"Growing Up Absurd" is a sociopolitical critique that explores the struggles of growing up in a society where the traditional routes to manhood – work, family, and citizenship – are increasingly invalidated. The author argues that this societal structure leads to widespread disaffection, mental illness, and juvenile delinquency among young people. He offers a profound analysis of contemporary culture and its effects on youth, also providing suggestions for societal change to address these issues.

The book follows the lives of two young African-American brothers growing up in a public housing complex in Chicago during the 1980s. The narrative portrays their daily struggles with poverty, violence, and the drug trade, while also highlighting their dreams and hopes for a better future. The book provides an intimate and heartbreaking look at the harsh realities of inner-city life, systemic racism, and the failure of public institutions to support vulnerable communities.

The book is a critique of the contemporary American educational system, particularly in universities. The author argues that the rise of relativism and the decline of the humanities have led to a crisis in American education, with students becoming less able to think critically and more prone to moral and intellectual confusion. The book also discusses the impact of popular culture and political movements on education, and argues for a return to a more traditional, classical education.

"Common Ground" is a non-fiction book that provides an in-depth examination of racial tensions in Boston, Massachusetts during the 1960s and 1970s, primarily focusing on the controversial issue of court-ordered busing to integrate public schools. The narrative follows three families - one African-American, one Irish-American, and one Yankee - to depict the effects of these tensions on the city's different communities. The book also explores the historical, political, and social context of these events, offering a comprehensive analysis of a critical period in American history.

This book is a critical examination of the historical trend of anti-intellectualism in American society from the 19th century to the 1960s. The author explores how this disdain for intellectual pursuits and glorification of practical skills has influenced various aspects of American life including politics, business, education, and religion. The book also analyzes the roots of this phenomenon, linking it to populist movements, religious fundamentalism, and the American suspicion of elites and expertise.