Hi, I'm an American student who's about to start my first semester traveling abroad in Paris,France. I went to a typical shitty high school and came out with a meaningless high school diploma. I now have the opportunity to study abroad, but I have little to know knowledge of world events and the last thing I would like is for people to associate me as the "typical dumb American". My question is, Could you perhaps suggest a book to me about world events of the 20th century? Not to the extent to be a scholar, but to the extent that if something were mentioned in a conversation it wouldn't completely go over my head. Thank you in advance
Though "knowledge of world events" suggests a rather large category, Paris 1919 is an excellent introduction to the shaping of modern Europe.
For the sort of individual who may find himself arriving at questions of the form "what are Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, and what do they think of each other?" and wishes to have some essential background on the "why?" of Europe, Paris 1919 is a worthwhile beginning.
I would suggest two things here! First, check out the book list!
Second, you'll get much better responses probably if you post this tomorrow in the Friday Free-for-All thread.