2 Books Like McNamara at War

Annie Jacobsen is an acute observer of the absurdities of the defence industry. In this timely and very lively book, she turns her attention to the issue of nuclear catastrophe. Like movies such as 'Fail Safe', she narrates 'A Scenario', which, while at times stretching credulity, is highly readable. Her writing style is spare and precise, creating a fast-paced narrative that is difficult to put down. The terrible scenes of destruction, and the decisions and reactions that are put in motion by the various 'programs' and 'operational plans' are horribly vivid, and difficult to purge from memory. While I'm sure many experts in nuclear operations and strategy will deny that such a 'Scenario' could ever develop (could a diesel-powered North Korean sub really get to within striking range of the West Coast of the U.S.?), the book is a great contribution to literature on the horrific prospect of nuclear war… show more.

This is a wonderful book about a subject that seems difficult to make interesting; the working lives of people employed by U.S. Government bodies. Michael Lewis, most famous for his exposes of Wall Street, has curated a collection of excellent essays from numerous authors who all write carefully and respectfully about the unknown people who quietly go about the business of running the country. When I say 'running the country', I don't mean Presidents, Governors, or Congressmen. Instead I refer to people like the boss of the National Cemetery Association, or senior archivists protecting historical documents for generations to come. At at time when government and public service is under assault from right-wing 'culture warriors', here we have a really powerful set of essays that portray public sector work as vital in importance and fascinating and unique in nature. A lovely read.