2020-2021 Book Roundup

Book Roundup, or What Have I Been Doing These Past Two Years?

(Note: every book I have linked to is available at that link for free-- with the exception of Captive Genders, which I just want to encourage you to buy. No affiliation, it's just a great book and a project worth supporting).

Most of my recent reading has been for study, rather than entertainment or even enjoyment. Throughout 2019, the gaps between the person I imagined myself to be (cool, smart) and the person I was actually being (often an ignorant doormat) were becoming visible and acutely painful. As I worked away at some larger projects, I grew deeply uncomfortable with the worldview they betrayed. Reading back my writing, I could see deep, fundamental flaws, but I could never seem to rectify them. More education was needed.

Come 2020, I suddenly had plenty of opportunity for independent study. My research interests have been a little broad, but certain trends are clearly visible. For starters, I have been taking the study of history much more seriously than ever before. Years ago, Morgan M. Page's One From the Vaults podcast was my first exposure to anything that made history actually interesting to me. Like many people, my gradeschool history education was generally terrible, propagandistic, and boring. And frankly, most pop history edutainment media is similarly awful. OFTV helped me to understand that history doesn't have to be about memorizing the names of politicians and the dates of battles. Page brings her storytelling chops, and seriously impressive research skills, to bear on some of the most interesting trans figures in contemporary history, and I'd recommend OFTV to anyone.

Recently, I've mostly been drawn to the history of social struggles and historic transformation. I want to understand why the world-as-I-know-it functions in the ways that it does, on a systemic level.

Relatedly, I'm finally understanding what it means to think dialectically. These books below are a big part of the picture, but I have to credit the work of the Red Menace and Revolutionary Left Radio podcasts-- especially this episode on On Contradiction (which I listened to three times before finally reading the book). Surprisingly enough, meditation and stretching practices have also really helped me to internalize a dialectical way of seeing-- and RLR has some amazing episodes on meditation and spirituality as well (here are some personal favourites)

There is another, less obvious, but still significant theme throughout these readings, and that is my lifelong obsession with the reasons for-- and possible responses to-- interpersonal harm and cruelty. This is a major theme of my work, and as a traumatized paranoiac (well, sort of), certainly a running theme in my mind every goddamn day. I don't want people to go through what I've gone through, and for those who have, I want there to be ways for them to survive and thrive. What on earth can we do about it? What the fuck could I do about it?

My suspicion is that systemic exploitation, environmental destruction, and war are the major contributors to all harm today-- and that these things are directly related to more interpersonal forms of violence. A macroculture of violence contributes to a microculture of violence. And, in turn, our individual experiences of violence impact our ability to fight these murderous structures. We won't be able to work together to fight against those who abuse the world if we're busy abusing each other. We somehow have to find serious answers to the problems of interpersonal violence, while also working together to dismantle the most massive structures of violence in our world. I think they might be the same fight, ultimately, although different situations will demand different strategies. It's a heck of a tangled knot, and I'll be surprised if I manage to unravel even one loop of it in my lifetime. But you gotta at least try, right?

Reviews / Recommendations?

First, I feel compelled to provide a small disclaimer (even though I suspect it's not actually necessary). There isn't one of these books from which I'd be prepared to defend every single sentence. And that goes doubly for defending everything that the authors have ever said or done. That isn't why I read. I take from books what interests me, and then they contribute to some aspect of my thinking-- I'm not reading in search of mirrors through which I can express myself. I have my own angry collection of notes in response to many of these, and I encourage you to do the same, no matter what you're reading.

That out of the way, here are some personal favs from the past couple years. (Some of these I last read pretty long ago, so apologies if I have misremembered anything).

Women, Race and Class - Angela Davis

A history of the united states via a history of Black feminism, and exploring Black feminism's links to abolitionism, white feminism, and working women's movements. Introduces some ideas which I have heard almost nowhere else, such as the need to industrialize housework (yes, really!), and so beautifully written that virtually anyone could pick up this book and understand it.

How Europe Underdeveloped Africa - Walter Rodney

This, more than any other book I've encountered, helps you to see a world constantly in-motion. My mind adopted an unusually spatial mode, seeing the human life and the wealth draining out of Africa and siphoning into europe and european colonial projects as I read the seemingly-static words on the page. When my boyfriend read it, he described the same phenomenon. After reading it, you can clearly see the current moment as a single node in a continuous process of exploitation. And, because of when this book was written, it couldn't even get into the neocolonial control exercised by the IMF, the World Bank, and various NGOs-- or all of these high-profile tax havens which the rich use to export even more wealth out of Africa. Despite that, we can see here that these exact same processes have already been in motion for centuries, with these latest iterations being only variations on a theme.

On Contradiction - Mao Zedong

Mao produced a lot of writing, and I'm not the kind of person who has it all memorized, with quotes ready for any situation (or argument) I might encounter. I don't think that's necessarily a healthy way to engage with someone's ideas. But this book is undeniable. It's all on marxists.org, and if you're having difficulty understanding dialectics (as I was), I couldn't recommend it more highly. He breaks it down with many different examples, in political strategy, in historical motion, and in concrete space. His discussion of antagonistic vs. non-antagonistic contradictions might be the single most important concept in this book. Note: there is one major idiosyncracy in Mao's writing on philosophy, and that is his use of the term "metaphysics." When Mao says "metaphysics," he means a type of philosophical outlook which sees the world as a static, unchanging place. He needed a word to describe this pernicious illusion of stasis, and metaphysics is what we get. I am not an expert in philosophy, but it seems that not everyone uses that term in this precise way. As long as you bear that in mind, it really shouldn't be an issue. As always, it's important to note the contexts in which terms are used.

This Nonviolent Stuff'll Get You Killed: How Guns Made the Civil Rights Movement Possible - Charles E. Cobb, Jr

Charles E. Cobb, Jr. was an organizer in the Black freedom struggles of the 1950s-70s, and here he brings both first-hand experience and a lot of research to provide a deep historical account of how the movement functioned at the grassroots level, by telling the stories of the incredible people who fought back. I was shocked at how flawed my understanding was, of both the movement and the communities who were fighting for their freedom. It is one thing to hear of the terror which whites unleash on Black communities. It is quite another to seriously consider what it would then take for Black communities to survive under those conditions. This book made me realize I had never done the latter. The predominant white narrative around the civil rights movement is that non-violent demonstrations by Black people activated white sympathies, which in turn provoked legal changes. Cobb tells a very different story. He shows not only the importance of militant self-defense within non-violent movements, but the tremendous complexities and strengths of grassroots organizing. The reader is reminded that the most significant aspect of organizing is the way that it strengthens communities, building power and asserting dignity-- not necessarily the high-level legal changes that many believe are the principal goal of struggle.

Continuity and Rupture: Philosophy in the Maoist Terrain - J. Moufawad-Paul

If you take Marxism seriously, I highly encourage you to read this book, struggle with it, see what you make of it. Here, JMP makes a compelling case that Maoism, as it currently stands, is the most sound instantiation of Marxism possible today. This book tracks the emergence of Maoism as a specific stage of communist thought and practice, one that relies upon learning and applying the lessons from the successes and failures of prior socialist movements and states. After reading this, I suggest checking out A Critique of Maoist Reason, because trust me, even though JMP is absolutely a Maoist, he is not about to defend the pre-logical dogmatism (or many other annoying and destructive behaviours) which some Maoists exhibit. (Although he does provide, especially in Continuity and Rupture, some context for why these kinds of mistakes can happen, even from really well-intentioned and smart people). Critique also serves to further delineate some of the intellectual/organizational lineages which have emerged within the Maoist milleu, and so the two books are well taken in-tandem if you're looking for a more thorough critical survey of the landscape.

The Wretched of the Earth - Frantz Fanon

What can I say? Add me to the long list of people recommending that you read this book. This is the classic work of decolonial marxism for a reason. This is not a work designed to convince the reader of the legitimacy of national liberation struggles. Frankly, that legitimacy is self-evident for anyone confronted with the realities of colonialism. Instead, Fanon explores two major arenas of concern. First, the psychological impact of colonialism, on both occupier and oppressed populations. Second, the political challenges and pitfalls within national liberation movements. These challenges are no excuse to turn away from the necessary task of decolonization-- but, they are essential to consider when faced with the realities of that project. Fanon worked to support FLN fighters in Algeria, while stationed there as a doctor and psychologist, and here he urgently documents every lesson he learned from that experience. There are a couple weird comments which might not pass muster (some dated commentary on homosexuality, etc.) but that is no reason to avoid engaging with his analysis. People can have a few mistaken beliefs while also bringing forward absolutely essential wisdom.

Pedagogy of the Oppressed - Paolo Freire

If you, like me, have an unfortunate habit of polemicizing at people, rather than building the relationships of trust where ideas can actually take root, you need to read this. Freire is not arguing that all disagreements can be settled through open dialogue-- but he is saying that real dialogue is absolutely essential when you're hoping to educate someone who has any real interest in learning. He makes a robust argument for his case, and shares some useful techniques from his own experience in politicized education and outreach.

Detransition, Baby - Torrey Peters

One of the few novels I've even tried to read recently, and I'm so glad that I picked this one up. Extremely readable, the story sunk its teeth into me quickly and never let go. The characters here are so recognizable that it hurts, and they are rendered in stunning depth and colour. Probably my favourite writing on gender, love, and queerness yet. And all with a great sense of humour-- this book's got jokes.

The Collected Poems of Bob Kaufman - Bob Kaufman

After watching And When I Die, I Won't Stay Dead (trailers here and here,) I knew I had to buy this book. The readings in the movie touched me, but I needed more time with each word. I'm not well-versed enough in poetry to say anything about what Kaufman does with the form, unfortunately. I can say that he's the first beat poet I've managed to actually get into. This collection moved me, and I want to reread it at least once a year for the rest of my life. Here is a link to his Jail Poems, and below is the poem from which the documentary derives its title (although it may have come via this dissertation on Kaufman, by Mona Lisa Saloy)

Dolorous Echo. The holey little holes In my skin, Millions of little Secret graves, Filled with dead Feelings That won't stay Dead. The hairy little hairs On my head, Millions of little Secret trees, Filled with dead Birds, That won't stay Dead. When I die, I won't stay Dead.

Braiding Sweetgrass - Robin Wall Kimmerer

(and Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses - Robin Wall Kimmerer)

Haven't you read this yet? If you're going to read one book in the next year, make it Braiding Sweetgrass. Robin Wall Kimmerer puts her love for nature into every single sentence, weaving together lush descriptions, fascinating science, and a felt sense of the interconnectedness of all life. But this isn't new age spirituality (although I'll admit to being a bit partial to that myself, at times). This is as grounded as you can get. Wall Kimmerer is not over-optimistic about the future we have in store, but she presents many tangible examples of ways that humanity can repair our relationship with nature, rather than exploit it to death. Virtually every chapter had me in tears, as I confronted beauty and hope.

And, if you read Braiding Sweetgrass and find yourself wanting more, I've got great news: Wall Kimmerer had already found her voice by the time she wrote Gathering Moss. If moss sounds like too small or too narrow a subject, I'm glad to say you'll be proven wrong, as she brings her many-layered approach to these tiny friends. One of the essays in Gathering Moss is the most heartbreaking and horrifying of any of Wall Kimmerer's work-- that said, I wouldn't suggest reading out of order to find it. Just let the book take you on its carefully-considered route.

These books do not go deeply into political strategies in service of their principles, such as Indigenous sovereignty, environmentalism, anti-capitalism. But people will not fight for what they do not love-- and these books nurture an informed love and respect which are absolutely vital to the formation and well-being of any social movement. Not to mention that they're intricate, eye-opening, wondrous, awe-inspiring works crafted with nuance and care.

Conflict is not Abuse - Sarah Schulman

I've read this so long ago now that I hardly recall what was in it. All I really remember was that I found it quite painful, but useful, to read. It took me about a year to finish it, because I kept having to set it aside while I processed all the community-trauma it brought up. This book feels like the hand of a good, sensible friend on your shoulder. Someone who offers you compassion but also tells you that they can see what you're doing. I'm deeply appreciative of Schulman's wisdom, her way of making sense of the world, and of course, her take on the cycles of retraumatization and destructive reactions to conflict. I'll need to reread this sometime, when I'm feeling strong.

Walking with the Comrades - Arundhati Roy

Indian Maoists joined forces with Adivasi communities in central India to protect their land from industrial exploitation, and to resist forced migration and assimilation. In the process, both the Maoist party and the indigenous communities they joined were transformed. Arundhati Roy is an astounding, and brave, writer who is as attentive to her craft as she is to the world she analyzes. She is not a Maoist, but she will not denounce the Maoists, and she describes the struggle against Operation Green Hunt as the most vital revolutionary current in her country. As such, she was invited to spend a few weeks living with the comrades while they struggled against a highly militarized police force in the Dandakaranya jungles. The titular essay in this book contains her report on the experience, full of loving attention to the regular people she met who were forced to fight for their lives. It is sandwiched between two essays (Mr. Chidambaram's War and Trickledown Revolution) which provide ample, and much appreciated, political context. All three essays are available for free online, and I've included links to them above. (I did not read them at these locations however, so I'm just assuming they are presented as they were in the book).

As I have very little familiarity with Indian politics, I had to look up a few terms here and there. But for the most part, this book tells a very clear story, and makes sure to give you all major pieces of context to understand the situation well. Roy shows a remarkable community, and tells a story that almost no one outside of that community knows. And this isn't just because criminalized communities have a certain need for secrecy. After all, the party does release public statements periodically. A more important factor is that corporate media gets away with saying whatever they want about the poor who struggle against their interests. And for those of us outside of India, news of these struggles is suppressed into near-total silence, lest we get any crazy ideas about the viability of anti-capitalist struggle. As a profound counter-balance against these forces, and from a brilliant writer, I couldn't recommend this more highly.

Heavy Radicals: The FBI's Secret War on America's Maoists: The Revolutionary Union / Revolutionary Communist Party 1968-1980 - Aaron J. Leonard and Conor A. Gallagher

In some respects, this is the history of a medium-small US-based Marxist-Leninist-Mao-Zedong-Thought party during their period of highest prominence and relevance. And for that alone, it is certainly interesting to see what they accomplished, who they allied with, what mistakes they made, and how they managed given their challenging circumstances. It's always instructive to see how left organizations grow, fracture, liquidate, how they manage to thrive and under what pressures they split and dissolve.

However, what I, and many others, will find most interesting here is the story of the FBI's infiltration, counter-intelligence, and attempts to subvert the RU/RCP and other left organizations. It's shocking to learn that the FBI managed to have an informant present at the third meeting the RU ever had, while the RU was still a brand-new underground fledgling organization. It's even more surprising to learn that the FBI managed to get an informant onto the executive council, and quickly. Or that all throughout the 1960s, 70s, and quite likely beyond, the FBI were setting up front organizations in an attempt to steer left movements into counter-revolutionary directions. After Leonard and Gallagher draw our attention to these facts, we might be inclined to give up and become totally paranoid doomers, resigned to the seeming-omnipotence of these secret police.

But! They do not stop the story there. These authors make it clear that yes, agencies like the FBI use very nasty tricks, some right out of spy novels-- but they can't always win, either. It was not the FBI alone who led to the downfall of the RU/RCP-- and in fact, despite the FBI's best efforts, the RU and groups like it managed to become significant actors. People who really want to make the world a better place will face serious, and often illegal, repression, and we can't afford to be naive about that. But, by studying cases like the RU/RCP, we can learn how to better cope with that, and foster a left culture which is more resilient and vital.

The RU/RCP was full of brave, smart, well-intentioned people. Reading this, you can gain a real appreciation for how difficult organizing is. At the same time, it would be hard to read this without thinking, at least occasionally, that we today might be able to avoid some of the pitfalls which befell them. Not necessarily the problem of spies, which they worked tirelessly, yet fruitlessly, to avoid. But rather some of the cultural issues, such as chauvinism and an inability to tolerate internal conflict. For further reading on some the culture issues of the white New Left, check out Truth and Revolution, mentioned below.

Full list of books read, chronological order (only counting ones I've finished):

2020

2021