Prairie Fox Reads

      Book Review: The Anatomy of an Institutional Tragedy Title:   A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam Author:   Neil Sheehan Edition:   Vintage Paperback (First published September 1, 1988; this edition September 19, 1989) Page Count:   896 pages ISBN:   9780679724148 (ISBN10: 0679724141) Genre:   History / Biography / Military History / Nonfiction Rating:   ★★★★½ (4.5 out of 5 stars) Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. This has in no way affected the content, objectivity, or critical analysis of this review. “A rare blend of historical immediacy and craft that makes the ordinary feel urgent.” Reviewer’s Context and Thesis As an executive overseeing a large team of government employees, my daily professional life involves navigating the intersection of public health, policy implementation, and IC tradecraft. Balancing the demands of an executive ca...

  Book Review:   After the War on Crime: Race, Democracy, and a New Reconstruction Disclaimer:  I was provided an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. This provision has in no way affected the content, objectivity, or critical analysis of this review. Publication and Context Title:   After the War on Crime: Race, Democracy, and a New Reconstruction Editors:   Mary Louise Frampton, Jonathan Simon, Ian F. Haney-López Publication Date:   July 1, 2008 Page Count:   256 pages Format:   Hardcover Genre:   Non-Fiction / Criminology / Sociology / Political Science Target Audience:   Academics, policy professionals, community activists, and readers interested in criminal justice reform, sociology, and American political history. Contextual Backdrop: Published in 2008, this volume addresses the socio-political landscape of the United States following decades of a “war on crime” that began in the 1970s. The bo...

      Book Review: A General Theory of Love Rating:   ★★★★☆ (4.10 / 5) Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. This arrangement has in no way affected the objectivity, analysis, or content of this review. Bibliographic Details & Context Title:   A General Theory of Love Authors:   Thomas Lewis, M.D., Fari Amini, M.D., and Richard Lannon, M.D. Edition/Format:   Paperback Publication Date:   First published February 1, 2000; Vintage edition published January 9, 2001 Publisher:   Vintage Books (Random House) Page Count:   274 pages ISBN:   9780375709227 (ISBN10: 0375709223) Genre:   Psychology / Nonfiction / Science / Philosophy / Relationships Target Audience:   Academic readers, clinical practitioners, leaders, and intellectually curious general readers seeking a rigorous yet poetic understanding of human connection. Publication Context & Author Background...