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History and Current Events November 2020 |
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| A Peculiar Indifference: The Neglected Toll of Violence on Black America by Elliott CurrieWhat it is: A disturbing exploration of the systemic violence perpetuated against Black people in America.
What's inside: Historical and contemporary research from Black scholars including sociologist W.E.B. Du Bois (whose writings inspired the title of this study); persuasive suggestions for policy reforms.
About the author: Criminologist and Pulitzer Prize finalist Elliott Currie is the author of Crime and Punishment in America. |
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| The Ghosts of Eden Park: The Bootleg King, the Women Who Pursued Him, and the Murder... by Karen AbbottHow it began: In Prohibition-era Cincinnati, "King of the Bootleggers" George Remus was at the top of his game, at one point owning 35% of all the liquor in the United States.
But then...he lost it all after killing his wife, whom he discovered was having an affair with the investigator assigned to track his activities.
Book buzz: This suspenseful page-turner was named one of the Ten Best History Books of 2019 by Smithsonian. |
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| Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David GrannWhat it's about: In 1920s Oklahoma, a series of murders at the Osage Indian Reservation prompted an investigation by the nascent FBI led by a young J. Edgar Hoover.
Why it matters: Journalist David Grann's extensively researched National Book Award finalist spotlights a little-known slice of Native American history by illuminating the disturbing conspiracies, corruption, and prejudice at the heart of the case. |
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| Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden KeefeWhat it's about: In December 1972, Belfast widow and mother of ten Jean McConville was wrongly accused of being an informant for the British Army. Abducted from her home by members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), she was never seen again.
Why you might like it: Blending elements of murder mystery, political history, and true crime, this heartwrenching deep dive into The Troubles offers an unflinching portrait of the conflict's lasting impact. |
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| Lady Killers: Deadly Women Throughout History by Tori Telfer; illustrations by Dame Darcy What it is: a lively yet gruesome history of famous women serial killers.
Featuring: profiles of "The Blood Countess," "The Giggling Grandma," "High Priestess of the Bluebeard Clique," and more, written in a humorous and chatty tone that will appeal to fans of My Favorite Murder.
Art alert: Detailed black and white pen-and-ink illustrations by alternative cartoonist Dame Darcy accompany each chapter. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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