Steve Schale's Book Recommendations

"Book 16 on year: Spy and Traitor by Ben Macintyre - an absolutely riveting story of the life of a Russian double agent. Fascinating book about the craft, but the actual story of the Russian spy is really something."

"Book 5 of 2023. The sheer courage @suchitrav shows in doing the work for her Midnight Borders is alone worthy of reading her book. But beyond that, the stories she tells of the lives of those living at the geographic edge of India are illuminating as they are often haunting."

"Book 4 is @colsonwhitehead novel, Nickel Boys, a deeply disturbing story based on the all-too-true history of one of the State of Florida’s darkest chapters, the Dozier School for Boys. If you haven’t read it, make it the next book on your list"

"Book 1 of 2023 - @mariaressa phenomenal memoir on her fight against Philippines President Duterte, and the very real challenges facing democracies everywhere. It’s a remarkable read, and her personal story is inspiring. Thx @markbaldwin1 for the book. 🇺🇸🇵🇭🇺🇸🇵🇭"

"Book 23 - I finally picked up Isabel Wilkerson’s Caste after having several friends recommend it. It’s not an easy read, but it’s remarkably written, albeit often unsettling book."

"Book 22 of 2022z. I adore @Lis_Smith - and even more after I read her book, Any Given Tuesday. The book is honest, smart, and witty - just like Lis herself. Whether you are a hack, a wannabe hack, or just enjoy the game, you’ll love her book."

"Book 21 was a return to my soft spot for travelogues through places I long to visit. It’s a good read - particularly the parts of his book that are about Central Asia and Iran - but at times it felt like a catalog than a story. It’s a good read if you enjoy the genre."

"Book 20 of 2022 (and 6th on Russia) @benmezrich “Once Upon a Time in Russia” book about the rise of oligarchs - and how Putin held power over them is really good read. Great story telling - and will leave you smarter about Russia itself."

"Book 19, @yaffaesque Between Two Fires. My 2022 of binging books on Russia - Yaffa’s is a interesting look at the pressures faced by everyday Russians who are trying to navigate their own ambitions through the landlines of pressure from Putin’s state. Good read."

"Book 18. @Billbrowder Red Notice. Browder’s life is really remarkable. This is the first of two books he’s written about his battles against Putin. Both are must reads…I just wish I had read this one first."