcare. Through field interviews, research, and public-health data gathered in Missouri, Tennessee, and Kansas, Metzl shows how these policies, despite being marketed to benefit white Americans, actually increase deaths by gun suicide, lower life expectancies, and raise dropout rates. The book highlights the paradox of whiteness, where the pursuit of white privilege leads to detrimental health outcomes for both white and non-white populations.

The Book of Virtues is a comprehensive anthology edited by William J. Bennett, intended to aid in the moral education of children. The book contains 370 passages across ten chapters, each dedicated to a different virtue, including self-discipline, compassion, responsibility, friendship, work, courage, perseverance, honesty, loyalty, and faith. The selections are drawn from a wide range of sources, including the Bible, Greek mythology, Aesop's Fables, William Shakespeare, and works by authors like Charles Dickens, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Oscar Wilde. The book is designed to be used for browsing and bookmarking, with the aim of teaching children moral literacy and helping them develop good character. The 30th anniversary edition includes new figures such as Mother Teresa, Colin Powell, and heroes of 9/11 and the War in Afghanistan, continuing its legacy of promoting moral education.