Overall, an interesting read, and a very deep dive into the characteristics of different generations in the United States. I learned a great deal, and there were definitely some surprises here (particularly with respect to the Silent Generation) that I did not expect. For my taste, she writes a bit too much about the supposed "intolerance" of Generation Z when it comes to speech on college campuses, and she also seems concerned that Generation Z does not view the founders of the United States as "heroes" -- frankly, it is probably healthier to view them as the complex, flawed humans that they were, rather than heroes. But I'm glad I read it, and it gave me a lot to think about in terms of the impact of technology on people of different age groups. Technology's relentless pace has implications for us all, and this book gives us much food for …
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Historian of antebellum technology and contemporary diplomacy.
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Aaron reviewed Generations by Jean M. Twenge
Generations
4 stars
Overall, an interesting read, and a very deep dive into the characteristics of different generations in the United States. I learned a great deal, and there were definitely some surprises here (particularly with respect to the Silent Generation) that I did not expect. For my taste, she writes a bit too much about the supposed "intolerance" of Generation Z when it comes to speech on college campuses, and she also seems concerned that Generation Z does not view the founders of the United States as "heroes" -- frankly, it is probably healthier to view them as the complex, flawed humans that they were, rather than heroes. But I'm glad I read it, and it gave me a lot to think about in terms of the impact of technology on people of different age groups. Technology's relentless pace has implications for us all, and this book gives us much food for thought.
Aaron quoted Generations by Jean M. Twenge
Recognizing the widespread impact of technology helps us see that all generations have been buffeted by its winds. Instead of debating which generation is to blame, we can realize that the generations influence each other as they all navigate cultural change. Demystifying generational differences, as this book attempts, may also reduce intergenerational conflict. The more we understand the perspective of different generations, the easier it is to see we're all in this together.
— Generations by Jean M. Twenge (Page 515)
Aaron finished reading Generations by Jean M. Twenge
Aaron reviewed West of Slavery by Kevin Waite
West of Slavery
5 stars
Waite has done deep research and uncovered the fascinating history of support for slavery and the Confederacy in the antebellum American West. Compelling research and argument. Waite demonstrates conclusively why the machinations of pro-southerners in California, New Mexico, and elsewhere were a genuine concern for the Lincoln government, not a sideshow or historical curiosity. The depth of support in this region helps reorient our understanding of the South's potential prior to the Civil War.
Aaron reviewed Chained to History by Steven J. Brady
Chained to History
4 stars
Fascinating work, rigorously researched and argued, that places slavery at the center of U.S. foreign policy. I found myself underlining or scribbling in the margins of nearly every page. This is a work which I will return to frequently.
Aaron started reading This Vast Southern Empire by Matthew Karp
Aaron finished reading West of Slavery by Kevin Waite
Aaron started reading West of Slavery by Kevin Waite
Aaron finished reading Chained to History by Steven J. Brady
Aaron started reading Generations by Jean M. Twenge
Aaron reviewed All American Boys by Jason Reynolds
When sixteen-year-old Rashad is mistakenly accused of stealing, classmate Quinn witnesses his brutal beating at …
All-American Boys
5 stars
Searing, challenging novel about an incident of police brutality, told through the eyes of two young men at the same high school: the victim and a bystander who witnesses it. Powerfully written.
Aaron started reading Chained to History by Steven J. Brady
Aaron finished reading All American Boys by Jason Reynolds
All American Boys by Jason Reynolds
When sixteen-year-old Rashad is mistakenly accused of stealing, classmate Quinn witnesses his brutal beating at the hands of a police …
Aaron started reading All American Boys by Jason Reynolds
All American Boys by Jason Reynolds
When sixteen-year-old Rashad is mistakenly accused of stealing, classmate Quinn witnesses his brutal beating at the hands of a police …