 |
Book
Reviews,
Book Lover Resources, Advice for Writers and Publishers |
| Home / The Bookwatch |
The Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Resurgence of Global Populism
Karyne E. Messina, EdD
Routledge
https://www.routledge.com
9781032064512, $39.95 (softcover)
https://www.amazon.com/Resurgence-Global-Populism-Psychoanalytic-Identification/dp/103206451X
Resurgence of Global Populism: A Psychoanalytic Study of Projective Identification, Blame-Shifting and the Corruption of
Democracy will engage college students and adults interested in the connections between political and psychological
processes, and is recommended both for individual study and classroom assignment for standout discussion.
Karyne E. Messina considers the driving forces for the emergence and propagation of populism, closely examining the logic
from which corrupt systems evolve and are promoted and fostered. Her examination moves from country to country as it
considers the circumstances, appearance, and propagation of populism in Asia, Europe, and the U.S., drawing important
connections and comparisons between the politics and people of different nations of the world.
This approach allows for an analysis that juxtaposes cultural and social influences on political processes, following how the
psyches of nations and individuals are influenced by populist thinking. Important connections are drawn between the
emergence of repressive laws and the underlying intentions and perceptions of the politicians and lawmakers involved.
One such case cited is Austria's banning of headscarves in the name of protection and altruistic perceptions. These types of
laws, whether well-meaning or stemming from ignorance, hold wide-ranging ramifications. Messina's attention to defining
and identifying circumstances of populist behavior in various world communities and populations moves between legal and
political choices and their impacts, drawing connections that help readers understand how the hearts and minds of the public
are affected.
While Trump's actions and representations are a primary focus, she places his politics and brand of beliefs within larger
perspective, exploring his psychological manipulations and approaches and their impact on the world. From national
histories of democratic efforts and struggles to individual responses and choices, Messina goes beyond identifying problems
by providing possible solutions concerned readers can undertake to address the effects populist trends have on their own
mental health.
One such opportunity lies in fine-tuning the pervasive influence of social media. Messina's ability to move from
bigger-picture and global thinking to individual choice in reactions and actions offers hope. It ultimately empowers readers
to not just better understand the methodology and circumstances of populist influences and efforts, but to identify and
mitigate these effects.
In essence, Messina advocates for readers to cultivate a sense of resilience, whether when dealing with an authoritarian ruler
or negotiating social media minefields. The result is a powerful blend of history, social and political inspection, and
psychological investigation that operate on both a global and individual level to provide readers with food for thought and
tools for response. Much more than a Trump-centric analysis, it places this man's influence and the wellsprings of his
approaches into a larger picture of threat readers would do well to better understand.
While college-level library collections strong in social, psychological and political issues will be the target audience of this
book, ideally it will not reside idly on a library's shelf, but will be chosen for classroom assignment and by discussion
groups interested in considering and debating the forces of global populism's rise and effects on society and individuals
alike.
The Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf
As Deep As It Gets: Movies and Metaphysics
Randall E. Auxier
Open Universe
c/o Carus Books
315 - 5th Avenue, Peru, IL 61354
www.carusbooks.com
9781637700082, $19.95
https://www.amazon.com/As-Deep-Gets-Movies-Metaphysics/dp/1637700083
As Deep As It Gets: Movies and Metaphysics belongs not just in media studies libraries and classrooms, but in collections
strong in modern philosophy, using popular current movies and TV shows to explore philosophical insights. Auxier's
discussion of movies goes beyond plot and character outlines to consider the deeper meanings and inspections in essays
which go beyond education to invite discussion and debate. From political metaphors in movies to enlightening surveys of
ethics, religion, and connections between modern media and ancient philosophers, Auxier draws seemingly disparate
subjects together in a moving survey that is surprisingly lively for its title and subject. This will make As Deep As It Gets
attractive to much more than a singular audience of modern-day philosophy students.
The Philosophy Shelf
Better Call Saul and Philosophy
Joshua Heter and Brett Coppenger, editors
Open Universe
c/o Carus Books
www.carusbooks.com
9781637700266, $24.95
https://www.amazon.com/Better-Call-Saul-Philosophy-Culture/dp/1637700261
Better Call Saul and Philosophy: I Think Therefore I Scam belongs in any media studies collection strong in analyzing
television and films. Its subject goes beyond plot and character study, however, to delve into the moral and ethical dilemmas
presented in Better Call Saul, requiring that readers have a basic familiarity with the subject in order to apply the
philosophical reflections here. Joshua Heter and Brett Coppenger gather essays that are candid, contemporary, and often
push the common scholarly tone boundaries of philosophical inspection. One such example is Joshua Luczak's "Saul's
Bullshit's Not All Good, Man." Its inspection of truth, lies, and what occurs between them provides not just food for
thought, but ideally discussion material highly recommended for any viewer of Better Call Saul, or for modern young
philosophers who would more closely examine the connections and approaches of modern philosophy to movies and
media.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
The Icarus Plot
Timothy Zahn
Baen Books
P.O. Box 1403, Riverdale, NY 10471
www.baen.com
9781982191955, $25.00
https://www.amazon.com/Icarus-Plot-Timothy-Zahn/dp/1982191953
The Icarus Plot provides the ongoing story of Gregory Rourke and his Kadolian partner Selene, who make profitable
discoveries they can sell mostly legally. Their predictable partnership is challenged by an assignment to track down a
mysterious woman and a secret project called Icarus. There are many reasons for reaching for the bigger payoff this effort
involves. As it turns out, there are equal reasons for running from it like the wind. Timothy Zahn's fast-paced story of profit,
escapades, and surprising revelations is highly recommended reading for sci-fi fans who enjoy mystery and swift action. Its
unpredictable twists and turns will thoroughly engross.
The Jigsaw Assassin
Catherine Asaro
Baen Books
P.O. Box 1403, Riverdale, NY 10471
www.baen.com
9781982191962, $16.00
https://www.amazon.com/Jigsaw-Assassin-Major-Bhaajan/dp/1982191961
The Jigsaw Assassin follows a futuristic serial killer whose work implicates those in political power, causing a ripple of
response that threatens the political party and calls upon Major Bhaajan to solve the crime. As Bhaajan and her crew delve
into political and criminal worlds beyond their usual ken, readers receive an action-packed story of interstellar politics,
intrigue, and science fiction that proves satisfying fast-paced, creatively world-building, and hard to put down.
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
Copyright ©2001
Site design by Williams Writing, Editing &
Design