"Dopesick" - The Sackler Family: A Megyn Kelly Show True Crime Special | Ep. 229

Factory Man tells the story of John Bassett III, a third-generation furniture maker who fought against offshoring by using legal maneuvers and factory efficiencies to save hundreds of jobs. The book explores the impact of globalization on American towns and industries, highlighting the human costs of economic shifts. It is a narrative that brings to life the complexities of modern industry in America.

Dreamland by Sam Quinones tells the story of two powerful drug industries—that of prescription opiates and black tar heroin—driven by capitalism and greed. The book examines how the medical community's shift towards pain relief, fueled by pharmaceutical companies like Purdue Pharma, and the influx of black tar heroin from Mexico, contributed to the opiate epidemic. Quinones uses personal anecdotes, historical context, and a cast of characters including pharmaceutical pioneers, Mexican entrepreneurs, and narcotics investigators to illustrate the catastrophic impact on American communities. The book also highlights the role of community in recovery and the need for addressing the underlying social and economic issues that contributed to the epidemic.

In 'Raising Lazarus', Beth Macy delves into the opioid crisis, profiling the 'Stone Rollers' – individuals and organizations working tirelessly in harm reduction, advocacy, and treatment. The book examines the role of big pharma, particularly Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, in perpetuating the crisis. Macy also discusses the impact of policies, racism, and classism on marginalized communities and advocates for a shift from stigmatizing addiction to treating it as a disease. The book is a call to action, highlighting the need for ethical healthcare, safe injection sites, and community activism to combat the epidemic.

Empire of Pain is a comprehensive and damning narrative about the Sackler family, who built their pharmaceutical empire through aggressive marketing and questionable ethics. The book traces the family's history from their early success with tranquilizers like Librium and Valium to the devastating impact of OxyContin, which contributed significantly to the opioid crisis. Keefe's work is based on extensive research and exposes the family's ruthless business tactics, their influence on medical and governmental bodies, and their attempts to evade accountability for the harm caused by their products.

Painkiller is the third collection of poems by Patricia Spears Jones, known for its elegant exploration of personal and societal themes. The book is part of a trilogy of collections and offers a nuanced reflection on human emotions and experiences.

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.

Dope Sick is a harrowing story that combines elements of magical realism to explore themes of drug use, violence, and the possibility of redemption. The protagonist, Lil J, is on the run after a drug deal goes wrong, and he must confront his past and consider the consequences of his actions. The novel offers a vivid portrayal of life in Harlem and the struggles of its characters, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of reality and the potential for change.