Book of the Month Archives 2025

Caught in the Middle: America's Heartland in the Age of Globalism (Richard C. Longworth)

This book details how globalization and neoliberal economic policies have weakened the Midwest, both economically and even culturally. With farm and factory being outsourced or hollowed out, while noting the chilling effect it has on nearby towns. It also brings up the subject of immigration in a nuanced manner by pointing out that many of these communities are more or left only kept alive by immigration. 

Stomping the Blues (Albert Murray)

This book is by an American music critic detailing the link between Jazz and Blues music. It is filled to the brim with old pictures of various artists and even records. It goes into the socioeconomic factors that contributed to the two genres, and even touches on folklore and the idea of music as folk art. It also details the dance history of blues.

Walking the Choctaw Road: Stories from the Red People (Tim Tingle)

This book encompasses traditional Choctaw lore and stories from various eras, from Pre-Columbian contact to the Trail of Tears to even modern era. It spans Mississippi to Oklahoma, and even covers the Antebellum Choctaw life in the South.

Old Man River: The Mississippi River in North American History (Paul Schneider)

An Anthrogeographical account of the Mississippi RIver; from prehistory to the modern era. It details the crucial role the River has played in the formation of American Civilizational identity, from Native American history to Jazz and Blues to it's literary significance, and even military conflicts during the Civil War. It also goes into it's unfortunate degradation due to pollution.

The Lost Region: Toward a Revival of Midwestern History (Jon K. Lauck)

This book details the underdiscussed history of the Midwest. Including it's crucial agricultural role, as well as it's moderating voice in American discourse, it's crucial role in the Civil War, it's role in the development of Populism and it's overall role in the American story.