Philip Rieff's "The Triumph of the Therapeutic" explores the significant shift in modern culture from traditional religious frameworks to a secular, therapeutic approach to life. Rieff argues that this change has profoundly impacted how we understand happiness, morality, and personal fulfillment. The book analyzes the decline of traditional moral authority and the rise of psychological and therapeutic expertise as the primary source of guidance. Rieff's work remains influential in discussions about the role of religion, psychology, and culture in shaping individual and societal values. His analysis continues to provoke debate and reflection on the nature of modern society and its impact on personal identity.
In 'Secondhand Time', Svetlana Alexievich brings together dozens of voices to create a mosaic of testimonies about the decline of the USSR. The book charts the period from 1991 to 2012, covering the Yeltsin and Putin decades, and explores the collective trauma and nostalgia of people who found themselves in a world suddenly alien to them. It delves into themes of suffering, sacrifice, and the enduring legacy of the Soviet era, presenting a human-centered perspective on historical events without analysis or personal commentary[3][5].
Rod Dreher's "Living in Wonder" explores the resurgence of spiritual and mystical experiences in a technologically advanced, secular world. The book delves into the concept of 're-enchantment,' examining how individuals are seeking deeper meaning and connection beyond traditional religious institutions. Dreher discusses various phenomena, including UFOs, AI, and the occult, as manifestations of this spiritual yearning. He argues that while these experiences can be genuine, they must be understood within a Christian framework to avoid potential dangers. Ultimately, the book advocates for a return to a more profound and direct experience of faith.
Yuri Slezkine's 'The House of Government' tells the epic story of the Soviet elite who lived in a massive Moscow apartment building, exploring their rise and fall through the lens of millenarian cults. The book delves into the personal and public lives of Bolshevik true believers, from their conversion to Communism to the eventual loss of faith and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Drawing on letters, diaries, and interviews, Slezkine crafts a vivid account of the Soviet experiment and its tragic end.
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.
In 'Live Not By Lies', Rod Dreher warns American Christians about the dangers of what he terms 'soft totalitarianism', a form of totalitarianism that relies more on psychological manipulation than overt violence. Drawing on the experiences of Christians who lived under Soviet rule, Dreher provides practical advice on how to identify and resist this form of totalitarianism. The book outlines a method for resistance: SEE (acknowledge the reality), JUDGE (assess reality in light of Christian truth), and ACT (take action to protect truth). Dreher emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparation, family, church fellowship, and a willingness to suffer in order to resist the encroaching ideology[4][5][6].
Calmversations 
