Jeff Jarvis

“boyd’s new book is layered and smart . . . It’s Complicated will update your mind.”—Alissa Quart, New York Times Book Review...

Discover the incredible true story of Colditz, one of history's most notorious prisons, and the daring POWs who risked everything to escape. From renowned author Ben Macintyre comes a gripping and captivating narrative full of heroism, betrayal, and ingenious escape attempts that have become legend. But this isn't just a story of escape, it's also a society in miniature full of secrets, alliances, and the full range of human emotions. Macintyre introduces readers to a cast of remarkable characters, from well-known figures like the indomitable Pat Reid to lesser-known heroes like Indian doctor Birendranath Mazumdar, who staged a daring hunger strike and eventual escape. Experience the war's arc from within Colditz's stone walls, where the stakes became higher as Hitler's war machine faltered, and these prisoners of the castle waged a relentless battle to claim their freedom.

Discover the inspiring true story of one Peruvian carpenter's spiritual journey from the Andes to Israel, leading hundreds of Christians to convert to Judaism and sparking a new wave of Latin American Jewish communities. Follow Segundo Villanueva's lifelong search for the true message of God, exploring various Protestant sects before piecing together his own version of Judaism from readings of the Old Testament. Learn how politically motivated Israeli rabbis converted Segundo's community to Orthodox Judaism and resettled them on the West Bank, making him an unlikely pioneer for a new kind of Jewish faith. This is a remarkable and momentous chapter in the history of religion, a fascinating story of faith, dignity, and meaning.

Follow the creative journey of two childhood friends turned video game design partners as they navigate the highs and lows of fame, fortune and heartbreak. From their first blockbuster hit to thirty years of success and betrayal, this novel explores the complexities of identity, disability, and the redemptive power of play. Ultimately, it's a love story unlike any other, filled with heartfelt twists and turns that will leave you captivated until the very end.

Explore the rich and complex history of free speech with this captivating read. From the ancient world to modern-day digital activism, this global history delves into the challenges and triumphs of the "first freedom." Author Jacob Mchangama shares stories of free speech defenders, such as Athenian orator Demosthenes and anti-lynching crusader Ida B. Wells, and highlights the important role of the free exchange of ideas in advancing freedom and equality. Yet, as the desire to restrict speech continues, this book reveals how easily even its champions can be led down a dangerous path. Immerse yourself in this meticulously researched and deeply humane exploration of free speech and its importance in our world today.

Discover the untold story of the relationship between African Americans, computing technology, and the Internet in this groundbreaking book. Spanning nearly five decades and involving a diverse group of engineers, entrepreneurs, journalists, and activists, Black Software details how black people have used computing technology to build community, wealth, and wage a war for racial justice. Learn about the forgotten figures who paved the way for today's explosion of racial justice activism, and the role of digital technology in this fight.

This book explores how six conservative media moguls in America and Britain hindered their countries' entry into World War II. These influential figures, such as William Randolph Hearst, shared their isolationist views in print and over the airwaves, echoing fascist and anti-Semitic propaganda. Author Kathryn S. Olmsted delves into how these media titans worked in concert, delaying both Britain's and America's response to Nazi aggression. A must-read for anyone interested in the influence of media on politics.

A young addict's memoir of surviving a decade in prison with empathy and wit. Known as the "Apologetic Bandit", the author describes in unsparing detail the realities of daily life in the New York penal system, encountering violence on an almost daily basis, while trying to preserve his relationship with his wife. Sentence is a strikingly powerful memoir of the brutalities of prison, leaving its walls with a book made of pain, fear, and laughter.