Best Conservative Book of 2008
I assume that most lists of the Best Conservative Books of 2008 will place Jonah Goldberg's Liberal Fascism in the number one spot.
The long-awaited first book by the National Review's popular young writer didn't disappoint; not only was it an instant bestseller, but it contributed a new phrase to the conservative vocabulary, and helped many of us understand and discuss political history and theory in a new way.
Here's my problem: I've followed the Liberal Fascism blog at NRO, listened to Goldberg's entertaining guest spots on show after radio show, and read excerpts of Liberal Fascism in National Review and elsewhere.
But... I haven't read the whole book yet. So Liberal Fascism can't very well qualify as my "Best Conservative Book of 2008."
My actual choice surprises me as much as it might surprise you.
When the prestigious Conservative Book Club (CBC) chose my new book The Tyranny of Nice as a special selection, I was bowled over. I decided to join the Club myself, so that I could recommend it to my blog readers in good conscience.
Trying to choose "3 Books for $1" is pretty daunting, when the selection is a rich as that at CBC. I already owned Mark Steyn's America Alone, and the entire Ann Coulter ouvre.
In the end, I picked Thomas Sowell's classic, Basic Economics, the acclaimed memoir by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas -- and a rather "out there" title: Larry Elder's new book, Stupid Black Men.
Yes, that really is the title.
I've always enjoyed the libertarian Elder's radio show, and his 10 Things You Can't Say in America made a big impression on me during my post-9/11 exploration of American conservative thought. So I thought, hey, it'll only cost me a buck. I'll check out Stupid Black Men.
Reader: I've been blogging every day for going on nine years, which means I spend a LOT of time reading conservative blogs and news sites, and listening to talk radio, when I'm not devouring conservative books in what little time remains.
Often, I find myself saying, "Oh brother: not that corny old quote/anecdote/historical tidbit/statistic again." (I forget that not everyone spends hours a day in the thick of "rightwing" thought -- once upon a time, that quote or tidbit was news to me, too.)
So it really is saying something that Larry Elder's Stupid Black Men features a wealth of facts that were news to me. For example, I didn't think there was anything new (and even more horrible) to learn about the likes of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, but Stupid Black Men set me straight.
For example: did you know that if America's "blacks represented their own country", the "black GDP" would "place them within the top sixteen countries of the world"?
Or that today's armed forces recruit is "more likely to hold a high school diploma than a non-recruit" and to be of a middle class background -- the opposite of what anti-military liberals like John Kerry would have you believe.
And by the way: "During the Vietnam War draft era, blacks comprised 13.5 percent of the population. Of those who died in Vietnam, 12.5 percent were black..." Another popular anti-war liberal myth bites the dust.
Larry Elder's Stupid Black Men is packed with similar (footnoted) facts that debunk lots of beloved liberal "talking points" about race, economics, sports, culture and politics.
Elder's family background is really interesting, and he talks about his mother, father and grandparents' struggles in pre-Civil Rights America in ways that are revealing and inspiring, but not bitter or sentimental. He also shares conversations he's had with callers to his radio show and other ordinary folks in the black community, trying to get them to think outside the Democratic, "victocrat" box of fake politically correct history and stop blaming long dead slave owners and (mostly Democratic) Dixicrat villains for their own often exaggerated misfortunes.
Elder isn't a dazzling prose stylist like Mark Steyn. Stupid Black Men is conversational and casual, as you'd expect by a book by a radio talk show host trying to popularize fresh thinking and common sense. It was a breezy yet sometimes infuriating read, chock full of provocative facts. You'll want to keep it nearby during your next argument with your neighborhood liberal. In fact, maybe you can get that liberal to read it. If they get through it with an open mind, Larry Elder's Stupid Black Men may help change it.
Comments
Hopefully the 2009 book of the year will be "Stupid White Women" where you explain why liberal chicks think a fat cheating rapist sex-addict like Bill Clinton is "hot" and why a fat greedy hypocrite like Oprah is worth watching.
An interesting choice. I have seen this title but have not picked it up yet.
Of the other wuthors you mention, I did get a Thomas Sowell book recently, and I don't know how I had never heard of the man before. I first cme across him on SDA, I think, and only a couple of months ago. He is an excellent writer and thinker. I'll be picking up his "Basic Economics" book soon, definitely!
if I was to head to the bookstore and find this book, people in line might think I'm reading this book to find out if black men are stupid. I can tell you I have had white bosses who have gleamed over the glosses at work and I don't think they're doing a day's work of effort. You don't have to be black to be a stupid beach head.
Vita soi, I think you misunderstand the title of the book or maybe this post.
Fritz: I got to agree with you on that brother, but I'd be more specific on the title. It should be called "Stupid Middle-Aged White Women". Can any demographic group be more insanely stupid than these middle-age dimwits. They have made this overweight, no-talent, racist hypocrite a billionaire. Don't look for this "hippo" to thank her soccer mom fans anytime soon, no her loyalty his somewhere else.
Kathy,
Well, I now need to order two books. Yours and Larry Elders. I've read all the others you mentioned, and like you, I love Jonah's book, but I've not yet finished it, Mark Steyn's book is great, but I left my personally signed copy in a hotel room in Ft. Lauderdale after the NR Post-election cruise (I'm kicking myself over that) and did not finish that.
Pat Buchanan and George Wills are the only two conservative writers that make any sense. The rest are just a bunch of whiners--especially Coulter and Malkin. If Sowell is part of a think tank, his logic is a little convoluted. P.S. I would have have a sex addict for President than a dolt like Bush.
So Byron, what's your SAT score?
www.vdare.com/Sailer/kerry_iq_lower.htm
Beth, I promise not to tell Mark what you did :-)
Why not phone him when he guests for Rush today and ask for a new one? Actually if you order a replacement at his site, steynonline, you can get mine too and he will sign them both!
One day we're gonna make one of those NR cruises...
Kathy Shaidle, you question my SAT and ACT scores and yet, you listen to Rush? Are you some kind of right wing elitetist--questioning the intellect of people who disagree? Mmmmmmm
Yes, I am an elitist. That's why I listen to that idiot Bush (with his pretty impressive SATs and degrees) and Rush (who just signed a $400-million contract, unlike, say, you for instance).
20 million people listen to Rush every day. Which is more than all three TV big three network news shows combined. and 20 million more than listen to you.
I didn't question your intellect so much as ask you how you could justify calling Bush an idiot given his quantifiable intelligence.
You might want to brush up on those reading comphrension skills. I realize that's a widespread problem on the left but with help and hard work, you CAN do it!
Well--you make the assumption that the 20 million are critical thinkers. I listen to Rush on occasion and find that his callers are-lets say-less than bright. In regards to Bush's degree from Yale--lets consider that it was the best degree that money could buy. Kind of like affirmative action for the dull but wealthy. And so, I come to the statement about money. Typical for a conservative to equate money to success. I view Rush, et al, are really the Elmer Gantry's of the world. Say anything or do anything for the almighty buck-- or drug-- or wife!!!!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!