The best 100 Crises & Scandals books

Crises & Scandals shed light on significant societal challenges and their implications, offering a nuanced view of moments that shape history. Our carefully curated book list delves into these complex narratives to provide a comprehensive understanding of the turmoil and lessons learned.

Embark on a journey through these gripping accounts, unraveling the truth behind pivotal events and their enduring impact. Dive into our collection now and gain profound insights into the depths of human resilience and vulnerability.

The best 100 Crises & Scandals books
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1
Crises & Scandals Books: The Ascent of Money by Niall Ferguson

The Ascent of Money

Niall Ferguson
A Financial History of the World
4.3 (196 ratings)
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00:00

What's The Ascent of Money about?

The Ascent of Money is an explanation of how different historical events led to the development of the current financial system.

It aims to show how, despite its proneness to crises and inequality, the financial system and money itself are drivers of human history and progress.

Who should read The Ascent of Money?

  • Anyone who wants to understand the workings of the financial system
  • People who want to understand why financial crises happen
  • Anyone who wants to know why money is so powerful

2
Crises & Scandals Books: The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker

The Better Angels of Our Nature

Steven Pinker
Why Violence Has Declined
4.5 (103 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Better Angels of Our Nature about?

The Better Angels of Our Nature (2012) takes a close look at the history of violence in human society, explaining both our motivations to use violence on certain occasions and the factors that increasingly restrain us from using it – and how these factors have resulted in massive reductions in violence.

Who should read The Better Angels of Our Nature?

  • Anyone who thinks the world is becoming an increasingly violent place
  • Anyone who’s interested in the forces and reasons that drive us to and keep us from violence
  • Anyone interested in the history of violence in human societies

3
Crises & Scandals Books: Fault Lines by Raghuram G. Rajan

Fault Lines

Raghuram G. Rajan
How Hidden Fractures Still Threaten The World Economy
4.5 (35 ratings)
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00:00

What's Fault Lines about?

In Fault Lines, author Raghuram Rajan unveils the global economy’s hidden fractures that led to the 2008 financial crisis. These blinks show that greedy bankers weren’t the only ones to blame; our economic system had deep systemic flaws as well. Importantly, they outline what we can do as a society to prevent similar crises in the future.

Who should read Fault Lines?

  • Anyone who wants to understand the financial crisis of 2008
  • Anyone curious how future economic crises could be prevented
  • Anyone interested in global economics or international trade

4
Crises & Scandals Books: One of Us by Åsne Seierstad

One of Us

Åsne Seierstad
The Story of Anders Breivik and the Massacre in Norway
4.4 (16 ratings)
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00:00

What's One of Us about?

One of Us (2015) tells the story of Anders Behring Breivik, the Norwegian terrorist who killed 77 people on July 22, 2011. Beginning with Breivik’s personal life and detailing the development of his extremist political views and his planning of the massacre, these blinks give you an unflinching look into the mind of the man who carried out this devastating and senseless attack.

Who should read One of Us?

  • Those curious about the most tragic day in recent Norwegian history
  • People hoping to gain insight into the mind of a terrorist
  • Anyone interested in how dangerous poor police work can be

5
Crises & Scandals Books: Guantánamo Diary by Mohamedou Ould Slahi, edited by Larry Siems

Guantánamo Diary

Mohamedou Ould Slahi, edited by Larry Siems
4.7 (15 ratings)
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00:00

What's Guantánamo Diary about?

Guantánamo Diary (2015) is the edited testimony of a detainee at the Guantánamo Bay detention center in Cuba. These blinks will walk the reader through the story of one man’s interrogation, incarceration and torture at the hands of the US government.

Who should read Guantánamo Diary?

  • People who want an inside look at the notorious US prison on Guantánamo Bay
  • Anyone hoping to learn more about the treatment of American political prisoners
  • Anyone interested in the testimonies and struggles of individuals detained by US authorities

6
Crises & Scandals Books: The Locust Effect by Gary A. Haugen and Victor Boutros

The Locust Effect

Gary A. Haugen and Victor Boutros
Why the End of Poverty Requires the End of Violence
4.5 (24 ratings)
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00:00

What's The Locust Effect about?

The Locust Effect (2014) argues that foreign aid is only useful to developing countries if their impoverished citizens have protection from violence and crime. Without this, aid money is wasted because neither individuals nor businesses are safe to grow. Financial donations should aim to strengthen national criminal justice systems, so countries can serve themselves in the long run.

Who should read The Locust Effect?

  • Students of political science, international relations and foreign policy
  • Donors and sponsors looking to help the developing world
  • Anyone interested in global development

7
Crises & Scandals Books: Ukraine Crisis by Andrew Wilson

Ukraine Crisis

Andrew Wilson
What It Means for the West
4.3 (720 ratings)
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What's Ukraine Crisis about?

Ukraine Crisis (2014) addresses the peaceful protests and violent conflicts that have rocked Ukraine in recent years. This book take a look at the events surrounding the Maidan uprising, the Russian annexation of Crimea and the ongoing conflict in the Donbas. Importantly, the crisis is put into context not just for the future of Ukraine but also how it affects Russia, the European Union and the world.

Who should read Ukraine Crisis?

  • Students and professors of history or politics
  • People interested in contemporary history
  • Anyone curious about the power play between Russia and the West

8
Crises & Scandals Books: Meltdown by Thomas E. Woods, Jr.

Meltdown

Thomas E. Woods, Jr.
A Free-Market Look at Why the Stock Market Collapsed, the Economy Tanked, and Government Bailouts Will Make Things Worse
3.9 (46 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Meltdown about?

Meltdown (2009) gives you a guide to understanding the government regulations which in effect caused the 2008 global financial crisis. These blinks will explain how government spending has and always will worsen economic recessions, and importantly, what needs to be done to save the world economy.

Who should read Meltdown?

  • Students of economics or finance
  • Anyone interested in the causes of the 2008 financial crisis
  • People sick of the meddling of “big government”

9
Crises & Scandals Books: The Only Game In Town by Mohamed A. El-Erian

The Only Game In Town

Mohamed A. El-Erian
Central Banks, Instability, And Avoiding The Next Collapse
4.1 (86 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Only Game In Town about?

The 2008 financial crisis dramatically changed the global economic landscape. Central banks now play a very different role than they did previously, and we now face a set of new economic risks and problems. The Only Game in Town (2016) outlines the roots of these risks and problems, and what we can do to start overcoming them.

Who should read The Only Game In Town?

  • Economists, analysts and bankers
  • Anyone curious about the future of global politics

10
Crises & Scandals Books: The Next Decade by George Friedman

The Next Decade

George Friedman
Empire and Republic in a Changing World
4.0 (93 ratings)
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00:00

What's The Next Decade about?

The Next Decade (2011) offers us a glimpse into the future, exploring the ways in which the United States’ attempts to maintain its dominant position on the international stage will shape events in countries and regions around the world.

Who should read The Next Decade?

  • Students of history or political science
  • Anyone interested in a vivid forecast of the future of international politics
  • Avid readers and news junkies eager for a fresh perspective on foreign affairs

11
Crises & Scandals Books: Makers and Takers by Rana Foroohar

Makers and Takers

Rana Foroohar
The Rise of Finance and the Fall of American Business
4.1 (87 ratings)
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00:00

What's Makers and Takers about?

Makers and Takers (2016) investigates the role of finance in the 2008 crisis and subsequent recession. From the Great Depression onward, these blinks trace the history of loose regulation and blurred boundaries between commercial and investment banking, while highlighting the role of banks, businesses and politicians in the crisis. They also suggest actions the powerful can take to kickstart reform.

Who should read Makers and Takers?

  • Readers curious about the historical background of the 2008 crisis
  • Students of economics and finance
  • Young couples, families and professionals considering their prospects for mortgages and pensions

12
Crises & Scandals Books: The WikiLeaks Files by Julian Assange (introduction)

The WikiLeaks Files

Julian Assange (introduction)
The World According to US Empire
4.3 (37 ratings)
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00:00

What's The WikiLeaks Files about?

The WikiLeaks Files (2015) provides fascinating and digestible insights from WikiLeaks, the organization that came to worldwide prominence with the release of 251,287 US State Department cables in 2010. These blinks paint a bleak picture of an American empire and its machinations.

Who should read The WikiLeaks Files?

  • Global citizens concerned with world affairs
  • Students of political science or international relations
  • Diplomats and others working in civil service

13
Crises & Scandals Books: Austerity by Mark Blyth

Austerity

Mark Blyth
The History of a Dangerous Idea
4.3 (52 ratings)
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00:00

What's Austerity about?

Austerity (2013) cuts through the confusion behind our recent financial crises and reveals what really happens when economists call for a policy of austerity to be implemented. This is when budgets are cut, public funding is slashed and working-class families suffer so that banks can be saved and continue to make billions. Find out what’s really going on and who’s really being protected when your country gets pushed into austerity.

Who should read Austerity?

  • Students of political science and economics
  • Readers who want a better understanding of the recent banking crisis
  • Activists fighting against the top 1 percent

14
Crises & Scandals Books: Barbarians at the Gate by Bryan Burrough, John Helyar

Barbarians at the Gate

Bryan Burrough, John Helyar
The Fall of RJR Nabisco
4.1 (51 ratings)
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00:00

What's Barbarians at the Gate about?

Barbarians at the Gate (1989) tells the story of one of the largest corporate deals in US history, the leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco. These blinks provide a gripping portrait of the extreme and extravagant behavior in corporate America during the 1980s.

Who should read Barbarians at the Gate?

  • Anyone working in finance or business who wants to learn about a legendary deal
  • Citizens appalled by the excesses of corporate America
  • Anyone enthralled by hostile takeovers and cutthroat dealings

15
Crises & Scandals Books: Other People’s Money by John Kay

Other People’s Money

John Kay
The Real Business of Finance
3.9 (81 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Other People’s Money about?

Other People’s Money (2015) offers a detailed breakdown of the financial sector: how it functions, the effect it has on economies and what its purpose should ideally be – as opposed to what its current purpose is. Find out why the international financial sector has become a ruthless mechanism made up of rotten parts, and discover how these parts can be eliminated and, eventually, replaced.

Who should read Other People’s Money?

  • Readers who want to know how the global financial system affects their lives
  • Entrepreneurs looking to understand how finance works
  • Students of economics, history, politics or sociology

16
Crises & Scandals Books: Russian Roulette by Michael Isikoff and David Corn

Russian Roulette

Michael Isikoff and David Corn
The Inside Story of Putin’s War on America and the Election of Donald Trump
4.1 (61 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Russian Roulette about?

Russian Roulette (2018) relates the results of an investigation by two journalists into the Russian interference in the 2016 American presidential election. These include details on Trump’s business ties to Russia, the Russian connections of his campaign team, the Russian hacking of Democratic institutions, the disinformation campaigns on social media and what Russian intelligence might have gathered to compromise Trump. The blinks also tell how the American intelligence community and the Obama administration reacted to the Russian hacking.

Who should read Russian Roulette?

  • News junkies interested in the 2016 US presidential election
  • Concerned citizens who want to know more about Trump’s ties to Russia
  • Students of politics seeking an explanation for why Trump won

17
Crises & Scandals Books: Built by Roma Agrawal

Built

Roma Agrawal
The Hidden Stories Behind Our Structures
4.7 (18 ratings)
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00:00

What's Built about?

Built (2018) tells the story of some of society’s unsung heroes: structural engineers. Sadly, structural engineering tends only to enter the news when something goes wrong, like when a building falls or a bridge collapses. In Built, Agrawal gives a fuller picture of what it means to be an engineer, offering a range of stories and engaging tidbits about the structures of our world and the people who built them.

Who should read Built?

  • People curious about how buildings are made
  • Aspiring structural engineers
  • Students interested in the history of engineering

18
Crises & Scandals Books: Dreamland by Sam Quinones

Dreamland

Sam Quinones
The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic
4.5 (33 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Dreamland about?

Dreamland (2015) tells the story of how the opiate crisis in the United States went from being a problem only among social outcasts and the urban poor to one of the leading causes of accidental deaths in the country. The background and science of the crisis are rooted in socioeconomic factors that are distinctly American.

Who should read Dreamland?

  • Non-Americans left nonplussed by the United States’ opiate problem
  • Health care professionals
  • Policy wonks

19
Crises & Scandals Books: Billion Dollar Whale by Tom Wright and Bradley Hope

Billion Dollar Whale

Tom Wright and Bradley Hope
The Man Who Fooled Wall Street, Hollywood, and the World
4.5 (171 ratings)
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What's Billion Dollar Whale about?

Billion Dollar Whale (2018) is the definitive account of how a quick-witted and calculating Malaysian social climber called Jho Low defrauded a national investment fund and pulled off one of the twenty-first century’s most audacious heists. The fruit of years of painstaking research by two of America’s top investigative journalists, it sheds light on the shadowy workings of a globe-spanning network of swindlers, crooks and hustlers.

Who should read Billion Dollar Whale?

  • True-life story fanatics who love a rip-roaring yarn
  • Would-be detectives with a feel for finance 
  • Number-crunchers, bankers and accountants 

20
Crises & Scandals Books: Crashed by Adam Tooze

Crashed

Adam Tooze
How a Decade of Financial Crises Changed the World
4.4 (138 ratings)
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What's Crashed about?

Crashed (2018) unpacks the metaphorical seismograph to take the measure of an economic earthquake whose tremors can still be felt today – the 2008 financial crisis. Written with an eye to the global effects of what’s now known as the “Great Recession,” Adam Tooze traces the crash’s shockwaves from their epicenter in the American financial markets to their conclusions in Crimea, London, Athens and other geopolitical hotspots.

Who should read Crashed?

  • Economists, policymakers and anyone in financial trading
  • History buffs fascinated by the links between economics and politics
  • Disgruntled citizens wondering how politicians and bankers landed us in such a mess

21
Crises & Scandals Books: The Threat by Andrew G. McCabe

The Threat

Andrew G. McCabe
How the FBI Protects America in the Age of Terror and Trump
3.2 (43 ratings)
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What's The Threat about?

The Threat (2019) offers an inside look at America’s famous nation-wide law enforcement agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation or FBI. Written with the lucid precision you’d expect from a high-ranking former FBI official, this book depicts the organization’s inner workings, details the methods it uses to protect the public, and explains why terrorism and President Donald Trump are currently the nation’s biggest threats.

Who should read The Threat?

  • Law-enforcement buffs wondering how the FBI operates
  • Concerned Americans curious about how the organization protects them
  • Law-abiding citizens seeking to understand the FBI’s biggest challenges today

22
Crises & Scandals Books: Upheaval by Jared Diamond

Upheaval

Jared Diamond
Turning Points for Nations in Crisis
4.3 (385 ratings)
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What's Upheaval about?

Upheaval (2019) takes us through some of modern history’s biggest national crises to find out how each nation ended up in such trouble, and how they managed to get out of it. Looking at seven different nations, author Jared Diamond reveals how some of the same problems and solutions have emerged time and again, whether we’re looking at Chile and Indonesia in the 1970s, or Australia and Germany after WWII.

Who should read Upheaval?

  • History buffs
  • Students of political science
  • Globally minded individuals interested in world affairs

23
Crises & Scandals Books: American Carnage by Tim Alberta

American Carnage

Tim Alberta
On the Front Lines of the Republican Civil War and the Rise of President Trump
4.0 (77 ratings)
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00:00

What's American Carnage about?

American Carnage (2019) details the ideological battle at the heart of the Republican Party over the last decade. From George Bush’s “compassionate conservatism” to the Tea Party’s right-wing fervor, Tim Alberta covers the ideological metamorphosis that led to Donald Trump’s presidency.

Who should read American Carnage?

  • Anyone with an interest in American politics 
  • Budding Washington hacks
  • Those anxious about the rise of the far right

24
Crises & Scandals Books: Mindf*ck by Christopher Wylie

Mindf*ck

Christopher Wylie
Cambridge Analytica and the Plot to Break America
4.5 (140 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Mindf*ck about?

Mindf*ck (2019), written by a whistleblower, tells the story of the largest data crime in history to date. On the eve of the 2016 United States presidential election, consulting firm Cambridge Analytica harvested the Facebook data from 87 million people and used it to conduct a mass disinformation campaign. Now, the full story has finally come to light.

Who should read Mindf*ck?

  • Americans who want to understand Cambridge Analytica’s role in the Trump election
  • Left- and right-wingers feeling increasingly resentful of the other side
  • Brits interested in why the Brexit referendum turned out the way it did

25
Crises & Scandals Books: The Romanovs by Simon Sebag Montefiore

The Romanovs

Simon Sebag Montefiore
1613-1918
4.6 (126 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Romanovs about?

The Romanovs (2016) charts the stunning rise and dramatic fall of one of the world’s great dynasties. The Romanov family helmed the Russian empire for three centuries filled with family dramas, power struggles, political upheaval, and opulent spending.

Who should read The Romanovs?

  • Russophiles and Romanov fans
  • Fans of history with a taste for juicy drama
  • Revolutionaries brushing up on old-school socialist revolts

26
Crises & Scandals Books: The Life You Can Save by Peter Singer

The Life You Can Save

Peter Singer
How to Do Your Part to End World Poverty
4.4 (194 ratings)
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00:00

What's The Life You Can Save about?

The Life You Can Save (2019) is a philosophical exploration of the moral implications of poverty. This provocative treatise asks us to consider if we’re truly doing our part to end human suffering.

Who should read The Life You Can Save?

  • Sensitive souls wanting to help the least fortunate
  • Hardened cynics skeptical of any charities
  • Anyone interested in probing the human condition

27
Crises & Scandals Books: The Lincoln Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch

The Lincoln Conspiracy

Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch
The Secret Plot to Kill America's 16th President – and Why It Failed
4.6 (66 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Lincoln Conspiracy about?

The Lincoln Conspiracy (2020) tells the story of the first assassination attempt on America’s 16th president – before he was even president. Organized by a secret cabal of pro-slavery Southern secessionists, the plot was foiled by famous private detective Allan Pinkerton, as well as Kate Warne, one of his agents, and the first female detective in America.

Who should read The Lincoln Conspiracy?

  • Civil War fanatics
  • Lincoln geeks
  • Anyone interested in the story of abolitionism

28
Crises & Scandals Books: Isaac's Storm by Erik Larson

Isaac's Storm

Erik Larson
A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History
4.2 (34 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Isaac's Storm about?

Isaac’s Storm (1999) is a gripping account of the hurricane that devastated Galveston, Texas on September 8, 1900. Just as Galveston was becoming a world-class city, a storm arrived with little warning and crushed many of the community’s hopes and ambitions.

Who should read Isaac's Storm?

  • Anyone moved by the indomitable power of nature
  • Fans of historical nonfiction
  • Storm chasers

29
Crises & Scandals Books: The Deficit Myth by Stephanie Kelton

The Deficit Myth

Stephanie Kelton
Modern Monetary Theory and the Birth of the People's Economy
3.8 (260 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Deficit Myth about?

The Deficit Myth (2020) lays out the basic tenets of Modern Monetary Theory. This unconventional approach to economics asks us to reexamine how we think about budgets, scarcity, and even money itself.

Who should read The Deficit Myth?

  • Political junkies seeking a hot new take
  • Amateur economists looking to learn more
  • Anyone who has ever asked, “But how are we going to pay for it?”

30
Crises & Scandals Books: Austerity by Alberto Alesina, Carlo Favero and Francesco Giavazzi

Austerity

Alberto Alesina, Carlo Favero and Francesco Giavazzi
When It Works and When It Doesn't
3.9 (40 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Austerity about?

Austerity (2019) uses data analysis to look at one of the most controversial topics in economics today. An analysis of several countries’ austerity policies over the past several decades reveals that cutting spending can actually help the economy expand.

Who should read Austerity?

  • Economists keen to learn more about austerity
  • Politicians looking to brush up on their economics
  • Anyone who wants to understand the numbers behind government policy

31
Crises & Scandals Books: Fake Law by The Secret Barrister

Fake Law

The Secret Barrister
The Truth About Justice in an Age of Lies
4.7 (35 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Fake Law about?

Fake Law (2020) examines the truth behind some of Britain’s most infamous crimes and criminal trials. Packed with insights into how the law really works, these blinks explore the disconnect between the reality of the justice system, and how it’s portrayed in the media.

Who should read Fake Law?

  • True crime fans
  • Law students looking for a fresh perspective
  • Anyone interested in current affairs

32
Crises & Scandals Books: Compromised by Peter Strzok

Compromised

Peter Strzok
Counterintelligence and the Threat of Donald J. Trump
4.0 (43 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Compromised about?

Compromised (2020) is an inside account of the FBI’s handling of the now-famous Midyear Exam and Crossfire Hurricane investigations concerning Hillary Clinton and the Trump campaign, respectively. It tackles partisan media and White House accusations head-on, from the point of view of a person at the center of it all.

Who should read Compromised?

  • Politically engaged Americans on both sides of the aisle
  • Those who have been exposed to conflicting narratives about the FBI
  • Curious followers of current events and politics

33
Crises & Scandals Books: Our Malady by Timothy Snyder

Our Malady

Timothy Snyder
Lessons in Liberty from a Hospital Diary
3.5 (234 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Our Malady about?

Our Malady (2020) explores why the American health care system not only fails to keep people healthy but also denies their freedom. It identifies the shortcomings of the present system, the dire ramifications, and why other countries don’t suffer the same fate.

Who should read Our Malady?

  • Truth-seeking Americans
  • Health-care personnel
  • The politically curious

34
Crises & Scandals Books: Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy by Joseph Schumpeter

Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy

Joseph Schumpeter
Essential analysis on where the world economy is headed
4.2 (651 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy about?

Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy (1942) is a seminal work of economics. Its ideas have proven prophetic, and remain relevant to this day. It claims that capitalism will ultimately be eroded by the very processes that define it. It also explains the differences between capitalism and socialism and their relationship to democracy, and helps readers understand the role of entrepreneurship and creative destruction in modern capitalism.

Who should read Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy?

  • Students of the social sciences
  • Those interested in politics, economy, and their histories
  • Critical thinkers curious about the future of capitalism

35
Crises & Scandals Books: Flash Crash by Liam Vaughan

Flash Crash

Liam Vaughan
A Trading Savant, a Global Manhunt, and the Most Mysterious Market Crash in History
4.4 (80 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Flash Crash about?

Flash Crash (2020) tells the story of the “Hound of Hounslow,” Navinder Singh Sarao, a British man accused of triggering the sudden and dramatic stock market crash of 2010. This is a detailed and fast-paced tale of global fraud and quixotic dreams.

Who should read Flash Crash?

  • Those with an interest in financial fraud and daring swindles 
  • Fans of gripping investigative journalism
  • Anyone who follows global finance

36
Crises & Scandals Books: American Kompromat by Craig Unger

American Kompromat

Craig Unger
How the KGB Cultivated Donald Trump, and Related Tales of Sex, Greed, Power, and Treachery
4.0 (76 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's American Kompromat about?

American Kompromat (2021) tells the dark and unsettling tale of how the Russian KGB began cultivating Donald Trump as an asset –⁠ and then hit the jackpot when he became the president of the United States. Drawing connections between Trump, Jeffrey Epstein, and a mysterious Catholic sect called Opus Dei, it explores the reasons why Trump repeatedly did Putin’s bidding –⁠ and who enabled him to do so.

Who should read American Kompromat?

  • Americans trying to make sense of Trump’s connection to Russia
  • Fans of political gossip and conspiracies
  • Citizens concerned about how politicians and businessmen weaponize their power

37
Crises & Scandals Books: The Cult of We by Eliot Brown and Maureen Farrell

The Cult of We

Eliot Brown and Maureen Farrell
WeWork, Adam Neumann, and the Great Startup Delusion
4.2 (128 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Cult of We about?

The Cult of We (2021) tells the story of how the office-space company WeWork became the world’s most valued startup – only to come crashing down a few years later. Written by the reporters who broke the story of WeWork’s disastrous downfall in 2019, it explores WeWork's trajectory through a journalistic and financial lens, demonstrating how the most prominent investors in the world were blinded to the company’s risks for nearly a decade.

Who should read The Cult of We?

  • People interested in economics
  • Startup and entrepreneurship enthusiasts
  • Anyone curious about startup financing

38
Crises & Scandals Books: Google Leaks by Zach Vorhies and Kent Hecklively

Google Leaks

Zach Vorhies and Kent Hecklively
A Whistleblower's Exposé of Big Tech Censorship
3.5 (348 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Google Leaks about?

Google Leaks (2021) is the no-holds-barred story of one former Google employee, who claims that the search giant has been corrupted by political bias and is pursuing a course of deliberate online censorship. It details the author’s journey after Donald Trump’s election from satisfied employee to unflinching corporate whistleblower .

Who should read Google Leaks?

  • Tech lovers concerned by the the growth of online megacorporations 
  • Political aficionados interested in the years of Trump’s presidency
  • Free-speech advocates concerned by the erosion of civil liberties

39
Crises & Scandals Books: Mission Economy by Mariana Mazzucato

Mission Economy

Mariana Mazzucato
A Moonshot Guide to Changing Capitalism
4.0 (214 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Mission Economy about?

Mission Economy (2021) explains how we can rethink our approaches toward government and capitalism through the concept of missions – huge, ambitious projects that inspire people across society to think big. These blinks show how we can change the world by taking inspiration from one of the most famous missions of all: the moon landing.

Who should read Mission Economy?

  • Visionary thinkers who want to transform society
  • Economists and politics fans in search of bold new ideas
  • Critics of capitalism who want to see change

40
Crises & Scandals Books: Economic Facts and Fallacies by Thomas Sowell

Economic Facts and Fallacies

Thomas Sowell
3.4 (785 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Economic Facts and Fallacies about?

Economic Facts and Fallacies (2008) takes some common assumptions about economics and politics and reveals them as fallacies. It’s only by facing uncomfortable truths, the book argues, that we can begin to solve the problems in front of us.

Who should read Economic Facts and Fallacies?

  • Those interested in politics and economics
  • Anyone looking for a contrary perspective
  • Libertarians and conservatives

41
Crises & Scandals Books: The Hundred Years' War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi

The Hundred Years' War on Palestine

Rashid Khalidi
A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017
4.2 (421 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Hundred Years' War on Palestine about?

The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine (2020) is a detailed and rigorous look at one of the most misunderstood regions of the world. This timely text chronicles Palestinian history from the perspective of Palestinians. 

Who should read The Hundred Years' War on Palestine?

  • Outsiders keen to learn Palestine’s complex history
  • Zionists open to alternative perspectives on the Israel-Palestine conflict
  • Anyone seeking to understand current events in the Middle East

42
Crises & Scandals Books: Richard Nixon by John A. Farrell

Richard Nixon

John A. Farrell
The Life
4.3 (116 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Richard Nixon about?

Richard Nixon: The Life (2017) is a thorough biography of one of the most controversial American presidents. Tracing Nixon’s life from his humble upbringing through his meteoric political ascent to his crashing downfall in the Watergate scandal, it reveals a complex, troubled, and sentimental man.

Who should read Richard Nixon?

  • US-politics aficionados
  • Biography enthusiasts who love a scandal
  • People looking to deepen their knowledge of American history

43
Crises & Scandals Books: Lessons from the Titans by Scott Davis

Lessons from the Titans

Scott Davis
What Companies in the New Economy Can Learn from the Great Industrial Giants to Drive Sustainable Success
4.2 (48 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Lessons from the Titans about?

Lessons from the Titans (2020) tells the stories of ten industrial companies in the United States. From General Electric to Boeing, Honeywell to United Rentals, it looks at which strategic decisions led to success and which disastrous missteps created new obstacles. By analyzing the past performance of such legendary businesses, it offers greater insight into which companies today will stick around – and which won’t. 

Who should read Lessons from the Titans?

  • Business gurus fascinated by economic shifts
  • Entrepreneurs looking to future-proof their companies
  • Economists curious about market shifts

44
Crises & Scandals Books: After the Fall by Ben Rhodes

After the Fall

Ben Rhodes
Being American in the World We've Made
3.9 (232 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's After the Fall about?

After the Fall (2021) takes a sobering look at the rise of nationalism and authoritarianism in places like Hungary, China, Russia, and the United States of America. It examines how the standing and influence of the US changed in the years following the Cold War, and how this has led to the current challenges facing democracy around the world. 

Who should read After the Fall?

  • Political junkies
  • Fans of democracy
  • Students of modern history

45
Crises & Scandals Books: Navalny by Jan Matti Dollbaum, Morvan Lallouet and Ben Noble

Navalny

Jan Matti Dollbaum, Morvan Lallouet and Ben Noble
Putin's Nemesis, Russia's Future?
4.4 (293 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Navalny about?

Navalny (2021) is an in-depth look at the life and politics of Russian politician Alexei Navalny. This biography details how Navalny rose to prominence and what plans he has for Russia’s future.

Who should read Navalny?

  • Outsiders seeking to understand life in Russia 
  • Political thinkers keen to grasp the concept of power in a post-USSR world
  • All those invested in the future of world governance

46
Crises & Scandals Books: An Ugly Truth by Sheera Frenkel and Cecilia Kang

An Ugly Truth

Sheera Frenkel and Cecilia Kang
Inside Facebook's Battle for Domination
4.0 (267 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's An Ugly Truth about?

An Ugly Truth (2021) is a critical look behind the scenes of Facebook. This in-depth investigation reveals the politics and personalities animating the rise and subsequent missteps of this controversial social media behemoth.

Who should read An Ugly Truth?

  • Internet addicts looking to understand cyberspace
  • Political junkies addicted to their News Feed
  • Anyone who has ever logged on to social media

47
Crises & Scandals Books: Killing the Mob by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

Killing the Mob

Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard
The Fight Against Organized Crime in America
4.5 (332 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Killing the Mob about?

Killing the Mob (2021) explores America’s uneasy relationship with organized crime. It exposes the shocking influence of the Mafia on twentieth-century history and culture and reveals the outrageous exploits of America’s most notorious gangsters.

Who should read Killing the Mob?

  • True crime lovers
  • gangster movie aficionados
  • History buffs looking for a different angle

48
Crises & Scandals Books: The Reckoning by Mary L. Trump

The Reckoning

Mary L. Trump
Our Nation's Trauma and Finding a Way to Heal
3.2 (217 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Reckoning about?

The Reckoning (2021) is an unflinching look at contemporary American society. This sharp treatise draws informative connections between the nation’s traumas and its current issues.

Who should read The Reckoning?

  • Voters struggling to understand the contemporary political landscape
  • Citizens concerned about the future of their country
  • Anyone interested in a critical analysis of American society

49
Crises & Scandals Books: The Gates of Europe by Serhii Plokhy

The Gates of Europe

Serhii Plokhy
A History of Ukraine
4.3 (291 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Gates of Europe about?

The Gates of Europe (2015) offers a compelling overview of the history of Ukraine, a nation which lies between the East and the West. Due to this unique geographic position, Ukraine has been fought over and subjugated by a long line of imperial forces throughout history. Indeed, the history of Ukraine is one of the most important facets in the history of Europe.

Who should read The Gates of Europe?

  • History buffs
  • People curious about Russian-Ukrainian relations
  • Anyone interested in democracy

50
Crises & Scandals Books: How to Prevent the Next Pandemic by Bill Gates

How to Prevent the Next Pandemic

Bill Gates
3.8 (248 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's How to Prevent the Next Pandemic about?

How to Prevent the Next Pandemic (2022) is a blueprint for the international pandemic prevention plan the world sorely needs. Learning from the mistakes of the Covid 19 pandemic, Gates lays down a series of steps governments need to take if we’re to protect ourselves and ensure another global health catastrophe of this scale never happens again.

Who should read How to Prevent the Next Pandemic?

  • Casual science readers with an interest in epidemiology
  • Business leaders and philanthropists looking for good places to invest
  • Anyone who doesn’t want to live through another Covid 19

51
Crises & Scandals Books: I Alone Can Fix It by Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker

I Alone Can Fix It

Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker
Donald J. Trump's Catastrophic Final Year
3.8 (100 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's I Alone Can Fix It about?

I Alone Can Fix It (2021) is the definitive behind-the-scenes account of Donald Trump’s final 12 months in the White House. Drawing on in-depth interviews with participants in the drama, it charts how a president who was on course for reelection ended up presiding over a doomed and bloody attempt to cling on to power. Along the way, it reveals the thinking behind Trump’s dysfunctional responses to the coronavirus pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement. 

Who should read I Alone Can Fix It?

  • Politics buffs
  • Current affairs junkies
  • Americanophiles

52
Crises & Scandals Books: Perversion of Justice by Julie K. Brown

Perversion of Justice

Julie K. Brown
The Jeffrey Epstein Story
4.5 (39 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Perversion of Justice about?

Perversion of Justice (2021) reveals how a reporter for the Miami Herald broke the story behind Jeffrey Epstein’s sex crimes and the scandalous deal he got from the US justice system in 2008. It explains the history of the case, how the mysterious financier was able to escape justice for so long, and the important questions that remain unanswered.

Who should read Perversion of Justice?

  • Anyone curious how a serial sex offender can elude punishment
  • Fans of true crime investigations
  • People interested in the ongoing mystery behind Epstein and his accomplices

53
Crises & Scandals Books: Shutdown by Adam Tooze

Shutdown

Adam Tooze
How Covid Shook the World's Economy
3.4 (96 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Shutdown about?

Shutdown (2021) explores the unprecedented shock COVID-19 dealt the world economy. The story begins with the revelation of the disease in January 2020 by Chinese President Xi Jinping and ends precisely a year later with the inauguration of US President Joe Biden, and through this history, Shutdown shows how markets and governments reeled from the blow, how they regained their footing, and what we might learn for the next worldwide crisis. 

Who should read Shutdown?

  • News junkies and history buffs alike
  • Those who know that economic policy matters
  • Anyone seeking perspective on our tumultuous times

54
Crises & Scandals Books: The American War in Afghanistan by Carter Malkasian

The American War in Afghanistan

Carter Malkasian
A History
3.9 (128 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The American War in Afghanistan about?

The American War in Afghanistan (2021) is an in-depth look at one of the defining conflicts of the twenty-first century. This exhaustively-researched analysis dives into the details of this protracted and complex military occupation.

Who should read The American War in Afghanistan?

  • Engaged citizens keen to keep up with current events
  • Civilians seeking insight into military matters 
  • Anyone eager to understand a complex conflict

55
Crises & Scandals Books: Crypto Wars by Erica Stanford

Crypto Wars

Erica Stanford
Faked Deaths, Missing Billions, and Industry Disruption
4.2 (208 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Crypto Wars about?

Crypto Wars: Faked Deaths, Missing Billions, and Industry Disruption (2021) lifts the lid on some of the cryptosphere’s most audacious scams and notorious scandals. From the missing cryptoqueen, Dr. Ruja Ignatova, to the tech whiz kid who – according to his creditors, at least – faked his own death, Crypto Wars shares this secretive industry’s most compelling stories.

Who should read Crypto Wars?

  • Crypto enthusiasts after the inside dirt on some of the market’s biggest scams
  • Interested investors who want a rundown of the red flags in the crypto world
  • Anyone who’s ever wondered if they could make a cool million – or billion – in crypto

56
Crises & Scandals Books: Founding Brothers by Joseph J. Ellis

Founding Brothers

Joseph J. Ellis
The Revolutionary Generation
4.6 (228 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Founding Brothers about?

Founding Brothers (2002) complicates and enriches our understanding of the American revolution. The men who founded America lived and worked in uncertain times. The future was far from certain, and even the truths they held to be self-evident often led to strikingly different conclusions. But they clung to one another – as friends, as rivals, and even as enemies. Together, they formed a fraternity of remarkable minds that could collectively solve the problems each of them on their own could not.

Who should read Founding Brothers?

  • History buffs
  • Americanophiles 
  • Anyone who loves stories

57
Crises & Scandals Books: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Where the Crawdads Sing

Delia Owens
4.8 (117 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Where the Crawdads Sing about?

Where the Crawdads Sing (2018) is a coming-of-age story that seamlessly blends into a murder mystery and an ode to nature. A reminder that we are forever shaped by our childhoods, it recounts the early life of a remarkable girl, Kya, and her transformation into an equally remarkable young woman.

Who should read Where the Crawdads Sing?

  • Nature lovers
  • Poets and scientists
  • Anyone who loves gripping stories

58
Crises & Scandals Books: The January 6th Report by Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol

The January 6th Report

Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol
3.7 (221 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The January 6th Report about?

The January 6th Report (2022) is the official Congressional report into the storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. The report confirms that Donald Trump, the outgoing president, was the root cause of the attack on the Capitol, and the committee recommended that he broke numerous laws in the process and should be brought to justice.

Who should read The January 6th Report?

  • News addicts who were gripped by the events of January 6
  • Politics enthusiasts
  • Anyone with an interest in democracy – and its limits

59
Crises & Scandals Books: Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe

Empire of Pain

Patrick Radden Keefe
The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty
4.5 (68 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Empire of Pain about?

Empire of Pain (2021) follows the rise and fall of the elusive Sacklers, the billionaire family behind Purdue Pharma. Its blockbuster drug, OxyContin, was aggressively marketed as safe, but would go on to spur a devastating opioid crisis that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Yet the Sacklers’ fortress of lawyers, political connections and a philanthropic name would, time and again, protect them from responsibility.

Who should read Empire of Pain?

  • Current affairs enthusiasts
  • Lovers of family dynasty dramas
  • Anyone wanting to understand the opioid crisis

60
Crises & Scandals Books: Dear America by Graham Allen

Dear America

Graham Allen
Live Like It's 9/12
3.4 (196 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Dear America about?

Dear America (2021) is a call to action for Americans. It implores them to unite despite differences – and preserve their nation before it’s too late.

Who should read Dear America?

  • Americans of all political stripes
  • Anyone interested in US history
  • People intent on preserving free speech and diversity of thought

61
Crises & Scandals Books: Adrift by Scott Galloway

Adrift

Scott Galloway
America in 100 Charts
4.3 (317 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Adrift about?

Adrift (2022) argues that the United States is flailing, despite all its success and global dominance since World War II. It’s a country struggling to adapt to revolutionary changes in technology, facing deep economic and political divisions and threats of extremism, and quickly losing ground to rivals like China. Despite all of this, Scott Galloway still sees reason for hope, but first lays out what he sees as the biggest challenges facing the nation. 

Who should read Adrift?

  • Those who feel overwhelmed by the anger and divisiveness on social media
  • Investors who want to understand an evolving market
  • People wondering if higher education is worth their time

62
Crises & Scandals Books: The Cold War by Robert J. McMahon

The Cold War

Robert J. McMahon
A Very Short Introduction
4.6 (240 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Cold War about?

The Cold War (2003) provides an overview of the conflict that defined the second half of the twentieth century. Beginning in the immediate aftermath of World War Two, it traces the Cold War’s development through the rest of the century, laying out its underlying causes and overall contours.

Who should read The Cold War?

  • History buffs
  • Students of military strategy and foreign relations 
  • Those who want to understand one of the twentieth century’s defining conflicts

63
Crises & Scandals Books: Killing the Killers by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

Killing the Killers

Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard
The Secret War Against Terrorists
3.9 (266 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Killing the Killers about?

Killing the Killers (2022) takes you deep into the global war on terror. As it examines the role of Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, it moves through all the theaters of action including Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Iran, and Afghanistan. It’s the eleventh book in the best-selling Killing series.

Who should read Killing the Killers?

  • Fans of the Killing series
  • History buffs interested in the war on terror
  • Lovers of dramatic story-telling

64
Crises & Scandals Books: Pegasus by Laurent Richard and Sandrine Rigaud

Pegasus

Laurent Richard and Sandrine Rigaud
How a Spy in Our Pocket Threatens the End of Privacy, Dignity, and Democracy
4.3 (293 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Pegasus about?

Pegasus (2023) follows the thrilling, worldwide investigation into one of the most powerful and insidious pieces of cyber surveillance software known to date. Beginning with a massive data leak to a small, independent news outlet, it tells the story of how Pegasus came to be, the hundreds of innocent individuals who have had their privacy taken away by it, and the global team of reporters and editors who risked everything to bring the story to light.

Who should read Pegasus?

  • Followers of the Pegasus Project and other cyber security international bombshells like the Panama Papers, or Wikileaks.
  • Fans of investigative journalism who want to know the stories behind the reports that shake the world.
  • Anyone who owns a phone and wants to know just how fragile their privacy really is.

65
Crises & Scandals Books: The Gun Debate by Philip J. Cook and Kristin A. Goss

The Gun Debate

Philip J. Cook and Kristin A. Goss
What Everyone Needs to Know®
3.8 (181 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Gun Debate about?

The Gun Debate (2014) conveys a clear picture of how firearms are bought, sold, used, and policed in the US. It lists and fact-checks a number of key arguments used by both pro and anti-gun campaigners in the ongoing debate about the parameters of gun control across the country.

Who should read The Gun Debate?

  • People who want facts – not opinions – about firearms and their use in the US
  • Americans seeking to better understand the current system of gun control
  • Anyone curious about America’s unique relationship with firearms

66
Crises & Scandals Books: Inflation Matters by Pete Comley

Inflation Matters

Pete Comley
Inflationary Wave Theory, Its Impact on Inflation Past and Present ... and the Deflation Yet to Come
4.4 (278 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Inflation Matters about?

Inflation Matters (2015) takes what’s often presented as a dense and complicated –⁠ not to mention boring –⁠ subject and turns it into something anyone can understand. Using simple, clear explanations, it presents the reasons why inflation exists, what and who perpetuates it, and how it impacts both the economy and society as a whole. Analyzing historical trends, it also presents a theory that inflation tends to follow a wavelike pattern over time –⁠ but that it doesn’t necessarily need to remain that way.

Who should read Inflation Matters?

  • People concerned about rising inflation and what it means for them
  • Amateur investors and economists
  • Anyone who wants to become more economically and financially literate

67
Crises & Scandals Books: If You Tell by Gregg Olsen

If You Tell

Gregg Olsen
A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood
4.2 (22 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's If You Tell about?

If You Tell (2019) details the story of Michelle “Shelly” Knotek, the mother of three daughters who subjected her family to an ongoing nightmare of abuse and torture. Those who got close to Shelly had a way of succumbing to her methods of manipulation and control. For some, it meant their death.

Who should read If You Tell?

  • True crime fanatics
  • Anyone interested in stories of incredible resilience
  • People curious about the psychology of serial killers

68
Crises & Scandals Books: The Fourth Turning by William Strauss and Neil Howe

The Fourth Turning

William Strauss and Neil Howe
An American Prophecy
4.5 (355 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Fourth Turning about?

The Fourth Turning (1997) presents a fascinating picture of history, past, present, and future. Though the people of modern Western societies tend to view history as a linear process, the reality might instead be cyclical, repeated regularly and predictably. By studying the ways in which history does indeed repeat itself, we can better prepare ourselves for what is likely to come in the future.

Who should read The Fourth Turning?

  • History buffs
  • Devotees of American politics
  •  Future predictors

69
Crises & Scandals Books: Power Failure by William D. Cohan

Power Failure

William D. Cohan
The Rise and Fall of an American Icon
4.4 (232 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Power Failure about?

Power Failure (2022) details the rise and fall of General Electric – once a great success story of international business.  But its legacy went badly awry, as even casual consumers of business news will remember. Power Failure: The Rise and Fall of an American Icon (2022) gives a startlingly detailed account inside the behemoth corporation, examining what went right – and then wrong.

Who should read Power Failure?

  • Anyone interested in the inside workings of business
  • Leaders who want to learn from the experience of CEOs going through difficult times 
  • Employees who want to better understand the forces at play inside the companies that dictate their future

70
Crises & Scandals Books: Money Men by Dan McCrum

Money Men

Dan McCrum
A Hot Startup, A Billion Dollar Fraud, A Fight for the Truth
4.5 (55 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Money Men about?

Money Men (2022) is the astonishing story of the rise and fall of Wirecard. Once described as the PayPal of Europe, it took a small group of analysts, whistleblowers, and the tenacity of one journalist to finally bring this house of cards down.

Who should read Money Men?

  • Financial crime die-hards
  • Lovers of all things stranger-than-fiction
  • Cautious investors

71
Crises & Scandals Books: MegaThreats by Nouriel Roubini

MegaThreats

Nouriel Roubini
Ten Dangerous Trends That Imperil Our Future, and How to Survive Them
3.9 (392 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's MegaThreats about?

MegaThreats (2022) delves into the ten most pressing potential threats to humanity's future. The author examines the evidence and potential consequences for each threat, questioning whether we are doing enough to prevent or prepare for them.

Who should read MegaThreats?

  • Futurists
  • Students of economics
  • Doomsday preppers

72
Crises & Scandals Books: Never Give an Inch by Mike Pompeo

Never Give an Inch

Mike Pompeo
Fighting for the America I Love
3.8 (47 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Never Give an Inch about?

Never Give an Inch (2022) gives insight into US foreign policy during the Trump administration. Pompeo, the former Secretary of State, outlines his personal beliefs, candidly discusses his views on international politics, and reflects on challenges and successes from his time in the State Department.

Who should read Never Give an Inch?

  • Republicans
  • People who want to know more about the Trump administration
  • Anyone who’s interested in US and international politics

73
Crises & Scandals Books: Spare by Prince Harry

Spare

Prince Harry
4.1 (677 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Spare about?

Spare (2023) is Prince Harry’s highly anticipated memoir, which offers unprecedented insight into life as a royal. With remarkable candor, Harry reflects on his mother’s death, his complex relationships with other family members, and his battles with the press.

Who should read Spare?

  • Fans of the British royal family
  • People who have mixed feelings about the royal family
  • Anyone who wants to know Harry’s side of the story

74
Crises & Scandals Books: Unscripted by James B Stewart and Rachel Abrams

Unscripted

James B Stewart and Rachel Abrams
The Epic Battle for a Media Empire and the Redstone Family Legacy
3.8 (29 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Unscripted about?

Unscripted (2023) is the outrageous true story of Sumner Redstone, the former chairman and controlling shareholder of ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global). It focuses on the eventful final years of Redstone’s life, as well as the downfall of his successor at CBS, Les Moonves.

Who should read Unscripted?

  • Fans of TV dramas like Succession
  • People who enjoy juicy nonfiction and true crime
  • Anyone who wants a behind-the-scenes glimpse of corporate America

75
Crises & Scandals Books: I Am the Storm by Janice Dean

I Am the Storm

Janice Dean
Inspiring Stories of People Who Fight Against Overwhelming Odds
4.1 (39 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's I Am the Storm about?

I Am the Storm (2023) is an inspiring dive into what it takes to stand as a David against a Goliath. From a single gymnast who took on a whole abusive system, to a grieving mother who chose to tackle the US opioid epidemic head on, it shows that anyone can make a stand for what they believe in, no matter how big their opponent may seem.

Who should read I Am the Storm?

  • Anyone looking for inspiration to face the challenges in their life
  • People sick of big organizations acting with impunity
  • Believers in the strength of human will

76
Crises & Scandals Books: Flash Boys by Michael Lewis

Flash Boys

Michael Lewis
A Wall Street Revolt
3.9 (225 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Flash Boys about?

Flash Boys (2014) is an investigation into the dark underbelly of the US financial markets. It also chronicles the birth of a new stock exchange, the IEX, created to counteract a rigged system that was facilitated by technological loopholes and a lack of transparency.

Who should read Flash Boys?

  • Anyone who’s ever invested in the stock market
  • People interested in stories of financial corruption
  • Fans of underdogs who fight the system

77
Crises & Scandals Books: Prosperity by Colin Mayer

Prosperity

Colin Mayer
Better Business Makes the Greater Good
4.1 (153 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Prosperity about?

Prosperity (2018) examines how business thinking has led to our current state of social, political, and environmental disaster. Drawing on historical, legal, and economic knowledge, it presents a radical new framework in which both corporations and the broader community can flourish together.

Who should read Prosperity?

  • Business leaders and company directors
  • MBA students
  • Economic policy developers wanting to fix our broken system

78
Crises & Scandals Books: Thirteen Days by Robert F. Kennedy

Thirteen Days

Robert F. Kennedy
A Memoir Of The Cuban Missile Crisis
3.4 (100 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Thirteen Days about?

Thirteen Days (1969) offers an inside look into the Cuban Missile Crisis, revealing the intense deliberations and decision-making processes of the U.S. government at the time. It chronicles the 13-day standoff between the U.S. and the Soviet Union that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. Through its pages, readers gain insight into the high-stakes diplomacy and behind-the-scenes actions that took place during this critical period.

Who should read Thirteen Days?

  • History buffs eager to delve deeper into the Cuban Missile Crisis
  • Political enthusiasts curious about U.S. decision-making during crises
  • Those intrigued by pivotal moments in twentieth-century history

79
Crises & Scandals Books: Prepared by Mike Glover

Prepared

Mike Glover
A Manual for Surviving Worst-Case Scenarios
4.3 (186 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Prepared about?

"Prepared" (2023) argues that true preparedness goes beyond stockpiling supplies and involves building resilient habits to increase stress tolerance, situational awareness, and the ability to respond effectively during crises.It offers practical advice on overcoming disaster and emergency.

Who should read Prepared?

  • Those interested in learning survival skills 
  • Parents who wish to protect their family in case of emergencies
  • Anyone who wants to be truly prepared for accidents, disasters, grid failures, and more

80
Crises & Scandals Books: King by Jonathan Eig

King

Jonathan Eig
A Life
4.6 (155 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's King about?

King (2023) is a compelling biography of Martin Luther King. It tells the story of a man, not a saint, who had a remarkable career. His life was cut short at the age of 39, but in his 13-year career King’s vision of a United States based on equality and justice for all, lives on.

Who should read King?

  • History lovers particularly interested in the history of social justice movements
  • Civil rights activists and advocates inspired by King’s life and strategies
  • Inspiration seekers wanting to learn from a story of struggle, resilience, and monumental impact

81
Crises & Scandals Books: Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane

Small Mercies

Dennis Lehane
A Novel
4.2 (79 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Small Mercies about?

Small Mercies (2023) is an intense thriller that takes place in Boston in 1974, when the city’s busing crisis was just getting started. The story centers around a single mother in the neighborhood of South Boston, whose daughter goes missing on the same night a Black man is found dead under suspicious circumstances.

Who should read Small Mercies?

  • Fans of historical fiction
  • Crime drama aficionados
  • Anyone craving a suspenseful story

82
Crises & Scandals Books: Easy Money by Ben McKenzie with Jacob Silverman

Easy Money

Ben McKenzie with Jacob Silverman
Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud
3.6 (126 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Easy Money about?

Easy Money (2023) offers a riveting exploration into the chaotic realm of cryptocurrency, tracing its exhilarating ascent and dramatic descent. Through captivating accounts of traders, visionaries, and whistleblowers, the narrative unravels the intricate web of ambition, naiveté, and deceit that pervades the crypto sphere, providing a comprehensive insight into a world where promise meets uncertainty.

Who should read Easy Money?

  • Cryptocurrency enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive dive into the industry's controversial aspects
  • Investors looking to understand the underlying risks and narratives within the crypto realm
  • Skeptics curious about the validity and sustainability of digital currencies

83
Crises & Scandals Books: Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton

Birnam Wood

Eleanor Catton
A Novel
4.2 (12 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Birnam Wood about?

Birnam Wood (2023) is an engrossing thriller about what happens when a group of idealistic activists cross paths with the wrong venture capitalist. What looks like an amazing opportunity soon turns into a deadly nightmare, full of lies, cover-ups, and dangerous bedfellows.

Who should read Birnam Wood?

  • Fans of suspenseful stories
  • People interested in modern eco-thrillers
  • Anyone looking for a novel filled with surprises, twists, and turns

84
Crises & Scandals Books: All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby

All the Sinners Bleed

S. A. Cosby
A Novel
4.2 (14 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's All the Sinners Bleed about?

All the Sinners Bleed (2023) is a work of crime fiction, focused on main character Titus Crown’s efforts to investigate several recent killings in his hometown. To solve the crime, Crown must contend with the town’s racist history, a far-right group, and a long-undiscovered serial killer.

Who should read All the Sinners Bleed?

  • Anyone interested in an action-filled crime novel
  • Readers looking to explore the lingering effects of racism in the American South 
  • Fans of modern-day noir fiction

85
Crises & Scandals Books: When McKinsey Comes to Town by Walt Bogdanich and Michael Forsythe

When McKinsey Comes to Town

Walt Bogdanich and Michael Forsythe
The Hidden Influence of the World's Most Powerful Consulting Firm
4.1 (365 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's When McKinsey Comes to Town about?

When McKinsey Comes to Town (2022) is a riveting deep dive into how the world’s most powerful consulting firm fosters inequality, corruption, and global instability. It examines McKinsey’s ties to controversial industries and governments, and reveals the stark contrast between the firm’s lofty values and its actions – from incentivizing opioid prescriptions to supporting authoritarian regimes. 

Who should read When McKinsey Comes to Town?

  • Anyone interested in politics and policy
  • Fans of investigative journalism
  • Leaders trying to avoid similar missteps

86
Crises & Scandals Books: To Dye For by Alden Wicker

To Dye For

Alden Wicker
How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Sick
4.3 (37 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's To Dye For about?

To Dye For (2023) exposes how the fashion industry harms human health and exploits workers through its use of toxic dyes and lack of supply chain transparency. It delves into the environmental and human costs behind our clothes, while also spotlighting companies innovating health-conscious dyes and production methods. Ultimately, it challenges consumers to make informed choices in order to pressure brands to clean up one of the world’s dirtiest industries.

Who should read To Dye For?

  • Consumers wanting to make health- and eco-conscious clothing choices
  • Fashion and textile industry professionals
  • Environmental and workers’ rights activists

87
Crises & Scandals Books: The Art Thief by Michael Finkel

The Art Thief

Michael Finkel
A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession
4.6 (159 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Art Thief about?

The Art Thief (2023) is the remarkable true story of a Europe-wide crime spree that lasted over a decade and netted almost two billion in stolen art. Along the way exposing how an enabling family, and international rules of criminal investigation, led to many of the most important works being destroyed.

Who should read The Art Thief?

  • True crime lovers looking for an unusual tale 
  • Psychology buffs curious about intimate portraits of narcissistic personalities in action
  • Anyone curious about how important works of art disappear, and why they are so often never recovered

88
Crises & Scandals Books: An Ordinary Man by Richard Norton Smith

An Ordinary Man

Richard Norton Smith
The Surprising Life and Historic Presidency of Gerald R. Ford
4.5 (30 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's An Ordinary Man about?

An Ordinary Man (2023) is the complete biography of Gerald R. Ford, the thirty-eighth president of the United States. Under his leadership, America navigated its gravest constitutional crisis since the Civil War and confronted its most profound economic slump since the Great Depression. While Ford can be seen as an “accidental president,” historian Richard Norton Smith argues that his accomplishments were numerous and significant.

Who should read An Ordinary Man?

  • History buffs 
  • Politicos interested post-Watergate America
  • Fans of in-depth biographical works 

89
Crises & Scandals Books: Too Big to Fail by Andrew Ross Sorkin

Too Big to Fail

Andrew Ross Sorkin
The Inside Story of how Wall Street and Washington Fought to Save the Financial System - and Themselves
4.0 (108 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Too Big to Fail about?

Too Big to Fail (2009) draws you into the heart of the 2008 financial crisis, revealing the high-stakes decisions and power struggles that shaped the world's economic landscape at that time. This gripping narrative untangles a complex web of financial intrigue, and will help you understand the forces that drove one of the most tumultuous periods in financial history.

 

Who should read Too Big to Fail?

  • Finance professionals interested in economic crisis insights
  • History buffs exploring twenty-first-century financial events
  • Business students studying real-world corporate strategy

90
Crises & Scandals Books: Endgame by Omid Scobie

Endgame

Omid Scobie
Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchy's Fight for Survival
3.5 (133 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Endgame about?

Endgame (2023) is a penetrating investigation into the British monarchy's current state, grappling with challenges such as an unpopular king and a power-hungry heir. It examines the monarchy's struggles in a rapidly modernizing world, especially following Queen Elizabeth II's death, and the institution's conflicts with antiquated views on race, class, and money.

Who should read Endgame?

  • Royal family enthusiasts and history buffs
  • Followers of British politics and governance
  • Fans of biographies and investigative journalism

91
Crises & Scandals Books: Oath and Honor by Liz Cheney

Oath and Honor

Liz Cheney
A Memoir and a Warning
4.1 (77 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Oath and Honor about?

Oath and Honor (2023) is an insider account of the events leading up to the riots at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, and the long investigation that followed. In it, Cheney exposes this coordinated assault on American democracy and sounds a dire warning about safeguarding the nation's future from ongoing threats.

Who should read Oath and Honor?

  • American history buffs and political enthusiasts looking for insight into pivotal recent events
  • Memoir lovers wanting an inside look into events behind the news
  • Anyone curious about contemporary American politics, and the personalities that are reshaping democracy

92
Crises & Scandals Books: Number Go Up by Zeke Faux

Number Go Up

Zeke Faux
Inside Crypto's Wild Rise and Staggering Fall
3.7 (143 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Number Go Up about?

Number Go Up (2023) dives into the tumultuous and transformative world of cryptocurrencies. It traces the revolutionary rise of Bitcoin, the pivotal role and controversies of stablecoins like Tether, and the ambitious yet complex venture of El Salvador adopting Bitcoin as legal tender. Uncover the intricacies and challenges of a world redefined by digital currencies, and get a compelling look at the future of finance and its potential impact on global economies.

Who should read Number Go Up?

  • Cryptocurrency enthusiasts and investors
  • Finance and technology professionals
  • Anyone interested in economic innovation and trends

93
Crises & Scandals Books: The Situation Room by George Stephanopoulos

The Situation Room

George Stephanopoulos
The Inside Story of Presidents in Crisis
3.7 (93 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Situation Room about?

The Situation Room (2024) provides a detailed look at the high-stakes decision-making processes within the White House Situation Room. It chronicles the dramatic events and critical moments faced by twelve U.S. presidents, offering an insider perspective on how pivotal decisions have shaped American history and global affairs.

Who should read The Situation Room?

  • Political science students studying crisis management
  • History enthusiasts interested in U.S. presidential decisions
  • Anyone interested in behind-the-scenes political stories

94
Crises & Scandals Books: The Shortest History of Economics by Andrew Leigh

The Shortest History of Economics

Andrew Leigh
Explore Key Economic Moments and Their Impact on Today’s World
4.2 (163 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Shortest History of Economics about?

The Shortest History of Economics (2024) explores the hidden economic forces that have shaped human history. It examines how capitalism and market systems emerged, linking economic developments to major historical events from the rise of agriculture to modern conflicts. 

Who should read The Shortest History of Economics?

  • Students seeking context for modern economic theories
  • Curious general readers interested in how economies evolve
  • Anyone who wants a new lens on human history

95
Crises & Scandals Books: When the Clock Broke by John Ganz

When the Clock Broke

John Ganz
Con Men, Conspiracists, and How America Cracked Up in the Early 1990s
4.0 (74 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's When the Clock Broke about?

When the Clock Broke (2024) delivers a fascinating look into the years leading up to the 1992 Presidential Election, between Bill Clinton, Ross Perot, and the incumbent George H.W. Bush. It reveals how a relatively small movement took root and began to transform the Republican Party into a more populist and authoritarian version of conservatism. It also shows why this approach appeals to the disaffected groups in America.

Who should read When the Clock Broke?

  • History buffs
  • Political junkies
  • Cultural critics

96
Crises & Scandals Books: Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here by Jonathan Blitzer

Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here

Jonathan Blitzer
The United States, Central America, and the Making of a Crisis
4.1 (9 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here about?

Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here (2024) brings you face-to-face with the forces behind the Central American migration crisis. It showcases stories of people risking everything to reach the US, revealing how decades of political choices and corruption shaped this humanitarian disaster. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the crisis and its lasting impact on both Central America and the United States.

Who should read Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here?

  • Politics buffs interested in the roots of Central America’s migration crisis
  • Policy experts looking for an insightful analysis of immigration challenges
  • Anyone who enjoys real-world stories with political and human stakes

97
Crises & Scandals Books: Follow the Science by Sharyl Attkisson

Follow the Science

Sharyl Attkisson
How Big Pharma Misleads, Obscures, and Prevails
2.9 (192 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Follow the Science about?

Follow the Science (2024) investigates the deep influence of the pharmaceutical industry on medicine, government, and media. It highlights how profit motives and high-level collusion have led to misinformation, ethical violations, and the suppression of critical voices. It encourages you to examine the sources of your health care information critically.

Who should read Follow the Science?

  • Investigative journalism enthusiasts interested in exposing industry corruption
  • Healthcare professionals critical of pharmaceutical industry practices
  • Anyone skeptical of mainstream media and medical narratives

98
Crises & Scandals Books: At War with Ourselves by H. R. McMaster

At War with Ourselves

H. R. McMaster
My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House
3.9 (111 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's At War with Ourselves about?

At War with Ourselves (2024) takes you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Trump White House. You’ll discover how chaos and power struggles shaped H. R. McMaster’s one-year tenure as national security advisor, and how he tried to advance the nation’s long-term strategic interests.

Who should read At War with Ourselves?

  • Americans interested in what happened during the Trump administration 
  • Politics junkies interested in U.S. governance
  • Students of public policy, history, or international relations

99
Crises & Scandals Books: The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson

The Demon of Unrest

Erik Larson
A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War
4.2 (52 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Demon of Unrest about?

The Demon of Unrest (2024) captures the dramatic chaos and pivotal moments of the American Civil War's early days. It vividly recounts the fall of Fort Sumter and delves into the intense emotions and strategic maneuvers that precipitated the event. Painting an eerily relevant portrait of a world on the brink of war, it displays how every decision and action at this critical time had the potential to alter the course of history.

Who should read The Demon of Unrest?

  • History buffs fascinated by the lead-up to the Civil War
  • Fans of political drama and pivotal historical events
  • Fans of narrative non-fiction

100
Crises & Scandals Books: Abolish Rent by Tracy Rosenthal, Leonardo Vilchis

Abolish Rent

Tracy Rosenthal, Leonardo Vilchis
How Tenants Can End the Housing Crisis
2.1 (21 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Abolish Rent about?

Abolish Rent (2024) examines the housing crisis from the perspective of those most affected by exploitative rent practices, offering a sharp critique of the current system. It highlights powerful stories of resistance from poor and working-class tenants, showing how collective action can transform both housing and cities and ultimately envisions a revolutionary tenant movement that fights for housing as a fundamental right.

Who should read Abolish Rent?

  • Tenants who want to organize and fight back against exploitative housing conditions
  • Urban planners and policy makers who want insight into the tenant crisis
  • Anyone who thinks safe, stable housing should be a basic human right

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Crises & Scandals Books
 FAQs 

What's the best Crises & Scandals book to read?

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard The Ascent of Money as the ultimate read on Crises & Scandals.

What are the Top 10 Crises & Scandals books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • The Ascent of Money by Niall Ferguson
  • The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker
  • Fault Lines by Raghuram G. Rajan
  • One of Us by Åsne Seierstad
  • Guantánamo Diary by Mohamedou Ould Slahi, edited by Larry Siems
  • The Locust Effect by Gary A. Haugen and Victor Boutros
  • Ukraine Crisis by Andrew Wilson
  • Meltdown by Thomas E. Woods, Jr.
  • The Only Game In Town by Mohamed A. El-Erian
  • The Next Decade by George Friedman

Who are the top Crises & Scandals book authors?

When it comes to Crises & Scandals, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Niall Ferguson
  • Steven Pinker
  • Raghuram G. Rajan
  • Åsne Seierstad
  • Mohamedou Ould Slahi, edited by Larry Siems