Curious about the history and impact of reality TV? In “Cue the Sun” (2024), Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Emily Nussbaum dives deep into the evolution of this provocative genre, from its humble post-war beginnings to its explosive growth in the 21st century. Explore the roots of iconic shows like “Survivor” and “The Bachelor”, the ethical dilemmas […]
Glitz, Scandal & Betrayal! 📚✨
Dive into the tangled web of France’s richest family with “The Bettencourt Affair” by Tom Sancton. Liliane Bettencourt, heiress to the L’Oréal fortune, found herself embroiled in a scandal of epic proportions. Accusations of manipulation, political corruption, and family betrayal lurked behind every corner. This gripping exposé unveils how a celebrated photographer seemed to weave […]
Sweet Success Story 🍫📚
Dive into the fascinating life of Milton S. Hershey, the man who turned chocolate into an empire and founded a town around his sweet legacy. Michael D’Antonio’s “Hershey” takes us on an immersive journey from Milton’s early struggles as a fledgling candy maker to his monumental success as the creator of the beloved Hershey Company. Discover […]
Food Giants Unmasked 🍔🔍
Dive into the world of food barons with Austin Frerick’s eye-opening “Barons.” This riveting narrative follows the rise of seven corporate giants that dominate our food industry, changing the landscape of agriculture, worker rights, and environmental policies. From the Hog Empire of Jeff and Deb Hansen to the vast coffee empire of JAB Holding Company, […]
Power, Passion, and Intrigue! 📖✨
Step into the captivating world of one of history’s most intriguing figures with Robert K. Massie’s “Catherine the Great,” a comprehensive biography that delves into the triumphs and tribulations of a minor German princess who rose to become Empress of Russia. From her troubled marriage and savvy political maneuvers to her dramatic coup and progressive […]
Last Voyage of a Legend 🌊📚
Get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey with Hampton Sides’ latest masterpiece, “The Wide Wide Sea.” This gripping narrative transports us to 1776, tracing the final, fateful voyage of Captain James Cook—the legendary British explorer. From the lush landscapes of Polynesia to the icy reaches of the Arctic, witness transformative cultural exchanges and intense […]
Is Elon Musk great?
Have you ever wondered why Elon Musk has his hands in so many different industries? According to his biographer, Walter Isaacson, there’s a method to his madness. Early on, Musk identified the internet, sustainable energy, and space as the three areas of industry most critical to humanity’s future, and the rest has followed from there. […]
A journalist finally holds Big Tech accountable
Kara Swisher is one of the most famous technology journalists in the world. In her recent memoir, Burn Book, she goes all in on criticizing the industry that made her rich, with few tech leaders escaping her attention. While many onlookers have focused mainly on Swisher’s conflicts with big egos like Elon Musk, some of her […]
The easy trick that prevents misunderstandings
Effective communication is a superpower that anyone can learn. In our latest Instaread, investigative journalist Charles Duhigg shares the secret formula. There are really only three types of conversation: practical, emotional, and social. Your job is to understand the difference. Your New Superpower Practical, decision-based conversations focus on the question “What’s this really about?” Emotional conversations ask […]
Warren Buffett’s shadow self
A few days ago, in his annual letter to the shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett remembered his long-time business partner, Charlie Munger. Munger, who died last November at the age of 99, wasn’t as famous as Buffett, but he was just as important to the company’s success. Our latest Instaread looks at his investment […]