Smoke and Mirrors

By Dan Baum,

Book cover of Smoke and Mirrors: The War on Drugs and the Politics of Failure

Book description

For sheer government absurdity, the War on Drugs is hard to beat. After three decades of increasingly punitive policies, illicit drugs are more easily available, drug potencies are greater, drug killings are more common, and drug barons are richer than ever. The War on Drugs costs Washington more than the…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Smoke and Mirrors as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

We’re drawn to books that tell real stories to help personify topics, and Dan’s book does just that. We thought it was gripping and intense, with great lines that we returned to highlight.

Although it was written in the 90s, the message still resonates, as well as the realization that the fights are long and hard but worth it.

From Akwasi and Tahira's list on social justice and the need for transformative change.

Want books like Smoke and Mirrors?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 99 books like Smoke and Mirrors.

Browse books like Smoke and Mirrors

Book cover of The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness
Book cover of Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption
Book cover of How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,324

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in the war on drugs, the illegal drug trade, and social justice?

The War On Drugs 17 books
Social Justice 85 books