Drilling Deep: The Golden Age of Oil-Funded Influence, with Casey Michel

Prophet Song is a dystopian novel that depicts a terrifying and suspenseful vision of Ireland careening towards authoritarianism. The story follows Eilish Stack, a scientist and mother of four, whose life is disrupted when her husband, a trade unionist, is taken by the newly formed secret police. As Ireland descends into civil war and tyranny, Eilish must navigate the bureaucratic intricacies of the descending chaos to save her family. The novel is a deeply human portrait of a mother’s struggle and serves as a warning about the potential for political and social breakdown in modern society.

There Are No Children Here follows the lives of Lafeyette and Pharoah Rivers, two young brothers growing up in a Chicago public housing project. The book vividly depicts their daily struggles with poverty, violence, and neglect, offering a stark portrayal of the challenges faced by children in inner-city communities. Kotlowitz delves into the impact of these harsh conditions on their emotional and psychological well-being. Highlighting the resilience and hope that persist despite the overwhelming odds. Through the boys' experiences, the book raises critical questions about social inequality, urban policy, and the systemic issues affecting disadvantaged youth in America.