Reading Liberally Book Club

By Srdja Popovic

Genre: Self-Help/Political

Blueprint for Revolution by Srdja Popovic is a must have guide for activists on achieving social and political change through creative, humorous, and disciplined nonviolent resistance. He draws from his experience leading Serbia's Otpor! movement to oust dictator Slobodan Milošević and the experiences he went through as part of the resistence movement. The book argues that nonviolence is more effective than violence, offering practical tactics like using “rice pudding and Lego men” for relatable protests, as well as other strategies including identifying pillars of power, building broad coalitions, and turning oppression back on itself, all while emphasizing unity, strategic planning, and a clear vision for a better future. This optimistic and empowering look at how to stand up to oppression is a natural companion to our club’s many other more radical text.

By Anne Applebaum

Genre: Political Science History

Applebaum uses her newest book to argue that modern autocracies are not based on ideology as we have previousy been taught, but on a shared interest in power. These new autocracies operate like a global corporations to undermine democracies through finance, surveillance, and propaganda. The book analyzes how regimes like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea cooperate to maintain their power and wealth, often using financial deals, military support, and shared narratives to challenge liberal and democratic institutions worldwide. It also takes a look at rising autocratic leaders who have gained their power not through leading nations, but through the power of financing elections and providing the media to allow these autocrats to control the populace. From the Facebook propelled genocide in Myanmar to the access that Elon Musk has to the White House, these dangers are just as pressing to our freedoms.

By James Islington

Genre: Fantasy

In a world where the lesser literally seceed their Will to those above them, Vis Telimis is a young man who refuses to be a part of the system. Adopted by a higher up noble who suspects that the Cataenen military academy is secretly killing their cadets, he must pretend to be a part of the system while trying to bring down a governement caste system which he hates with all his being. This fantasy book is full of rich political dealings, espionage, and the constant fear that comes from living in a society depenant upon the military industrial complex. Islington is hailed as one of the greatest Fantasy wrtiters alive, and this book ties into the themes of our a December reads as it discusses what it takes to take down a dictator, and what it means to be part of a society that you know is wrong but you must work within to change.