Why the Left Had to Steal the Right’s Dark-Money Playbook

In this meticulously researched book, Jane Mayer exposes the systematic efforts of a network of extremely wealthy conservative Republicans, led by the Koch brothers, to influence American politics. The book delves into how these billionaires have funded various organizations to shape academic institutions, think tanks, courts, statehouses, Congress, and the presidency according to their radical free-market beliefs. Mayer highlights the opaque nature of political finance, the use of non-profit front groups to hide donors, and the significant impact of the Citizens United decision on the rise of 'dark money' in politics. The book provides a comprehensive and historical view of the financial takeover of US politics and its social consequences.

In this book, Sudhir Venkatesh recounts his extensive fieldwork in the Robert Taylor Homes, a notorious housing project in Chicago. Initially, Venkatesh's research involved observing the lives of gang members and residents, which led to a complex and often dangerous relationship with JT, the leader of a subgroup of the Black Kings gang. Over several years, Venkatesh gained deep insights into the gang's operations, including their drug-dealing activities and the intricate social and economic structures within the community. The book highlights the moral ambiguities and harsh realities of life in urban poverty, as well as the author's own ethical dilemmas and personal growth during his research.