The best 66 US Presidents books

US Presidents' history illuminates the political landscape of the United States, shaping the nation we know today. Our specially curated book list on this topic offers valuable insights into the lives and decisions of these influential figures.

Discover the rich tapestry of US Presidential history with our collection, providing a nuanced perspective on the leaders who have shaped the nation. Ready to delve into these captivating narratives and gain a deeper understanding of American politics?

  1. 1The Audacity of Hope

    The Audacity of Hope

    Barack Obama

    Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream

    4.5 (131 ratings)

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    What's The Audacity of Hope about?

    The Audacity of Hope is based on a keynote speech Barack Obama delivered at the 2004 Democratic Convention, which launched him into the spotlight of the nation. It contains many of the subjects of Obama’s 2008 campaign for the presidency.

    Who should read The Audacity of Hope?

    • Anyone interested in American politics and international affairs
    • Anyone who wants to find out about Obama’s core values
  2. 2Failed States

    Failed States

    Noam Chomsky

    The Abuse of Power and the Assault on Democracy

    3.8 (249 ratings)

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    What's Failed States about?

    In Failed States, author Noam Chomsky details the ways in which the United States has used its power to relentlessly pursue its own geopolitical and economic interests. The book cites examples from throughout history to demonstrate why the United States’ stated goal of promoting democracy is inconsistent with its own actions, at home and abroad.

    Who should read Failed States?

    • Anyone critical of US foreign policy
    • Anyone interested in international politics
    • Anyone interested in history
  3. 3American Lion

    American Lion

    Jon Meacham

    Andrew Jackson in the White House

    4.8 (46 ratings)

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    What's American Lion about?

    American Lion (2008) tells the story of Andrew Jackson, America’s seventh president. These blinks describe Jackson’s rise from poverty to the White House, and how he transformed the presidency from a relatively symbolic position into a powerful vehicle for representing the interests of the people.

    Who should read American Lion?

    • Historians and students of history
    • Anyone interested in American politics
    • Fans of a good biography
  4. 4Killing Lincoln

    Killing Lincoln

    Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard

    The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever

    4.3 (82 ratings)

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    What's Killing Lincoln about?

    Killing Lincoln (2011) tells the story behind the assassination of president Abraham Lincoln, which took place in 1865, shortly after the Confederate army had surrendered, effectively putting an end to the US Civil War. Learn all about the conspirators who plotted the killing, what their motives were and the details surrounding the fateful night at Ford’s Theater.

    Who should read Killing Lincoln?

    • History buffs
    • Readers curious about Lincoln’s assassination
    • Civil War fanatics
  5. 5Fire and Fury

    Fire and Fury

    Michael Wolff

    Inside the Trump White House

    4.2 (71 ratings)

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    What's Fire and Fury about?

    Fire and Fury (2018) gives a fly-on-the-wall account of the Trump administration’s early days. With his insider access to the West Wing and over two hundred conversations with senior staff under his belt, Michael Wolff paints a fascinating portrait of an administration he claims is wholly unprepared to govern.

    Who should read Fire and Fury?

    • Readers who want a behind-the-scenes peek into the White House
    • US citizens concerned about how fit Donald Trump is for the job
    • News junkies looking for more insight into the Trump presidency
  6. 6A Higher Loyalty

    A Higher Loyalty

    James Comey

    Truth, Lies and Leadership

    4.0 (33 ratings)

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    What's A Higher Loyalty about?

    A Higher Loyalty (2018) is the revealing account of James Comey’s history as a respected public servant across multiple presidential administrations. Comey guides readers through many years of experience, including his fight against unlawful torture and surveillance policies during the second Bush administration, and his experience with the Trump presidency.

    Who should read A Higher Loyalty?

    • News and political junkies
    • Students of law and ethics
    • Readers eager for a peek at Washington’s inner workings
  7. 7Russian Roulette

    Russian Roulette

    Michael Isikoff and David Corn

    The Inside Story of Putin’s War on America and the Election of Donald Trump

    4.1 (66 ratings)

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    What's Russian Roulette about?

    Russian Roulette (2018) relates the results of an investigation by two journalists into the Russian interference in the 2016 American presidential election. These include details on Trump’s business ties to Russia, the Russian connections of his campaign team, the Russian hacking of Democratic institutions, the disinformation campaigns on social media and what Russian intelligence might have gathered to compromise Trump. The blinks also tell how the American intelligence community and the Obama administration reacted to the Russian hacking.

    Who should read Russian Roulette?

    • News junkies interested in the 2016 US presidential election
    • Concerned citizens who want to know more about Trump’s ties to Russia
    • Students of politics seeking an explanation for why Trump won
  8. 8The World as It Is

    The World as It Is

    Ben Rhodes

    A Memoir of the Obama White House

    4.4 (38 ratings)

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    What's The World as It Is about?

    The World as It Is (2018) is a deeply personal look at the Obama presidency, written by a man who not only worked closely with the forty-fourth president, but also became his friend. Taking us on a behind-the-scenes tour of Obama’s presidency, from his first campaign to Trump’s inauguration, these blinks also chronicle the author’s personal journey from fresh-faced staffer to hardened national security operator.

    Who should read The World as It Is?

    • History and politics buffs
    • Anyone interested in an inside look at the highest levels of government
    • People who want a better understanding of the state of US politics today
  9. 9The Big Lie

    The Big Lie

    Dinesh D’Souza

    Exposing the Nazi Roots of the American Left

    2.9 (182 ratings)

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    What's The Big Lie about?

    The Big Lie (2017) is a right-wing account of current American political events. Author Dinesh D’Souza thinks that attacks against Trump from the Left are unfair. The progressive Left claim that Trump is a racist and a fascist, and have likened him to a Nazi, but this book radically upends these accusations. For D’Souza, the American Left is recycling one big lie. It’s the Democrats who are the real Nazis, the true fascists and racists.

    Who should read The Big Lie?

    • Conservatives, Republicans, Trump-supporters, right-wing voters
    • Historians and political scientists
    • Progressive and liberal voters who want to understand populist arguments
  10. 10No Is Not Enough

    No Is Not Enough

    Naomi Klein

    Resisting the New Shock Politics and Winning the World We Need

    3.4 (31 ratings)

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    What's No Is Not Enough about?

    No Is Not Enough (2017) offers a critical account of Trump’s first months in the Oval Office, reflecting on how he got there and what we should expect from him. At the heart of this account is not only an unmasking of Trump’s routine shock tactics, but also advice on how we can resist and forge a better tomorrow.

    Who should read No Is Not Enough?

    • Readers trying to make sense of Trump’s presidency
    • Americans outraged by the policies of the Trump administration
    • Activists willing to resist the corporate takeover of politics
  11. 11Presidents of War

    Presidents of War

    Michael Beschloss

    The epic story, from 1807 to modern times

    4.5 (84 ratings)

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    What's Presidents of War about?

    Presidents of War (2018) is a panoramic study of eight US presidents and the conflicts into which they led their country. Detailing each POTUS’ motivations for war, their decisions once hostilities began, and the mood of the press and public at home, these absorbing portraits of wartime leaders look at American history on the grandest of scales – from the War of 1812 to Vietnam. 

    Who should read Presidents of War?

    • Americans wanting to understand their past leaders
    • Foreigners whose knowledge of American history is limited to the twentieth century 
    • Future presidents trying to avoid the mistakes of their predecessors
  12. 12The Threat

    The Threat

    Andrew G. McCabe

    How the FBI Protects America in the Age of Terror and Trump

    3.2 (48 ratings)

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    What's The Threat about?

    The Threat (2019) offers an inside look at America’s famous nation-wide law enforcement agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation or FBI. Written with the lucid precision you’d expect from a high-ranking former FBI official, this book depicts the organization’s inner workings, details the methods it uses to protect the public, and explains why terrorism and President Donald Trump are currently the nation’s biggest threats.

    Who should read The Threat?

    • Law-enforcement buffs wondering how the FBI operates
    • Concerned Americans curious about how the organization protects them
    • Law-abiding citizens seeking to understand the FBI’s biggest challenges today
  13. 13Siege

    Siege

    Michael Wolff

    Trump Under Fire

    4.3 (47 ratings)

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    What's Siege about?

    Siege (2019) gives a detailed account of Donald Trump’s presidency between 2017 and early 2019, portraying a White House that always seems to be on the brink of collapse. In a blow-by-blow description of the seismic events of Trump’s second and third years in office, Michael Wolff evokes an administration under siege.

    Who should read Siege?

    • Readers who are morbidly fascinated by the Trump presidency
    • Fans of gripping political narratives
    • US citizens wondering whether their president will see through a full term in office
  14. 14American Carnage

    American Carnage

    Tim Alberta

    On the Front Lines of the Republican Civil War and the Rise of President Trump

    3.9 (83 ratings)

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    What's American Carnage about?

    American Carnage (2019) details the ideological battle at the heart of the Republican Party over the last decade. From George Bush’s “compassionate conservatism” to the Tea Party’s right-wing fervor, Tim Alberta covers the ideological metamorphosis that led to Donald Trump’s presidency.

    Who should read American Carnage?

    • Anyone with an interest in American politics 
    • Budding Washington hacks
    • Those anxious about the rise of the far right
  15. 15Impeachment

    Impeachment

    Jeffrey A. Engel, Jon Meacham, Timothy Naftali and Peter Baker

    An American History

    4.2 (40 ratings)

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    What's Impeachment about?

    Impeachment (2018) details how the Framers of the US Constitution envisioned the process of removing a president, and how the three impeachment proceedings prior to Trump’s have played out. Spanning the years right after the American Revolution to the late twentieth century, Impeachment looks at how the Framers imagined impeachment as a safety valve for democracy, as well as how Congress used impeachment to sanction Presidents Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Bill Clinton. 

    Who should read Impeachment?

    • News junkies who’ve read every think piece about the Trump impeachment
    • History hounds obsessed with the American experiment 
    • Anyone looking for a better grasp on current US affairs
  16. 16The Conscience of a Conservative

    The Conscience of a Conservative

    Barry Goldwater

    A classic statement of the conservative mindset

    4.3 (156 ratings)

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    What's The Conscience of a Conservative about?

    The Conscience of a Conservative (1960) is a classic statement of the conservative mindset. Penned in an age of bipartisan support for big government, Barry Goldwater’s manifesto rekindled a conservative movement committed to shrinking the state. Over the next 20 years, Goldwater’s positions on topics such as taxation, education, and welfare became commonsensical on the American right, laying the foundations for the 1980s Reagan revolution. 

    Who should read The Conscience of a Conservative?

    • History buffs and politicos 
    • Advocates of limited government 
    • Liberals interested in the other side of the argument
  17. 17A Very Stable Genius

    A Very Stable Genius

    Philip Rucker and Carol Leonnig

    Donald J. Trump's Testing of America

    3.6 (113 ratings)

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    What's A Very Stable Genius about?

    A Very Stable Genius (2020) is the definitive account of Donald Trump’s time in the White House. After three years of silence, dozens of public officials and other first-hand witnesses familiar with the workings of the Trump administration went on record with reporters Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker. Their testimony forms the backbone of these blinks, which reveal the forty-fifth president of the United States up close. 

    Who should read A Very Stable Genius?

    • Politics buffs 
    • News junkies looking for the bigger picture 
    • Journalists and reporters
  18. 18A Warning

    A Warning

    Anonymous

    A political tell-all of an administration in disarray

    4.2 (42 ratings)

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    What's A Warning about?

    A Warning (2019) presents a harrowing view of the inner workings of the Donald Trump presidency. Penned by an anonymous White House insider, it details the tensions and turmoil behind the scenes of the most chaotic administration in modern American history.

    Who should read A Warning?

    • Concerned citizens seeking to understand the current political zeitgeist
    • Political junkies eager for the latest White House gossip
    • Activists hoping to hamper the current administration
  19. 19Profiles in Corruption

    Profiles in Corruption

    Peter Schweizer

    Abuse of Power by America’s Progressive Elite

    3.3 (80 ratings)

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    What's Profiles in Corruption about?

    Profiles in Corruption (2020) challenges us to question and confront the moral integrity of the politicians at the forefront of the modern progressive movement in America. Derived from a range of sources, from financial reports to corporate documentation, eight profiles of the biggest names in left-wing politics tell us a harrowing story of illicit exchanges, cover-ups, and double-crosses.

    Who should read Profiles in Corruption?

    • Americans concerned about the integrity of Democratic politicians
    • Truth-seekers who want to know what goes on behind Washington’s closed doors
    • Fans of political intrigue
  20. 20The Lincoln Conspiracy

    The Lincoln Conspiracy

    Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch

    The Secret Plot to Kill America's 16th President – and Why It Failed

    4.6 (68 ratings)

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    What's The Lincoln Conspiracy about?

    The Lincoln Conspiracy (2020) tells the story of the first assassination attempt on America’s 16th president – before he was even president. Organized by a secret cabal of pro-slavery Southern secessionists, the plot was foiled by famous private detective Allan Pinkerton, as well as Kate Warne, one of his agents, and the first female detective in America.

    Who should read The Lincoln Conspiracy?

    • Civil War fanatics
    • Lincoln geeks
    • Anyone interested in the story of abolitionism
  21. 21It Was All a Lie

    It Was All a Lie

    Stuart Stevens

    How the Republican Party Became Donald Trump

    4.0 (146 ratings)

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    What's It Was All a Lie about?

    It Was All A Lie (2020) is former Republican political consultant Stuart Stevens’ take on how Republican leaders, desperate for power, have mortgaged their purported values to support Donald Trump.

    Who should read It Was All a Lie?

    • Americans disappointed by the Trump presidency
    • Lovers of well-crafted snark
    • Political junkies
  22. 22A Promised Land

    A Promised Land

    Barack Obama

    The first memoir of Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States

    4.5 (460 ratings)

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    What's A Promised Land about?

    A Promised Land (2020) is the first volume of the memoirs of Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States. The memoir chronicles Obama’s journey from teenage Honolulu ne'er-do-well to Chicago community organizer and on to one of the most beloved – and mistrusted – figures in American history.

    Who should read A Promised Land?

    • Anyone wanting to understand modern American politics
    • Lovers of deep-dive biography
    • Those looking to learn college-age Obama’s strategy for picking up girls
  23. 23Donald Trump v. The United States

    Donald Trump v. The United States

    Michael S. Schmidt

    Inside the Struggle to Stop a President

    3.8 (74 ratings)

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    What's Donald Trump v. The United States about?

    Donald Trump v. The United States (2020) tells the story of the 2016 presidential campaign and the subsequent Special Counsel investigation into the Trump administration. It details the ways in which the investigation was assisted by the White House counsel – and how it was curtailed by Trump and the Justice Department.

    Who should read Donald Trump v. The United States?

    • News junkies
    • Citizens concerned about US democracy
    • People curious about the Mueller investigation
  24. 24Promises to Keep

    Promises to Keep

    Joe Biden

    On Life and Politics

    4.0 (85 ratings)

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    What's Promises to Keep about?

    In Promises to Keep (2007), Joe Biden recounts personal anecdotes from his childhood and long career in politics. He reveals how he was taught by his parents to always follow his convictions, and how he entered politics as an underdog, but quickly built a career in the Senate that spanned four decades. Lastly, he recounts how personal and professional adversity have made him a more resilient and insightful father, husband, and political leader.

    Who should read Promises to Keep?

    • Voters wanting to know more about one of the US presidential candidates
    • Memoir-lovers who want to learn about the personal life of a remarkable politician
    • Historians interested in how Senate politics has changed over the last four decades
  25. 25Compromised

    Compromised

    Peter Strzok

    Counterintelligence and the Threat of Donald J. Trump

    4.0 (50 ratings)

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    What's Compromised about?

    Compromised (2020) is an inside account of the FBI’s handling of the now-famous Midyear Exam and Crossfire Hurricane investigations concerning Hillary Clinton and the Trump campaign, respectively. It tackles partisan media and White House accusations head-on, from the point of view of a person at the center of it all.

    Who should read Compromised?

    • Politically engaged Americans on both sides of the aisle
    • Those who have been exposed to conflicting narratives about the FBI
    • Curious followers of current events and politics
  26. 26Speaking for Myself

    Speaking for Myself

    Sarah Huckabee Sanders

    Faith, Freedom, and the Fight of Our Lives Inside the Trump White House

    3.3 (72 ratings)

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    What's Speaking for Myself about?

    Speaking for Myself (2020) is an insider’s account of Donald Trump’s first two years in office by the woman whose job it was to present the president’s thinking to the world – press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Alongside fascinating snapshots of Trump’s decision-making process, values, and sense of humor, Sanders offers readers a glimpse of the inner workings of the White House and the role of the press in American political life.

    Who should read Speaking for Myself?

    • Trump haters interested in the other side of the story
    • Journalists, reporters, and broadcasters
    • History and politics buffs
  27. 27The Economists’ Hour

    The Economists’ Hour

    Binyamin Appelbaum

    False Prophets, Free Markets, and the Fracture of Society

    4.3 (74 ratings)

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    00:00

    What's The Economists’ Hour about?

    The Economists’ Hour (2019) is a compact history of how economists came to dominate our political discourse. This work traces the rise of neoliberal ideology from the 1960s to today.

    Who should read The Economists’ Hour?

    • Political wonks wanting to parse the current climate
    • Citizens concerned about America’s rightward shift
    • Anyone asking, “how did things get so bad?”
  28. 28Where Law Ends

    Where Law Ends

    Andrew Weissmann

    Inside the Mueller Investigation

    4.2 (37 ratings)

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    What's Where Law Ends about?

    Where Law Ends (2020) offers a behind-the-scenes look at the special counsel investigation that resulted in the controversial Mueller Report. It takes you step-by-step through the 22-month process of interviews and evidence gathering that resulted in unprecedented findings that raise serious questions about America’s democratic institutions.

    Who should read Where Law Ends?

    • American voters worried about election interference
    • People curious about the limits of executive power
    • Fans of gripping legal investigations
  29. 29First Principles

    First Principles

    Thomas E. Ricks

    What America's Founders Learned from the Greeks and Romans and How That Shaped Our Country

    4.3 (261 ratings)

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    What's First Principles about?

    Over the years, much has been made of the influence of Enlightenment ideas –⁠ particularly those of English philosopher John Locke –⁠ on America’s founding fathers. First Principles (2020) takes a different approach. It focuses instead on the ways in which Greek and Roman history and philosophy profoundly shaped the values and goals of America’s first four presidents, and how classical ideas are embedded in the nation to this day.

    Who should read First Principles?

    • Anyone interested in American history, or political philosophy
    • Students of Greek and Roman classics
  30. 30American Kompromat

    American Kompromat

    Craig Unger

    How the KGB Cultivated Donald Trump, and Related Tales of Sex, Greed, Power, and Treachery

    4.0 (85 ratings)

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    What's American Kompromat about?

    American Kompromat (2021) tells the dark and unsettling tale of how the Russian KGB began cultivating Donald Trump as an asset –⁠ and then hit the jackpot when he became the president of the United States. Drawing connections between Trump, Jeffrey Epstein, and a mysterious Catholic sect called Opus Dei, it explores the reasons why Trump repeatedly did Putin’s bidding –⁠ and who enabled him to do so.

    Who should read American Kompromat?

    • Americans trying to make sense of Trump’s connection to Russia
    • Fans of political gossip and conspiracies
    • Citizens concerned about how politicians and businessmen weaponize their power
  31. 31Zero Fail

    Zero Fail

    Carol Leonnig

    The Rise and Fall of the Secret Service

    4.1 (43 ratings)

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    What's Zero Fail about?

    Zero Fail (2021) is a no-nonsense account of the ineptitude and recklessness that have plagued the US Secret Service in recent decades. From Kennedy to Trump, the Service has continually covered up for, and even promoted, agents who made impulsive, ill-considered and simply bad decisions. 

    Who should read Zero Fail?

    • Popcorn-munching gossip-lovers
    • American history buffs
    • News junkies
  32. 32Richard Nixon

    Richard Nixon

    John A. Farrell

    The Life

    4.3 (120 ratings)

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    What's Richard Nixon about?

    Richard Nixon: The Life (2017) is a thorough biography of one of the most controversial American presidents. Tracing Nixon’s life from his humble upbringing through his meteoric political ascent to his crashing downfall in the Watergate scandal, it reveals a complex, troubled, and sentimental man.

    Who should read Richard Nixon?

    • US-politics aficionados
    • Biography enthusiasts who love a scandal
    • People looking to deepen their knowledge of American history
  33. 33The Reckoning

    The Reckoning

    Mary L. Trump

    Our Nation's Trauma and Finding a Way to Heal

    3.2 (220 ratings)

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    What's The Reckoning about?

    The Reckoning (2021) is an unflinching look at contemporary American society. This sharp treatise draws informative connections between the nation’s traumas and its current issues.

    Who should read The Reckoning?

    • Voters struggling to understand the contemporary political landscape
    • Citizens concerned about the future of their country
    • Anyone interested in a critical analysis of American society
  34. 34Renegades

    Renegades

    Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen

    Born in the USA

    4.1 (337 ratings)

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    What's Renegades about?

    Renegades (2021) documents eight intimate and enlightening conversations between two living legends: the musician Bruce Springsteen and the former US president Barack Obama. These two friends delve into some of the issues that have defined both of their careers, including American identity, fatherhood, class and racial divides, wrestling with the past, and maintaining hope for the future.

    Who should read Renegades?

    • American citizens concerned about the country’s future
    • Fans of “the Boss” and the forty-fourth president
    • Music buffs
  35. 35I Alone Can Fix It

    I Alone Can Fix It

    Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker

    Donald J. Trump's Catastrophic Final Year

    3.8 (104 ratings)

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    What's I Alone Can Fix It about?

    I Alone Can Fix It (2021) is the definitive behind-the-scenes account of Donald Trump’s final 12 months in the White House. Drawing on in-depth interviews with participants in the drama, it charts how a president who was on course for reelection ended up presiding over a doomed and bloody attempt to cling on to power. Along the way, it reveals the thinking behind Trump’s dysfunctional responses to the coronavirus pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement. 

    Who should read I Alone Can Fix It?

    • Politics buffs
    • Current affairs junkies
    • Americanophiles
  36. 36Reagan

    Reagan

    H. W. Brands

    The Life

    4.3 (194 ratings)

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    What's Reagan about?

    Reagan (2015) is the definitive account of the life of a towering figure in American history. Starting with his childhood in Illinois, the narrative follows the course of Ronald Reagan’s life, from his charmed days in Hollywood to his time as governor of California and, finally, from the White House to the world stage of the Cold War.

    Who should read Reagan?

    • All those who think they know what Reagan was all about
    • History buffs
    • People looking to understand modern American conservatism
  37. 37Founding Brothers

    Founding Brothers

    Joseph J. Ellis

    The Revolutionary Generation

    4.6 (232 ratings)

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    00:00

    What's Founding Brothers about?

    Founding Brothers (2002) complicates and enriches our understanding of the American revolution. The men who founded America lived and worked in uncertain times. The future was far from certain, and even the truths they held to be self-evident often led to strikingly different conclusions. But they clung to one another – as friends, as rivals, and even as enemies. Together, they formed a fraternity of remarkable minds that could collectively solve the problems each of them on their own could not.

    Who should read Founding Brothers?

    • History buffs
    • Americanophiles 
    • Anyone who loves stories
  38. 38The January 6th Report

    The January 6th Report

    Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol

    The Final Report on the Capitol Insurrection That Shook America

    3.6 (233 ratings)

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    What's The January 6th Report about?

    The January 6th Report (2022) is the official Congressional report into the storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. The report confirms that Donald Trump, the outgoing president, was the root cause of the attack on the Capitol, and the committee recommended that he broke numerous laws in the process and should be brought to justice.

    Who should read The January 6th Report?

    • News addicts who were gripped by the events of January 6
    • Politics enthusiasts
    • Anyone with an interest in democracy – and its limits
  39. 39And There Was Light

    And There Was Light

    Jon Meacham

    Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle

    4.6 (82 ratings)

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    What's And There Was Light about?

    And There Was Light (2022) is a biography of Abraham Lincoln that takes a nuanced look at a complex leader. Focusing especially on Lincoln’s evolving views on and actions around slavery, it’s a picture of a man who wrestled with his moral convictions while attempting to hold together a divided nation. Echoes of that struggle still ring out today, making it essential to keep Lincoln’s story at the forefront of American consciousness.

    Who should read And There Was Light?

    • American history enthusiasts
    • People interested in controversial historical figures
    • Budding political pundits looking to add to their historical knowledge
  40. 40Confidence Man

    Confidence Man

    Maggie Haberman

    The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America

    3.6 (326 ratings)

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    What's Confidence Man about?

    Confidence Man (2022) is a full account of Trump’s life in the spotlight. It tracks his career from early New York real estate deals to his tumultuous tenure in the White House. It shows how his aggressive personality was molded early on and only intensified as the stage grew bigger.

    Who should read Confidence Man?

    • Politics junkies
    • People interested in the January 6 attack on the US Capitol
    • Anyone interested in the unique life of Donald J. Trump
  41. 41Never Give an Inch

    Never Give an Inch

    Mike Pompeo

    Fighting for the America I Love

    3.9 (50 ratings)

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    00:00

    What's Never Give an Inch about?

    Never Give an Inch (2022) gives insight into US foreign policy during the Trump administration. Pompeo, the former Secretary of State, outlines his personal beliefs, candidly discusses his views on international politics, and reflects on challenges and successes from his time in the State Department.

    Who should read Never Give an Inch?

    • Republicans
    • People who want to know more about the Trump administration
    • Anyone who’s interested in US and international politics
  42. 42The Courage to Be Free

    The Courage to Be Free

    Ron DeSantis

    Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival

    3.5 (81 ratings)

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    What's The Courage to Be Free about?

    The Courage to Be Free (2023) is an account of Ron DeSantis’s career so far, focusing on his work as governor of Florida. He reflects on his approach to leadership and outlines his vision for America.

    Who should read The Courage to Be Free?

    • Republicans and anyone who has right-wing political views
    • People interested in US politics
    • Anyone who wants to know more about a potential future president
  43. 43The River of Doubt

    The River of Doubt

    Candice Millard

    Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey

    4.1 (67 ratings)

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    00:00

    What's The River of Doubt about?

    The River of Doubt (2005) is about former US President Theodore Roosevelt's perilous 1913–1914 expedition into the Amazon rainforest alongside Brazilian explorer Cândido Rondon. It chronicles the challenges they faced, from disease and dangerous wildlife to potential mutiny, as they navigated an uncharted river. The journey pushed every member to their limits and nearly cost Roosevelt his life.

    Who should read The River of Doubt?

    • History buffs interested in Roosevelt's post-presidential adventures
    • Explorers fascinated by the Amazon
    • Anyone looking for tales of human endurance
  44. 44Becoming FDR

    Becoming FDR

    Jonathan Darman

    The Personal Crisis That Made a President

    4.3 (120 ratings)

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    What's Becoming FDR about?

    Becoming FDR (2022) tells the remarkable story of the personal health crisis and recovery that transformed Franklin D. Roosevelt from a self-centered, pampered golden boy to the mature, empathetic President who would go on to lead a nation through the darkest days of The Great Depression and the second World War. 

    Who should read Becoming FDR?

    • History buffs looking for the inside story on one of America’s defining presidents
    • Political minds curious about the personalities that shaped the twentieth century
    • Anyone curious about how crisis and adversity can shape character
  45. 45An Ordinary Man

    An Ordinary Man

    Richard Norton Smith

    The Surprising Life and Historic Presidency of Gerald R. Ford

    4.5 (31 ratings)

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    What's An Ordinary Man about?

    An Ordinary Man (2023) is the complete biography of Gerald R. Ford, the thirty-eighth president of the United States. Under his leadership, America navigated its gravest constitutional crisis since the Civil War and confronted its most profound economic slump since the Great Depression. While Ford can be seen as an “accidental president,” historian Richard Norton Smith argues that his accomplishments were numerous and significant.

    Who should read An Ordinary Man?

    • History buffs 
    • Politicos interested post-Watergate America
    • Fans of in-depth biographical works 
  46. 46Citizen

    Citizen

    Bill Clinton

    My Life After the White House

    3.6 (18 ratings)

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    00:00

    What's Citizen about?

    Citizen (2024) is a reflective memoir that explores former US president Bill Clinton’s life after leaving the White House. It covers pivotal moments in recent history, alongside personal insights about public service and the importance of building a better future. Through these reflections, Clinton emphasizes the power of community and individual action in shaping a more just and compassionate world.

    Who should read Citizen?

    • Civic-minded professionals seeking inspiration for community engagement
    • Socially conscious leaders aiming to drive meaningful change
    • History enthusiasts interested in post-presidential perspectives
  47. 47Dreams from My Father

    Dreams from My Father

    Barack Obama

    A Story of Race and Inheritance

    4.1 (22 ratings)

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    What's Dreams from My Father about?

    Dreams from My Father (1995) is a deeply personal memoir about life growing up in the 1960s and 70s as the mixed-race child of a very blended family, and what it meant for the journey to adulthood. At the same time, it is a carefully considered and richly-detailed meditation on the nature of international race relations, family bonds, and community across generations and continents, offering a unique perspective on the background of a future President of the United States.  

    Who should read Dreams from My Father?

    • History buffs interested in the early life of influential public figures
    • Biography lovers craving an inside look at lives that make an impact 
    • Anyone curious about the man behind the political career, and his reflections on life in the country he has served for decades
  48. 48Tired of Winning

    Tired of Winning

    Jonathan Karl

    Donald Trump and the End of the Grand Old Party

    2.7 (193 ratings)

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    00:00

    What's Tired of Winning about?

    Tired of Winning (2023) invites you into a gripping narrative of political intrigue and legal drama, centering on Donald Trump's unprecedented challenges and actions that reshaped American politics. Experience a compelling journey through political chess games, legal battles, and the ongoing saga of a figure who continues to dominate the American political landscape.

    Who should read Tired of Winning?

    • Political history enthusiasts
    • Followers of US presidency studies
    • Anyone interested in contemporary American politics
  49. 49Renegade

    Renegade

    Adam Kinzinger & Michael D'Antonio

    Defending Democracy and Liberty in Our Divided Country

    3.0 (13 ratings)

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    00:00

    What's Renegade about?

    Renegade (2023) offers an insider’s perspective on the turbulent political landscape in the United States. Focusing on the challenges and divisions within the Republican Party, it delves into the personal and political consequences of standing against party norms during a time of heightened partisanship, showcasing the complexities of democracy and liberty in a divided country.

    Who should read Renegade?

    • Political science students and researchers
    • Members of the Republican Party seeking introspection
    • American history and contemporary politics enthusiasts
  50. 50Teddy and Booker T.

    Teddy and Booker T.

    Brian Kilmeade

    How Two American Icons Blazed a Path for Racial Equality

    4.2 (70 ratings)

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    00:00

    What's Teddy and Booker T. about?

    Teddy and Booker T. (2023) tells the story of how President Theodore Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington, two wildly different Americans, faced the challenge of advancing racial equality in the early 1900s. When Roosevelt welcomed Washington into his circle of advisors in 1901, they confronted violent racist backlash, having risen to prominence in an era of increasing Jim Crow laws and lynching. Though coming from vastly different backgrounds, both men embodied the pioneering American spirit and believed progress was possible through collaboration. 

    Who should read Teddy and Booker T.?

    • History buffs
    • Leadership readers
    • People looking to be inspired
  51. 51Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

    Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

    Benjamin Franklin

    Insights from an American Polymath

    4.6 (102 ratings)

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    What's Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin about?

    The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (1793) provides an intimate look at Franklin's successes and failures, revealing his views on practical wisdom and self-improvement. It showcases his journey from a young apprentice to a renowned figure in history, offering valuable life lessons along the way.

    Who should read Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin?

    • History enthusiasts
    • Self-improvement seekers
    • Fans of personal narratives
  52. 52The Situation Room

    The Situation Room

    George Stephanopoulos

    The Inside Story of Presidents in Crisis

    3.7 (95 ratings)

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    00:00

    What's The Situation Room about?

    The Situation Room (2024) provides a detailed look at the high-stakes decision-making processes within the White House Situation Room. It chronicles the dramatic events and critical moments faced by twelve U.S. presidents, offering an insider perspective on how pivotal decisions have shaped American history and global affairs.

    Who should read The Situation Room?

    • Political science students studying crisis management
    • History enthusiasts interested in U.S. presidential decisions
    • Anyone interested in behind-the-scenes political stories
  53. 53At War with Ourselves

    At War with Ourselves

    H. R. McMaster

    My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House

    3.9 (119 ratings)

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    What's At War with Ourselves about?

    At War with Ourselves (2024) takes you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Trump White House. You’ll discover how chaos and power struggles shaped H. R. McMaster’s one-year tenure as national security advisor, and how he tried to advance the nation’s long-term strategic interests.

    Who should read At War with Ourselves?

    • Americans interested in what happened during the Trump administration 
    • Politics junkies interested in U.S. governance
    • Students of public policy, history, or international relations
  54. 54Confronting the Presidents

    Confronting the Presidents

    Bill O'Reilly, Martin Dugard

    No Spin Assessments from Washington to Biden

    3.4 (99 ratings)

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    00:00

    What's Confronting the Presidents about?

    Confronting the Presidents (2024) holds a mirror to America’s 45 presidents and confronts them with their records in office. Some come away with a flattering portrait; others are unmasked as the terrible leaders they were. Every president is held to the same standard. The guiding question here is simple: did these men live up to America’s foundational ideals? 

    Who should read Confronting the Presidents?

    • History and politics buffs 
    • Readers of biographies 
    • Fans of O’Reilly and Dugard’s previous books
  55. 55Trump: The Art of the Deal

    Trump: The Art of the Deal

    Donald J. Trump, Tony Schwartz

    The Art of the Deal

    3.5 (157 ratings)

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    What's Trump: The Art of the Deal about?

    Trump: The Art of the Deal (1987) looks at Donald Trump’s business strategies and personal experiences in real estate. It outlines his principles of negotiation, risk-taking, and public image-building, emphasizing the importance of persistence and adaptability. Through real-life examples, Trump provides a step-by-step guide to closing deals and achieving success.

    Who should read Trump: The Art of the Deal?

    • Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking business negotiation strategies
    • Business professionals aiming to enhance their public image
    • Anyone interested in Donald Trump’s career and philosophy
  56. 56Lucky Loser

    Lucky Loser

    Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig

    How Donald Trump Squandered His Father's Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success

    3.2 (54 ratings)

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    00:00

    What's Lucky Loser about?

    Lucky Loser (2024) delves into the wild financial rollercoaster of Donald Trump, exploring how he kept his empire afloat with risky deals and family wealth. The book looks at the man behind the myth, uncovering the fascinating contradictions between Trump’s public image of success and the staggering losses he accounted for behind the scenes. 

    Who should read Lucky Loser?

    • Political junkies
    • Fans of investigative journalism
    • History buffs
  57. 57Lincoln vs. Davis

    Lincoln vs. Davis

    Nigel Hamilton

    The War of the Presidents

    4.2 (44 ratings)

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    00:00

    What's Lincoln vs. Davis about?

    Lincoln vs. Davis (2024) offers a gripping, in-depth look at the personal and political struggles of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis during the American Civil War. Nigel Hamilton explores how these two men – one seeking to preserve the Union, the other fighting for Southern independence – shaped the fate of the nation through their contrasting leadership. With rich historical detail and fresh insights, this book reveals the high-stakes decisions, personal flaws, and moral dilemmas that defined America's most turbulent era.

    Who should read Lincoln vs. Davis?

    • History enthusiasts ready for their next chapter
    • Civil War buffs looking for a fresh perspective on the war
    • Biography fans
  58. 58Melania

    Melania

    Melania Trump

    A Memoir

    3.4 (62 ratings)

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    What's Melania about?

    Melania (2024) provides an intimate glimpse into the fascinating life of Melania Trump, tracing her journey from modest beginnings in Slovenia to her role as First Lady of the United States. Through heartfelt reflections and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, it highlights her experiences with motherhood, the challenges of public life, and the unwavering resilience and grace that have defined one of America’s most captivating figures.

    Who should read Melania?

    • Fans of engaging personal narratives and political memoirs
    • Those curious about Melania Trump’s life and experiences
    • Individuals intrigued by life inside the White House
  59. 59Here, Right Matters

    Here, Right Matters

    Alexander Vindman

    An American Story

    4.2 (31 ratings)

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    What's Here, Right Matters about?

    Here, Right Matters (2021) is an inspirational memoir from the man who served as the key witness in Donald Trump’s first impeachment hearings. It tells the story of an immigrant family who believed deeply in America’s democratic values and the price the author had to pay in staying true to those ideals. 

    Who should read Here, Right Matters?

    • Fans of memoirs and personal stories of resilience
    • Civically engaged people
    • Students and scholars of political science or public policy
  60. 60Original Sin

    Original Sin

    Jake Tapper, Alex Thompson

    President Biden’s Decline and His Disastrous Second Run

    4.5 (33 ratings)

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    What's Original Sin about?

    Original Sin (2025) is a damning, in-depth exposé of President Biden’s physical and mental deterioration, his inner circle’s attempts to cover it up, and the resulting catastrophe of Biden’s 2024 presidential run. Drawing from hundreds of interviews, it’s packed with shocking, candid commentary from behind the closed doors of politics’ upper echelons. Ultimately, it tells a disturbing tale of hubris, delusion, and deception –⁠ by Biden, the Democratic Party, and a coalition of his closest family and advisors.

    Who should read Original Sin?

    • Politics buffs
    • Students of political science or communications
    • Fans of political and historical thrillers
  61. 61To Rescue the American Spirit

    To Rescue the American Spirit

    Bret Baier

    Teddy Roosevelt and the Birth of a Superpower

    3.9 (7 ratings)

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    00:00

    What's To Rescue the American Spirit about?

    To Rescue the American Spirit (2025) traces the rise of a political giant who dragged the United States kicking and screaming into the American Century. You’ll discover how Roosevelt’s uncompromising beliefs guided a nation out of its isolation and onto the world stage. By the end, you’ll have seen how character and courage can single-handedly shift the trajectory of a whole nation.

    Who should read To Rescue the American Spirit?

    • History junkies fascinated by the Gilded Age
    • Anyone interested in political strategy and foreign policy
    • Americans hoping to learn of how their nation once overcame adversity and division
  62. 62So You Want to Own Greenland?

    So You Want to Own Greenland?

    Elizabeth Buchanan

    Lessons from the Vikings to Trump

    4.4 (44 ratings)

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    What's So You Want to Own Greenland? about?

    So You Want to Own Greenland? (2025) explores how one vast, icy island keeps drawing the attention of explorers, empires, and superpowers. From vanished Viking settlements to underground Cold War military bases, Greenland’s story is full of twists and turns. It unpacks how history, geopolitics, and climate are colliding to make Greenland an unexpected headline grabber while the nation continues to try and shape its own future.

    Who should read So You Want to Own Greenland??

    • People interested in global politics
    • History lovers who like stories that connect ancient and modern events
    • Anyone curious about Greenland
  63. 63Being Thomas Jefferson

    Being Thomas Jefferson

    Andrew Burstein

    An Intimate History

    4.3 (46 ratings)

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    00:00

    What's Being Thomas Jefferson about?

    Being Thomas Jefferson (2026) digs into the life and times of a Founding Father who is both celebrated and lamented. It holds a light to the man whose eloquence helped establish American independence and orchestrate a new democratic government, but it also exposes his shortcomings and contradictions to try to paint a fuller picture of this iconic man.

    Who should read Being Thomas Jefferson?

    • History buffs curious about early America
    • Fans of narrative biographies
    • People interested in the psychology of a Founding Father
  64. 64My Life

    My Life

    Bill Clinton

    What's My Life about?

    My Life is a memoir by Bill Clinton that offers a detailed account of his life, from his childhood in Arkansas to his time as the 42nd President of the United States. Clinton reflects on his personal and political experiences, providing insights into key events and decisions that shaped his presidency and legacy.

    Who should read My Life?

    • Readers who are interested in the personal and political life of Bill Clinton
    • Individuals who want to gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of a former US president
    • People who enjoy memoirs and firsthand accounts of historical events
  65. 65American Sphinx

    American Sphinx

    Joseph J. Ellis

    What's American Sphinx about?

    American Sphinx by Joseph J. Ellis delves into the complex and enigmatic personality of Thomas Jefferson. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, the book uncovers the contradictions and complexities of the third President of the United States, painting a multidimensional portrait of a man who played a pivotal role in shaping American history.

    Who should read American Sphinx?

    • History enthusiasts who want to gain a deeper understanding of Thomas Jefferson
    • Readers interested in the complexities of American politics and leadership
    • Those who enjoy biographies that offer a nuanced and thought-provoking portrayal of historical figures
  66. 66Five Presidents

    Five Presidents

    Clint Hill, Lisa McCubbin

    What's Five Presidents about?

    Five Presidents by Clint Hill and Lisa McCubbin provides an insider's account of the lives and legacies of five American presidents: Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford. Through firsthand anecdotes and historical insights, the book offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs faced by these leaders during their time in office.

    Who should read Five Presidents?

    • History enthusiasts who want an insider's look at the lives of US presidents
    • Readers interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of the Secret Service
    • Individuals curious about the personal interactions and relationships between presidents and their security detail

Related topics

Frequently asked questions about US Presidents

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard The Audacity of Hope as the ultimate read on US Presidents.
Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama
  • Failed States by Noam Chomsky
  • American Lion by Jon Meacham
  • Killing Lincoln by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard
  • Fire and Fury by Michael Wolff
  • A Higher Loyalty by James Comey
  • Russian Roulette by Michael Isikoff and David Corn
  • The World as It Is by Ben Rhodes
  • The Big Lie by Dinesh D’Souza
  • No Is Not Enough by Naomi Klein
When it comes to US Presidents, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Barack Obama
  • Noam Chomsky
  • Jon Meacham
  • Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard
  • Michael Wolff