Exposé Written Word: Unveiling the Hidden Truths and Realities
By Salma B
So much we don’t know…So much hidden from us… Exposé written words, opening our eyes and delving into the hidden truths of life and society. Uncovering stories that often remain untold until someone is brave enough to tell them. These good summer books not only offer insights into important stories but also ignite movements and inspire change. Find out more here in Exposé Written Word: Unveiling the Hidden Truths and Realities
They always warned us not to open Pandora’s box, because you never know what good or bad things might come out. But here are some books that fearlessly opened that box, revealing hidden truths and laying everything out, to ensure these stories get told.
Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America. By Beth Macy at Bloomsbury Publishing. A harrowing account of the opioid epidemic in the United States. Macy’s thorough investigation traces the crisis’s origins to its devastating impact on communities, revealing the roles of pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and the government.
Buy here at Bloomsbury.com
The drug’s dangerously addictive nature was hidden. Many used it as an escape, to numb the pain of joblessness and the need to pay the bills. Macy tries to answer a grieving mother’s question. Why her only son died – and comes away with a harrowing tale of greed and need.
Spotlight, Betrayal: The Crisis in the Catholic Church. By The Investigative Staff of The Boston Globe at Profile Books LTD. A gripping exposé by the investigative team of The Boston Globe uncovered widespread sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. This book is a testament to the power of journalism in holding powerful institutions accountable.
Buy here at Waterstones
On 31 January 2002, a newspaper, the Boston Globe published a report that sent shockwaves around the world. Their findings, based on a six-month campaign by the ‘Spotlight’ investigative team, showed that hundreds of children in Boston had been abused by Catholic priests. This horrific pattern of behaviour had been known – and ignored – by the Catholic Church.
Instead of protecting the community, it was meant to serve. The Church exploited its powerful influence to protect itself from scandal – and innocent children paid the price.
This is the story from beginning to end. The predatory men who exploited the vulnerable, the cabal of senior Church officials who covered up their crimes, the ‘hush money’ used to buy the victims’ silence, the survivors who found the strength to tell their story, and the Catholics across the world who were left shocked, angry, and betrayed. This is the story too, of how they took power back, confronted their Church and called for sweeping change.
She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement. By Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey at Penguin Press. Chronicles the investigative journalism that uncovered Harvey Weinstein’s sexual misconduct. Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey’s work not only exposed a powerful predator but also played a crucial role in the #MeToo movement, advocating for victims of sexual harassment and assault.
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Their relentless pursuit of truth has inspired a global reckoning with issues of power and abuse. The book serves as a testament to the impact of dedicated journalism and the courage of survivors who come forward, ultimately sparking widespread societal change.
The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives. By Dashka Slater at Farrar, Straus and Giroux. A profound examination of race, class, gender, and justice. The book follows the lives of two teenagers from different backgrounds who are connected by a tragic event, shedding light on systemic issues within society.
If it weren’t for the 57 bus, Sasha and Richard never would have met. Both were high school students from Oakland, California, one of the most diverse cities in the country, but they inhabited different worlds. Sasha, a white teen, lived in the middle-class foothills and attended a small private school. Richard, a Black teen, lived in the economically challenged flatlands and attended a large public one.
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Through meticulous research and compassionate storytelling, Slater reveals the complexities of the individuals involved and the broader societal forces at play, prompting readers to reflect on the intersections of identity and the justice system.
This Is Your Brain on Music. By Daniel J. Levitin at Dutton Adult. This insider book bridges the gap between science and art, exploring how music affects our brains and emotions. This insightful book exposes the intricate relationship between music and the human experience.
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Levitin, a musician and neuroscientist, delves into the cognitive processes behind musical perception, memory, and emotion, offering a unique perspective on why music is such a fundamental part of human culture. Through accessible explanations and fascinating anecdotes, the book illuminates the powerful role music plays in shaping our minds and lives.
Burning Down The Haus: Punk Rock, Revolution, and the Fall of the Berlin Wall. By Tim Mohr at Algonquin Books/Workman Publishing Company, Inc. A vivid account of how punk rock music fuelled a revolutionary spirit in East Germany. This book celebrates the courage of young people who used music to challenge authoritarianism and fight for freedom.
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Mohr’s meticulously researched narrative brings to life the defiant energy of the punk movement, illustrating how these young rebels risked everything to create a subversive culture of resistance. Through their stories, the book highlights the transformative power of music in the struggle against oppressive regimes.
I’m With The Band. By Pamela Des Barres at Chicago Review Press: offers a candid look at her life as a groupie during the 60s and 70s rock era. Despite its seemingly controversial subject, the book is a celebration of music, culture, and the vibrant personalities of the time.
By here at Goodreads
Des Barres provides an insider’s perspective on the rock legends she encountered, sharing intimate and often humorous anecdotes that capture the essence of an iconic musical era. Her memoir not only chronicles her adventures but also reflects on the cultural revolution of the period, highlighting the liberating spirit and rebelliousness that defined a generation.
All the President’s Men. By Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein at Pocket Books: Hailed as one of the most influential pieces of journalism, it documents the Watergate scandal that led to President Nixon’s resignation. This ground-breaking work highlights the importance of investigative journalism in a democratic society.
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Through meticulous reporting and relentless pursuit of the truth, two journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein unveil the depths of political corruption.
The journalists investigated the June 1972 break-in at the Watergate Office of the Building Democratic National Committee and the resultant political scandal that brought down the presidency of Richard Nixon.
It demonstrated how the free press can hold the powerful accountable. Their book not only serves as a testament to the role of journalism in safeguarding democracy but also inspires future generations of reporters to seek the truth fearlessly. A film adaptation, starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman as Woodward and Bernstein respectively, was released in 1976
Killers of the Flower Moon. By David Grann at Vintage. Explores the chilling true story of the Osage murders and the birth of the FBI, revealing a dark chapter in American history.
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Grann meticulously unravels the sinister conspiracy that led to the systematic killing of Osage tribe members in the 1920s, who were wealthy from oil found on their land. The investigation, spearheaded by a young J. Edgar Hoover, marked a pivotal moment in the formation of the FBI. Through detailed research and a gripping narrative, the book exposes the depths of greed and prejudice that fuelled these atrocities, shedding light on a largely forgotten yet significant part of America’s past.
Arthur and George. By Julian Barnes at Vintage International. A compelling narrative based on true events. The book explores the lives of Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, and George Edalji, a solicitor wrongfully accused of a crime. Through careful research, Barnes sheds light on issues of justice, racial prejudice, and the power dynamics within the legal system.
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The story delves into how Doyle’s quest to clear Edalji’s name not only reflects his principles but also critiques the broader societal injustices of the time. Barnes’ nuanced portrayal of both men provides a profound commentary on the complexities of truth and the quest for justice.
Many of these exposé books have been adapted into films or TV series, reintroducing them to new audiences and generations. For instance, “Dopesick” was transformed into a critically acclaimed TV series. And “Killers of the Flower Moon” was adapted into an Oscar-nominated film directed by Martin Scorsese. “Spotlight”was also made into a film with a host of Hollywood stars. These adaptations not only expand the reach of these important stories but also highlight their long-term relevance and impact.
Exposé literature serves as a powerful mirror reflecting the complexities and hidden truths of society. These books not only inform and educate but also inspire change and accountability. Through the courageous work of investigative journalists and writers, these narratives bring to light the issues that shape our world, encouraging readers to question, understand, and act.
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