The Battle for Paradise

Puerto Rico Takes on the Disaster Capitalists

By: Naomi Klein

Narrated by: Erin Bennett

Length: 1 hr and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

In the rubble of Hurricane Maria, Puerto Ricans and ultrarich "Puertopians" are locked in a pitched struggle over how to remake the island. In this vital and startling investigation, The New York Times best-selling author and activist Naomi Klein uncovers how the forces of shock politics and disaster capitalism seek to undermine the nation's radical, resilient vision for a just recovery.

©2018 Naomi Klein (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

I certainly put my full support behind Puerto Rico's right to control their own resources and to govern their own lives. Disaster capitalism sickens my stomach.

A Must Read for ALL Puertorriqueños

Read it and you will understand, fully, why and what we went through after the Maria hurricane. Knowledge is the only answer to our crisis.

Communism will not save Puerto Rico

I agree with 90% of the problems identified, 30% of the thoughtless solutions, and 2% of the blame. I love the idea of a sovereign Puerto Rico, if not politically, then it's ability to provide for itself. Blaming men and colonialism portrayed a bitter woman who has a large heart and small brain. It is sad that another race of people are being lulled into dependence on government and communism. Building a lasting Puerto Rico takes 0% blame, 0% hand outs, 100% exile of large corporate influence, and 110% sacrifice. Puerto Rico is positioned to have 100% of the benefits to being in America and almost none of the hang-ups. It has to marry the opportunity with effort. take the good of everything and leave the bad on the mainland. The author criticized Disaster Economists, rightfully, but offers absolutely nothing in the way of solutions except for blaming men, colonialism, and capitalism. As if blame ever solved a problem. It's sad because this little podcast of a book could have been inspirational.

Puerto Rico.. unfinished story

This was a well written and thoughtful short work about the people of Puerto Rico and the future of the island. I found it very interesting.

Slave Mentality

It is an amazing book. It is unbelievable that we are still engaged in an economy that can be best as a slave economy. Sad...

Neo-liberals at it again.

An informative but brief overview of Puerto Rico's myriad of challenges pre- and post- hurricane Maria, offering a glimpse of hope for the future and an outline to proceed.

Powerful and informative

Powerful and informative- speaks to the complexity of Puerto Rican’s relationship with the US and how past policies have effected the island.
One criticism - why didn’t they have someone who speaks English AND Spanish record the book?!?! It was really frustrating listening to towns, cities and names being anglicized. How hard could it be to find someone who could have read this properly?

I'm not a fan of Naomi Klein....

But I like to listen to all sides. I had some thoughts while listening to this, but I will say I need to do my own research before I agree with some of the things contained in this book. I don't take anything as fact just because someone wrote a book. Naomi tends to lean too far left for me. Tho the part of self sufficiency I do agree with.

Wow: this is a MUST-LISTEN

I recommend this book to everyone who cares about America. We need to educate ourselves about the ways the US is hurting Puerto Rico.

A needed read for any American

I truly enjoyed this book. I put it on for a listen while I cleaned my home and boy was I engaged. The book is quick read, but it packed full of informations: dates, times, places, names, people, etc.

I think that it is important that Americans read this book. We need to understand the damage of the abuse and neglect that PR has suffered while under colonial rule.

Excellent

This is an excellent analogy of disaster capitalism whilst providing insightful and hopeful ways of countering its harms.

Very well read too. Thank you.

Important

A highly important read of a troubled history and a troubling potential future. I can only hope more people take the time and inform themselves.