November 2025 Social Theory Book Club

Welcome to the November 2025 Social Theory Book Club!

Come join us for an engaging discussion on:

Twilight Prisoners: The Rise of the Hindu Right and the Fall of India by Siddhartha Deb

Twilight Prisoners: The Rise of the Hindu Right and the Fall of India explores India's transformation into a religious fundamentalist, brutally unequal dystopia. Deb describes how prime minister Narendra Modi and his party has exploited modern technologies, the media, and market forces to launch a relentless campaign on minorities, women, dissenters, and the poor. Deb's collection of essays includes portraits of resistance exemplified by figures like Arundhati Roy, the assassinated journalist Gauri Lankesh, and the group of political prisoners known as the BK 16.

Siddhartha Deb is an Indian author, journalist, and professor. He has written novels, non-fiction, and essays that critique India's nationalism, neoliberalism, and Hindu-right politics.

Whether you're a skilled reader or just starting out, this is a space to delve into thought-provoking ideas and connect with others wanting to engage in political and social theory.

This meeting is in person, to nurture vibrant conversations and a dynamic exchange of ideas to foster a sense of community.

We encourage you to review what the text is saying as you work through the book on your own. Take notes on what you're unsure of, what you think the author is trying to say, and what you agree or disagree with.

Every person's understanding and input during the meeting will help shape the dialogue and create value out of our discussion. You will never be the only person who might be confused or who finds the text difficult. If you find the book too challenging and you do not finish, it is still encouraged that you come to the meeting. It's okay if you think you don't understand it, because you'll come to book club and learn as much as you can! If you have interest in the topic, you most likely have experiences or knowledge that would still be a welcomed addition to the conversation.

Additional readings:

Azadi: Freedom. Fascism. Fiction by Arundhati Roy

Hostile Homelands: The New Alliance Between India and Israel by Azad Essa, Linah Alsaafin

Modi Doctrine: The Foreign Policy of India's Prime Minister by Sreeram Chaulia

Additional readings will be included for each month if people want to expand their understanding and knowledge on a particular topic. If possible, other types of media may be shared as well. None of the additional materials will be necessary to understand the discussion at the book club meeting and are purely supplemental for members to further one's own knowledge on topics.

Mark your calendars and get ready for our November meeting for the Social Theory Book Club!

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