An insightful foray into the colourful volatility of today’s world this collection of prosaic essays remarks on the political, social, lifestyle and environmental maelstrom in which we find ourselves. John Spencer comments on this in a provocative manner and ponders possible solutions.
Author John Richard Spencer has published three important books – his novel BROWNOUT 666: OR THE REAL MEANING OF THE SWASTIKA, WAITING FOR A MIRACLE: LIFE IN THE DEAD ZONE and now FROM BREXIT TO BRAZIL VIA HONG KONG, CHINA, RUSSIA AND THE USA. There is no biographical data available so we can only imagine the depth of experiences that allow him to write with such profound insights into the manner in which our contemporary world is functioning. He labels himself ‘a nonviolent anarchist.’
In his inimitable trait of communication john states, ‘The following essays and blog posts have been written over the years. I have tried to place them in such a way as to make a consistent thread. Therefore, to that end, they are not simply placed in date order but are grouped to a large extent by subject. I have placed the approximate date next to each post so that the reader can understand if the post refers to world leaders and events that have been overtaken by subsequent history.’
He then opens this enlightening series of essays with “1984” is coming sooner than you thought – an essay on privacy, security and freedom with Edward Snowden’s photo as a suggestion of the impact of the changes in these three values and how they have changed in contemporary times. ‘Privacy, Freedom and Security are all very relative concepts. In absolute terms there is no real freedom in the world and never has been. The freedom of every one of us has always been constrained by natural limitations and the freedom of others. No-one and nothing is ever really free!…If people believe that their details remain at all times private in this electronic age they are totally deluded… Our smart phones enable enough data about our movements, history, life preferences and politics to be grabbed by governments and companies to dill volumes…’
In this challenging manner of discussion the author presents fodder for instigating thoughts and conclusions about leaders of the governments of the world, power megalomania, the crises of social media and AI, the refugee crisis, our ignored environmental changes, gun control and the ever increasing senseless loss of life associated with that, the consequences of aging, the economies around the globe – so many issues so well addressed. ‘Be afraid of the future…Ego and power grabbing are all consuming.’
The book may prove difficult reading for some, but these issues must be addressed, and John blatantly and solidly presents his views for our consideration. He is a much-needed voice – especially at this moment! Recommended.
As someone living in England, I have been forced to form an interest in politics and social issues thanks to the big mess that is Brexit and now the upcoming general election. This had led to a wider interest in American politics and social issues such as gun control, and the riots in Hong Kong over China’s trying once again trying to reduce their rights. So, when a friend recommended ‘From Brexit to Brazil’ by John Richard Spencer, I was really interested to read some provocative and insightful essays.
‘From Brexit to Brazil’ is definitely going to divide opinion, but for me, that is what’s so great about it. It is encouraging conversation and debate, which is so important in getting people interested and talking about the issues that matter.
One of my favourite essays was ‘Be Afraid of the Future’ which looked at our current and future leaders, who rarely have the interest of their people, being more concerned with their own power and egos. Another I enjoyed was ‘Healthy attitudes to sex go a long way towards a healthy society’, it is very interesting and investigates the link between social problems and sexual matters.
All of the essays do make you think about the world we live in and all are really interesting and thought-provoking.
From Brexit to Brazil is a collection of essays and blog posts about events and problems in relation to world politics and government. The author does more than just inform readers what the topics are and of their importance, he also offers solutions and explains the impact of these issues. His essays are thought provoking and important, whether you have interest in politics or not, it’s more about life. He is starting a conversation about topics we should all be aware of, for instance; security, our future, gun control, Hong Kong, China… you will be amazed at the importance of subjects that are thousands of miles away. “Be Afraid of the Future” is one of my favorite essays. Seeing how the interests of the citizen are rarely considered was an important take-away for me. Even though I know that the ego of a politician is large and often the part in control, it was eye opening to view these points through the author’s eyes. To be honest, this isn’t normally the kind of book I read, but I’m glad I did. This is an interesting book and was well put together. I recommend it to everyone because it will alter your view of the world.
Hello Fans,
If you have read previous books by John Spencer, this book is written in a very different style and perspective.
Mainly, this book presents as non-fiction instead of his other fiction books.
Usually not a fan of political books, but Brownout 666 impressed me. Also I needed to learn about the Far East for preparation of an organized trip with church and travel guides just give a sense of the ‘pretty’. So I opted to read Brexit. What surprised me was the format of political and social awareness essays and published letters from people the author either knew or interviewed. Strange and uncomfortable history of the volatile conditions people live under. When their leaders don’t cooperate and do justice for the citizens. The governments in UK and Far East are very different than the USA, which for me presents many conflicts, questions and more of a willingness to learn about the injustices and difficulty people face worldwide. For my view, accepting this is how the world is by evidence of this book alone is disheartening.
In increasingly uncertain times, John Richard Spencer’s collection of essays, From Brexit to Brazil, provides a little bit of clarity and common sense amid all of the chaos.
In the book, John Richard Spencer explores several of the big struggles and issues facing our times, both socially and politically and attempts to come up with some sort of logical conclusion to these problems. Whether you believe he succeeds or not is irrelevant, the most important thing for this book is that it manages to get you to think about these situations and provides a fresh and well-thought-out perspective.
Spencer’s analysis and ability to put a topic under the microscope and really sink his teeth into it make this a thoroughly entertaining read.
The book is a provocative and thought-provoking read and is ideal for those who like their books to have a little bit of extra meat to chew on.