#46 - Why Your (GOOD) Game Won't Sell – Part 1

In this book, Stephen R. Platt explores the complex origins of the Opium War, detailing the early attempts by Western traders and missionaries to 'open' China. The narrative focuses on the period leading up to the war, highlighting the struggles of China's imperial rulers, the role of Confucian scholars, and the eventual descent into one of the most unjust wars in imperial history. The book features a cast of British, Chinese, and American characters and has significant implications for understanding current Sino-Western relations.

George Saunders' "Love Letter" is a poignant short story presented as an epistolary narrative. It explores themes of political disillusionment, family relationships, and the complexities of moral choices in a dystopian near-future setting. The story unfolds through a grandfather's letter to his grandson, grappling with the ethical dilemmas of a society under authoritarian rule. The narrative masterfully blends humor and pathos, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths about complicity and resistance. The story's power lies in its ability to evoke empathy for the characters while highlighting the insidious nature of political oppression.

This book provides an in-depth look at the making of the first two seasons of HBO's Game of Thrones. It includes interviews with key creative forces behind the show, profiles of major characters, family trees, and detailed descriptions of pivotal scenes such as the storming of King's Landing. The book helps viewers understand the complex storylines and character relationships, making it a valuable resource for fans of the series.