Less: A Novel

Less: A Novel by Andrew Sean Greer

Arthur Less is a mediocre gay novelist. He has brushed against some greatness, but seems destined to be unremarkable. He was once "stole" a well-known poet from his wife. He also had a book that had somewhat positive feedback. All of that was in the past. Now he is taking any opportunity he can find with anyone available. This leads to various humorous encounters. Even at a gay convention, his writing is deemed "not gay enough." He cannot seem to win. Luckily, I did not find myself caring much about him.

Chaos Under Heaven: Trump, Xi, and the Battle for the Twenty-First Century

Chaos Under Heaven: Trump, Xi, and the Battle for the Twenty-First Century by Josh Rogin

Trump's foreign policy was a mess. Little was coherent and he could jump from idea to another just on whim. The key figures in his administration were there based on relationships with Trump rather than qualifications. With Chine, he would do things that would offend China (like take a call from Taiwan president.) Then he would bend over backwards to sign deals with them. He would ban TikTok, then launch tariffs. Much of the work was to make sure he and his friends were enriched. He would even go to name calling (like the China virus). China has been holding the upper hand for a while. They have been great at extracting secrets. China has had researchers in the US send secrets back to China. Companies must have arrangements with Chinese companies and often see their deas go back to China. 

The book quickly explains China relations and Trump behavior, then goes  goes on for a bit too long. The author even toots his own horn to brag about "exposing" Chinese connections to Covid-19.