Daily Wire Backstage : America’s Identity Crisis

In 'Wicked', Gregory Maguire delves into the life of Elphaba, the green-skinned girl who becomes the infamous Wicked Witch of the West. The story begins with Elphaba's childhood, marked by her unique appearance and her father's missionary work in Quadling country. As she grows older, Elphaba attends Shiz University, where she meets Galinda, who will later become Glinda. The novel follows Elphaba's journey through her involvement in resistance against the Wizard, her personal struggles, and her eventual transformation into the Wicked Witch. Maguire's narrative explores themes of social class, political oppression, and the nature of evil, creating a rich and vivid world that challenges the traditional view of Oz.

Normal People is a character-driven novel that delves into the intricate relationship between Marianne and Connell, starting from their high school days in County Sligo, Ireland, and continuing through their university years at Trinity College Dublin. The story explores themes of love, class division, mental health, and the complexities of human connection. Marianne, from an upper-class background with an abusive family, and Connell, from a working-class background, engage in a secret relationship in high school due to Connell's fear of social judgment. As they grow and navigate different social worlds, their relationship is marked by periods of intense connection and separation, influenced by their socioeconomic backgrounds and personal insecurities. Rooney's writing is characterized by its spare prose, detailed character development, and a deep exploration of the psychological and emotional nuances of the characters.

The Joke, Milan Kundera's first novel, explores the complexities of identity, politics, and human relationships in 1950s Czechoslovakia. The story revolves around Ludvik Jahn, whose attempt at humor results in his expulsion from the Communist Party and university, leading him on a path of revenge and self-discovery. The novel delves into themes of freedom, loyalty, and the search for meaning under oppressive regimes.

In 'Porn Generation', Ben Shapiro explores the influence of pornography on contemporary culture, arguing that it reflects broader societal issues linked to social liberalism. The book includes first-person accounts, interviews with individuals from the porn industry, and discussions with psychologists and educators to critique the sexualization of culture.

Michel Houellebecq's "Whatever" (L'extension du domaine de la lutte in French) is a novel that explores the themes of alienation and sexual impoverishment in modern society. The narrative focuses on the lives of anonymous functionaries who, despite financial stability, experience profound loneliness and dissatisfaction in their personal lives. Houellebecq's cynical and darkly humorous portrayal of modern relationships and the search for meaning sparked considerable debate. The novel's exploration of the emptiness of consumer culture and the challenges of finding genuine connection continues to resonate with readers. It is considered one of Houellebecq's early works that established his distinctive style.

Robin Hardy's "The Wicker Man" is a British folk horror film that follows Sergeant Howie, a police officer investigating a missing girl on a remote Scottish island. The islanders practice a neo-pagan religion, leading to a clash of cultures and a shocking climax. The film's exploration of pagan rituals and its atmospheric setting have made it a cult classic. Its themes of nature worship and societal clashes continue to resonate with audiences. The film's unique blend of mystery, horror, and dark humor has ensured its lasting impact on cinema.

In this book, Dan Buettner documents his research on the Blue Zones, areas around the world such as Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece, where people consistently live longer and healthier lives. Buettner identifies nine common lifestyle habits, known as the 'Power 9® principles,' which include moving naturally, having a sense of purpose, reducing stress, eating a plant-based diet, and maintaining strong social connections. The book provides detailed accounts of the research team’s observations and interviews with centenarians and their communities, offering practical advice on how to apply these principles to one’s own life to achieve better health and longevity.

In this book, Henry A. Kissinger, Eric Schmidt, and Craig Mundie explore the epochal challenges and opportunities presented by the revolution in Artificial Intelligence. AI is seen as a force that can address enormous crises such as climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and income inequality, while also posing significant challenges to human judgment, divine relationships, and potentially spurring a new phase in human evolution. The authors chart a course between blind faith and unjustified fear, offering an accessible guide to how AI will shape civilization in the modern era.

This book by Hubert Cunliffe-Jones offers a comprehensive introduction and commentary on the biblical book of Deuteronomy. It is part of the Torch Bible Paperbacks series, which aims to provide scholarly yet accessible interpretations of biblical texts. The commentary delves into the historical, theological, and literary aspects of Deuteronomy, making it a valuable resource for both scholars and general readers interested in biblical studies.

In 'The Woman in Me', Britney Spears shares her personal story of fame, family, and resilience. The memoir chronicles her rise to stardom, her experiences with the pressures of fame, and her battle to break free from a conservatorship that controlled her life. Spears offers candid insights into her relationships, motherhood, and the challenges she faced in the entertainment industry.

The Crown is the fifth book in The Selection series by Kiera Cass. It follows Princess Eadlyn, the first princess of Illéa to hold her own Selection, as she navigates the complexities of royal life and love. Eadlyn must make a choice that will impact her future and the future of her kingdom. The book concludes the series with Eadlyn's character development and her readiness to take on royal responsibilities.

Convicting a Murderer is a documentary series presented by Candace Owens, produced as a rebuttal to the Netflix series 'Making a Murderer'. It argues that Steven Avery is guilty of the murder of Teresa Halbach, contrary to the portrayal in 'Making a Murderer'. The series examines the case and critiques the narrative presented in 'Making a Murderer'.

The title 'Making a Murderer' is associated with a Netflix documentary series about Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey. If you are referring to a different book, please provide more details.

This screenplay by Angelia Beaumont explores the character of Maleficent, offering a unique perspective on the Disney villain. The book provides a detailed script for those interested in the story behind the film. It is part of Beaumont's work on Disney characters, including 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil'.