Tina Rosenberg

It's too bad that this great book is subtitled "Violence and the Violent in Latin America," as violence is just one of the many interrelated strands Rosenberg covers, including the legacy of colonialism, American imperialism, racism, corruption, etc. The sad part is that though this book is two decades old, the same issues are making a comeback throughout the Americas. Recommended if you like the essays of the great Alma Guillermoprieto.

Facing Europe's ghosts after communism

Interesting book about how social groups affect society - for worse or better - with surprising results. Makes one think about how to apply these techniques to one's own life.

Essentlially a collection of stories that show how peer pressure - or changes in social norms - bring about change in society. Fun, but nothing unexpected.