The Books That Shifted Our Perspective Most in 2024
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Dec 2, 2024
Discover how transformative reads in finance and politics are reshaping perspectives in 2024. Delve into impactful books like 'Evicted' and 'Doppelganger,' which explore housing insecurity and disaster capitalism. Examine how literature influences socio-political understanding, discussing topics like healthcare disillusionment through works such as 'Sisters in Hate.' Reflect on critiques of conventional work ethics from 'Bullshit Jobs' and 'Winners Take All,' and navigate the complexities of disability insurance claims with both serious insights and light-hearted banter.
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Evicted
Sociologist Matt Desmond lived in low-income communities to understand poverty.
His book Evicted shares these stories, highlighting systemic issues trapping people.
insights INSIGHT
Doppelganger
Naomi Klein's Doppelganger explores being mistaken for another Naomi with opposing views.
It analyzes how seemingly opposite political worlds can have distorted parallels.
insights INSIGHT
Bullshit Jobs
David Graeber's Bullshit Jobs argues many jobs are unnecessary in our capitalist system.
These jobs exist to maintain the status quo, not produce actual value.
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In 'Bullshit Jobs: A Theory', David Graeber argues that a significant portion of jobs in modern society are meaningless and contribute little to no value. He categorizes these jobs into five types: flunkies, goons, duct tapers, box tickers, and taskmasters. Graeber contends that these jobs are not only inefficient but also psychologically destructive, leading to chronic misery and social divisions. The book is based on his 2013 essay 'On the Phenomenon of Bullshit Jobs' and includes testimonials from workers who feel their jobs are pointless. Graeber suggests solutions such as unions and universal basic income to address the issue of meaningless work.
Evicted
Matthew Desmond
Enrique Maldonado Roldn
In 'Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City,' Matthew Desmond provides a detailed and compassionate look at the lives of eight families in Milwaukee who are struggling to maintain stable housing. The book explores the intersection of poverty, housing, and profit in the United States, highlighting the systemic issues that contribute to eviction and its consequences on families and communities.
Winners Take All
The Elite Charade of Changing the World
Anand Giridharadas
In 'Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World,' Anand Giridharadas argues that members of the global elite use their wealth and influence to address social issues in ways that do not fundamentally challenge the systems that perpetuate those issues. The book explores the dynamics between philanthropy, capitalism, and social change, highlighting how market-driven solutions often address symptoms rather than root causes. Giridharadas critiques the limitations of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility, suggesting that true social change requires robust, egalitarian institutions and democratic engagement rather than reliance on the benevolence of the wealthy.
Doppelganger
A Trip into the Mirror World
Naomi Klein
The Age of Acquiescence
Steve Fraser
Rich Girl Nation
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Katie Gatti-Tossann
Bad company
Liza Cody
Thick and Other Essays
Tressie McMillan Cottom
In 'Thick: And Other Essays', Tressie McMillan Cottom delves into various aspects of black womanhood, including body image, beauty politics, and the personal and political experiences of black women. The book consists of eight essays that blend personal anecdotes with theoretical and statistical analyses, addressing topics such as the capitalist logic of beauty, the vulnerability of black girls and women, and the concept of whiteness. Cottom's work is characterized by its wit, intelligence, and provocative insights, making it a significant contribution to the discourse on black womanhood and social justice.
Every year, we share the books that gave the Money with Katie team a new perspective or changed our minds on a topic—here are the top mind-expanding books that Katie read in 2024. (To find all books covered before across Money with Katie, check out our Books page.) Happy reading!
Rich Girl Roundup is Money with Katie's weekly segment where Katie and her Executive Producer Henah answer your burning money questions. Each month, we'll put out a call for questions on her Instagram (@moneywithkatie). New episodes every week.
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