Glenn Masuchika

This quick read may inspire some fledgling businesspeople who dream of the CEO's corner office or a high government-executive position, but readers in search of more can pass.

Ngai has written a remarkable chronicle of one particular multigenerational family. This scholarly, heavily footnoted book can be read by both laypersons and serious scholars interested in minority American history, social change, and ethnic studies.

Aided by newly released historical documents detailing the savage infighting and backstabbing of those in power and the extent of the nationwide damage, Dikötter has produced one of the best single-volume resources on the topic. Although a scholarly, heavily footnoted work, its flowing narrative—effectively a cautionary tale on the destructive powers of misguided ambition and blind hubris—reads well. Recommended for specialists as well as interested general readers.