T. S. Eliot said April is the cruelest month. But, with the back-to-school season fast approaching, it’s starting to seem like September might take the prize. To help, we’ve put out a few new (and old!) titles to counteract the back-to-school blues:
How to Hide an Empire by Daniel Immerwahr
Historian, professor, and wryly comical commentator Daniel Immerwahr exposes a side of American history not often taught in mainstream education. He traces the nation’s most pivotal moments, from colonial expansion to the war on terror, to reveal the United States as it was and remains: a global empire.
To understand how America’s territorial history influenced today’s geopolitical climate (or for a few fun facts to impress your history teacher), check out our chapter summaries. Want to read a bit more before diving into our study guide? We’ve made it even simpler: Editors Review: Daniel Immerwahr’s How to Hide an Empire.
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
If it hasn’t yet crossed your For You page yet, it probably will soon! We’ve tackled Tik-Tok sensation It Ends With Us to determine what exactly what all the fuss is about. Hoover’s raw, emotional storytelling raises awareness about the complexities of abusive relationships—and offers an excellent break from academic literature.
Dive into our characters section for an in-depth analysis of Lily, Ryle, and Atlas. But remember: we’re not liable if it leaves you in tears!
Orientalism by Edward W. Said
First published in 1978, Orientalism sparked a contentious debate. Even today, it still has not concluded. Said aptly points out the flaws in the Western imagination, which he describes as a damaging gaze that romanticizes, infantilizes, and undermines the agency of Eastern nations, cultures, and peoples. While reading our chapter-by-chapter discussion of this classic argument, take a second and apply his philosophy to current events—that’s one surefire way to impress your history teacher.
We hope the upcoming school year treats you well! Remember: for even the trickiest titles, eNotes is here to help.