Bloomberg Businessweek Weekend - March 21st, 2025

In 'Putin's World: Russia Against the West and With the Rest,' Angela Stent provides a deeply informed look at why Russia, directed by President Vladimir Putin, persists in behaving in what the West regards as an exceedingly maddening, paranoid, and often aggressive manner. The book examines Russia's turbulent past, its influence on Putin, and the country's understanding of its position on the global stage. It also delves into Russia's key relationships with the United States, Europe, NATO, China, Japan, the Middle East, and its neighbors, particularly the fraught relationship with Ukraine. Stent offers a historico-psychological analysis of how the West should respond to Russia's resurgence and its challenges to the global order.

In 'The Contrarian,' Max Chafkin provides a meticulous biography of Peter Thiel, one of Silicon Valley's most influential and controversial figures. The book explores Thiel's singular life and worldview, from his conservative roots at Stanford to his founding of PayPal and Palantir, and his early investments in Facebook and SpaceX. Chafkin also delves into Thiel's political activities, including his support for Donald Trump and his role in the lawsuit that destroyed the blog Gawker. The biography is both a portrait of Thiel and an examination of the broader tech industry, highlighting its explosive growth, power, and the controversies surrounding it.

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In 'Shred Happens: So Easy, So Good', Arash Hashemi shares his personal journey of losing over 100 pounds through a low-carb diet. The book includes more than 100 recipes that blend Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, focusing on quick, flavorful meals that anyone can prepare in under 30 minutes. Recipes range from hearty salads to innovative sauces and desserts, all designed to make healthy eating both delicious and accessible.