Word’s picks: “How Democracies Die,” by Steven Levitsky
As someone who is both a political science and sociology major, I can’t help but look around the United States and wonder, “How did we get here?” Steven Levitsky’s “How Democracies Die” gives an in-depth look as to what appears to be a common thread appearing across dying democracies worldwide, as fascism seems to take hold. But there is hope — we have recognized the symptoms, we have identified the sickness, and now we can plan how best to heal our dying democracies before we lose our rights.
— Yadira Aguiar, Word [126 Franklin St. at Milton Street in Greenpoint, (718) 383–0096, www.wordbookstores.com].
Greenlight Bookstore’s pick:
“The New Me,” by Halle Butler
This paperback original is bleak, neurotic, and misanthropic, in a similar vein as “My Year of Rest and Relaxation,” by Ottessa Moshfegh. It diligently transcribes the main character’s anxieties and captures office politics and tensions in a very mundane but funny way. I never knew paper shredding could generate so much drama.
— Matt Stowe, Greenlight Bookstore [686 Fulton St. between S. Elliott Place and S. Portland Avenue in Fort Greene, (718) 246–0200, www.greenlightbookstore.com].
Community Bookstore’s pick: “Figuring,” by Maria Popova
From the creator of the incredible website brain
— Samuel Partal, Community Bookstore [43 Seventh Ave. between Carroll Street and Garfield Place in Park Slope, (718) 783–3075, www.communitybookstore.net].
