Peak Picks & Reviews

These fifteen thousand miles of slow travel were made by road, through this world of a nation that, like so many Americans, I quickly realized I didn’t know all that well. Roads great and small; mythic roads and forgotten roads. Introduction  "American Vertigo: Traveling America in the Footsteps of Tocqueville" is a thought-provoking book written by French intellectual and philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy. Published in 2006, it provides a modern take on Alexis de Tocqueville’s classic work, Democracy in America . Just as Tocqueville traveled through the young United States in the 19th century to understand the essence of American democracy, Lévy embarks on his own journey across contemporary America to evaluate its political and cultural landscape. With sharp wit and perceptive analysis, Lévy sets out to answer a pressing question: What has become of the American dream in the 21st century?  Though the book was released nearly two decades ago, many of the themes Lévy explores—su...

 The cry of the poor is not always just, but if you don't listen to it, you will never know what justice is. Introduction  In the realm of historical literature, Howard Zinn's "A People's History of the United States" stands as a seminal work that challenges traditional narratives and amplifies the voices of the marginalized and oppressed. Published in 1980, this groundbreaking book has become a cornerstone in the study of American history, offering a counter-narrative that deviates from the conventional tales of triumph and heroism. Zinn's commitment to uncovering the untold stories of ordinary people provides readers with a fresh perspective, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of those who have been historically silenced. In this review, we will inquire into the main themes, strengths, and criticisms of Zinn's work, exploring its enduring impact on our understanding of the American past. Historical Revisionism Zinn's approach to history is ...