I find there tends to be two general categories of books; those that are exciting and interesting, so much that I want to recommend them immediately, and “slogs” that are just slow and unappealing regardless of the content. Some I get the jist of fast and a lot seems irrelevant like What is to Be Done, some like Fresh Banana Leaves the writing is just dislikable and repetitive. This is in sharp contrast to books like Half Earth Socialism or State and Revolution where I may be familiar with some of the content, but I really like the style and new information and want to recommend to people.

Do you agree with this categorization? Are there any books that you feel strongly about either way? I’m sure I’ve heard a lot of your recommendations before, but I want to know what will actually be fun to read, because some aren’t even if the content is good. I want to know which to prioritize reading.

Edit: to answer my own question: socialism or extinction is top tier

  • QueerCommie@lemmygrad.mlOPM
    4·
    10 months ago

    I enjoyed Imperialism by Lenin, I think witbd is just more long and outdated. I enjoy a good amount of things you’re “supposed to study” as a good marxist, the categories still seem to apply.

    My fear with Wolff is that he’s aiming more at people very new to marxism, so less new or educational for me.

    I recognize most of these from Srsly wrong, so I wouldn’t be surprised if you found them there. I liked HES which I got from there, so I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s more good stuff, if not the most marxist. This additional review will increase its priority for me.

    We do have a couple books communities, they’re just dead. Before Makan got banned for uncritically supporting CPUSA he held frequent threads for people to talk about books they’re reading.

    • albigu@lemmygrad.ml
      1·
      10 months ago

      I recognize most of these from Srsly wrong, so I wouldn’t be surprised if you found them there. I liked HES which I got from there, so I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s more good stuff, if not the most marxist. This additional review will increase its priority for me.

      I never listened to that, but I’ll probably browse their stuff to gather more reading material. I sadly don’t have much time for podcasts nowadays.

      We do have a couple books communities, they’re just dead. Before Makan got banned for uncritically supporting CPUSA he held frequent threads for people to talk about books they’re reading.

      I might post some reviews of books as I read them there when I can manage. “Internet Con” as been living rent free in my mind for some months now and I need to get it out.

      • QueerCommie@lemmygrad.mlOPM
        2·
        10 months ago

        There are too many podcasts in existence. I keep overwhelming myself with how much I could listen to and learn, so reasonable. I’ve posted a couple reviews on here and they don’t get much engagement, but I guess it gets the thoughts out there.