The Great Influenza: The Epic Story of the Deadliest Plague in History [by John M Barry]
I don't know much about the flu epidemic that killed possibly 100 million people around World War I, and I'm interested in reading more about it. This is one of many books on the topic, and one that I've seen recommended (although it is also pretty long!).
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What to Eat [by Marion Nestle]
Explores many aspects of food, including environmental impact, marketing, nutrition, etc. While shopping for food, I've certainly wondered whether it is better to buy local conventionally farmed produce or organic produce that was shipped 7000 miles to get to me. Hopefully reading this book will give me the tools to make informed decisions.
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Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001 [by Steve Coll]
I think the title explains what this one is about. Have had a copy of this on my shelf for a while now but haven't tackled it yet. Now might be the time.
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Code: Version 2.0 [by Lawrence Lessig]
I've read another of Lessig's books and found it very informative. This is a revised version of one of his earlier books about the architecture of the internet and how it determines who controls content in cyberspace.
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England's Dreaming: Anarchy, Sex Pistols, Punk Rock, and Beyond [by Jon Savage]
Considering how much I love music, I'm not sure why I haven't read this one yet. A classic.
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The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism [by Naomi Klein]
I guess if I'm picking a Klein book I should start with "No Logo" (since I haven't read that either), but this new one sounds like an interesting discussion of neoliberal policies and their repercussions.
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Check the Technique: Liner Notes for Hip-Hop Junkies [by Brian Coleman]
Examines 36 classic hip-hop albums with a background essay on each, and then commentary on the album tracks by the original artists.
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Everyday Stalinism: Ordinary Life in Extraordinary Times: Soviet Russia in the 1930s [by Sheila Fitzpatrick]
I read Fitzpatrick's earlier book on the Russian Revolution and found it very clear and informative. This one covers a piece of not-too-distant history that I have only vague ideas about.
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