105. Question Time: Foreign ownership in football, the BBC vs. Modi, and conspiracy theories

This book by John Ramsden captures the hardships and resilience of everyday life in Hanoi during the early 1980s. Through his photographs, Ramsden reveals a Vietnam that was isolated, impoverished, and still recovering from the war. The book provides a unique glimpse into a pivotal moment in Vietnamese history.

In *Palestinian Walks*, Raja Shehadeh chronicles his experiences through six walks taken between 1978 and 2006, reflecting on the changing political and physical landscape of Palestine. The book is a poignant account of how the natural beauty of Palestine has been altered by settlements and conflict, serving as a metaphor for the broader deprivations faced by Palestinians.

In this riveting memoir, Rickson Gracie shares the full story of how his father and uncles developed Jiu-Jitsu, his experiences growing up among several generations of world-renowned fighters, and the principles and skills that guided him to his undefeated record. The book offers insights into martial arts, human performance, and how the connection between mind and body can be harnessed for success both inside and outside the ring. It also includes personal anecdotes, lessons on resilience and mindfulness, and reflections on life, death, and the search for meaning.

Peter Brown's *The Body and Society* explores the practice of permanent sexual renunciation—continence, celibacy, and lifelong virginity—among early Christians. The book examines how theological views on sexuality and the body influenced relationships within Christian communities, discussing prominent figures like Tertullian, Origen, and Augustine. It provides a comprehensive analysis of early Christian perspectives on the body and sexuality, highlighting the diversity of views and their impact on society.

My Promised Land is a comprehensive and personal narrative history of Israel, written by Ari Shavit. The book combines family history, memoir, archival research, and interviews to provide a rich and nuanced account of Israel’s history from the late 19th century to the present. Shavit examines the complexities and contradictions of the Israeli condition, asking crucial questions about the origins, survival, and future of Israel. The book is praised for its balanced and empathetic portrayal of both Jewish and Palestinian experiences, although some critics have noted its controversial handling of certain historical events. It is a landmark work that brings to life epic history without being a conventional history book, deepening contemporary political understanding without being a one-sided polemic.

In 'Orientalism,' Edward Said critiques the Western construction of the Orient as a place of mystery and exoticism. He argues that Orientalism, as a discipline and worldview, is inherently tied to European imperialism and serves as a powerful instrument of domination. Said examines how Western literature, academia, and politics have perpetuated colonialism and imperialism by creating and reinforcing stereotypes and myths about the East. He traces the development of Orientalism from its roots in the 18th century to its contemporary implications, emphasizing the intimate relationship between knowledge and power and the need to challenge these dominant discourses.

In this book, David Baddiel argues that antisemitism is often overlooked or downplayed by progressives who otherwise champion social justice. He discusses the 'hierarchy of racisms' that places antisemitism at a lower level of importance and highlights double standards in how antisemitism is addressed compared to other forms of racism. Baddiel explores various topics including under-representation of Jews in media, the relationship between Jews and white privilege, and the distinction between anti-Zionism and antisemitism. He also reflects on his personal experiences and engages with contemporary debates in politics, sports, and culture to make a compelling case for why Jews should be recognized as a legitimate minority group facing unique forms of discrimination.

In 'Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow', Yuval Noah Harari examines the future of humanity, predicting that in the 21st century, humans will strive for happiness, immortality, and god-like powers. The book discusses how technological developments, such as artificial intelligence and genetic engineering, will shape human society. Harari speculates on the possibilities of overcoming death, creating artificial life, and the potential risks and philosophical implications of these advancements. He also explores the impact of humanism, individualism, and transhumanism on our future and questions the continued dominance of humans in a world increasingly driven by data and algorithms.