My suggestions were just discussed by MPR’s Kerri Miller and her guests on the “Daily Circuit.”

These books are not for everyone but are quite short and readable–and they have a bit more depth and bite than most of those on the list. Learning to Drive by Katha Pollitt, These are reflective and self-critical essays by an aging feminist. Facing Unpleasant Facts by George Orwell. George Packer’s recent anthology resuscitates the prickly social critic for contemporary readers. Finally, Dark Water by W.E.B. DuBois. Written in 1920, it was 75 years ahead of its time. He use autobiography to explicate issues of race, gender, globalism, and class.  No one since has done it better.