The best 100 US Politics books

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1
US Politics Books: Failed States by Noam Chomsky

Failed States

Noam Chomsky
The Abuse of Power and the Assault on Democracy
4.1 (88 ratings)

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

2
US Politics Books: Blood Feud by Edward Klein

Blood Feud

Edward Klein
The Clintons vs. the Obamas
3.5 (30 ratings)

What's Blood Feud about?

Blood Feud (2014) tells the story of how two of the most influential families in the United States, the Obamas and the Clintons, came to despise one another, and how this mutual hatred has led to a long and cruel history of manipulation, back-stabbing and broken trust.

Who should read Blood Feud?

  • Gossip aficionados who love wild rumours about America’s Beltway
  • Anyone interested in American politics
  • Fans of Machiavelli’s The Prince

3
US Politics Books: Unfair by Adam Benforado

Unfair

Adam Benforado
The New Science of Criminal Justice
4.2 (13 ratings)

What's Unfair about?

Unfair (2015) outlines the major flaws inherent to the United States’ justice system. In addition to the unreliability of eyewitness testimony or the arbitrary nature of many judges’ decisions, every actor in the entire justice system – cops, lawyers, jurors and judges alike – is fundamentally, yet unconsciously, biased. Ultimately, the author argues that addressing these blind biases is the key to reforming our justice system.

Who should read Unfair?

  • Anyone interested in law, ethics and society
  • Lawyers and law students curious about the foundations of the US justice system
  • Anyone with aspirations to change the world for the better

4
US Politics Books: World Order by Henry Kissinger

World Order

Henry Kissinger
Reflections on the Character of Nations and the Course of History
4.3 (142 ratings)

What's World Order about?

World Order (2014) is a guide to the complex mechanisms that have governed international relations throughout history. These blinks explain how different countries conceive of different world orders and how they are held in balance or brought into conflict.

Who should read World Order?

  • Anyone who wants to learn more about the intricacies of global politics
  • Students of political science, governance and international relations
  • Everyone with an interest in globalization and clashes of cultures

5
US Politics Books: Two Nations Indivisible by Shannon K. O’Neil

Two Nations Indivisible

Shannon K. O’Neil
Mexico, the United States and the Road Ahead
4.1 (20 ratings)

What's Two Nations Indivisible about?

Two Nations Indivisible (2013) tells the story of the United States’ relationship with its neighbor to the south: Mexico. These blinks explain the profound connections between the two countries as well as the misunderstandings that keep them apart, with an emphasis on political and economic relations.

Who should read Two Nations Indivisible?

  • Policy makers who want to understand more about the US-Mexico relationship
  • Educators and students interested in world politics
  • Americans and Mexicans hoping to understand each other better

6
US Politics Books: Political Order and Political Decay by Francis Fukuyama

Political Order and Political Decay

Francis Fukuyama
From the Industrial Revolution to the Globalization of Democracy
4.0 (195 ratings)

What's Political Order and Political Decay about?

Political Order and Political Decay (2014) contrasts the history of democracy in America with its current condition to reveal the fundamental flaws of our modern democracy. From a declining middle class to selfish lobbyists and unadaptable institutions, these blinks explain just a few sources of political decay in the United States.

Who should read Political Order and Political Decay?

  • Anyone curious as to how the American political system has developed over time
  • American voters interested in the underlying problems with their government
  • Political science students seeking an introduction to the more complex aspects of democracies

7
US Politics Books: Back Channel to Cuba by William M. LeoGrande & Peter Kornbluh

Back Channel to Cuba

William M. LeoGrande & Peter Kornbluh
The Hidden History of Negotiations Between Washington and Havana
4.7 (27 ratings)

What's Back Channel to Cuba about?

With unprecedented access to declassified documents, Back Channel to Cuba (2014) reveals the long and bumpy road of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba. Find out how 50 years of unsuccessful foreign policy have kept Cuba and the United States at odds despite the efforts of secret, back-channel negotiations that have been taking place since the Eisenhower administration.

Who should read Back Channel to Cuba?

  • History buffs interested in one of the longest US conflicts
  • Politicos wanting a behind-the-scenes look at foreign policy
  • Aspiring diplomats in search of the dos and don’ts of diplomacy

8
US Politics Books: America’s Bank by Roger Lowenstein

America’s Bank

Roger Lowenstein
The Epic Struggle to Create the Federal Reserve Act
4.2 (29 ratings)

What's America’s Bank about?

In America’s Bank (2015), you’ll discover the gripping story of the US Federal Reserve, or “Fed.” These blinks trace the history behind the development and unification of the American banking system and show the complex web of interests and players that continue to shape the system today.

Who should read America’s Bank?

  • Students interested in economics or politics
  • People interested in American history

9
US Politics Books: The Next Decade by George Friedman

The Next Decade

George Friedman
Empire and Republic in a Changing World
4.0 (90 ratings)

What's The Next Decade about?

The Next Decade (2011) offers us a glimpse into the future, exploring the ways in which the United States’ attempts to maintain its dominant position on the international stage will shape events in countries and regions around the world.

Who should read The Next Decade?

  • Students of history or political science
  • Anyone interested in a vivid forecast of the future of international politics
  • Avid readers and news junkies eager for a fresh perspective on foreign affairs

10
US Politics Books: Killing Lincoln by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard

Killing Lincoln

Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard
The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever
4.3 (75 ratings)

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

11
US Politics Books: Dark Money by Jane Mayer

Dark Money

Jane Mayer
The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right
3.9 (142 ratings)

What's Dark Money about?

Dark Money (2016) is a chilling look behind the scenes of American politics, outlining how a small handful of the country’s richest people have been influencing the country’s political landscape since the 1970s. Far from a conspiracy theory, these are the cold hard facts of the powerful and immensely wealthy individuals behind the rise of today’s radical right-wing conservative movement.

Who should read Dark Money?

  • Students of political science and economics
  • Political junkies and newshounds
  • Readers struggling to grasp the layers and complexities of US politics

12
US Politics Books: Fire and Fury by Michael Wolff

Fire and Fury

Michael Wolff
Inside the Trump White House
4.1 (60 ratings)

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

13
US Politics Books: The American Presidency by Charles O. Jones

The American Presidency

Charles O. Jones
A Very Short Introduction
4.3 (30 ratings)

What's The American Presidency about?

The American Presidency (2007) offers an introduction to the US presidency and the unique role each president must play in world politics. Find out what kind of thinking went into the creation of this job and how it has changed over the years. America’s Founding Fathers created a uniquely experimental government when they broke free from British influence; even today, their experiment continues to surprise us.

Who should read The American Presidency?

  • Readers interested in American history
  • Students of politics or public policy
  • Frustrated voters trying to understand the electoral college

14
US Politics Books: A World in Disarray by Richard Haass

A World in Disarray

Richard Haass
American Foreign Policy and the Crisis of the Old Order
4.1 (83 ratings)

What's A World in Disarray about?

A World in Disarray (2017) is an overview of the major transformations in global politics since World War Two. These blinks describe an evolution from a non-interventionist order of nation states to one of globalization and international involvement.

Who should read A World in Disarray?

  • Diplomats and politicians interested in foreign policy
  • Students of international relations, history and politics
  • Historians interested in the wars of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries

15
US Politics Books: Russian Roulette by Michael Isikoff and David Corn

Russian Roulette

Michael Isikoff and David Corn
The Inside Story of Putin’s War on America and the Election of Donald Trump
4.1 (49 ratings)

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

16
US Politics Books: The Gatekeepers by Chris Whipple

The Gatekeepers

Chris Whipple
How the White House Chiefs of Staff Define Every Presidency
4.2 (22 ratings)

What's The Gatekeepers about?

The Gatekeepers (2017) challenges the standard view of the US government. To most people, the United States is embodied by its president. After all, it’s he who appears on all the TV screens. But the mechanics of the executive branch means there’s a key figure who’s too easily forgotten: the chief of staff. It’s his responsibility to control who or what reaches the president. Chris Whipple traces the history of the best – and the worst – of these gatekeepers.

Who should read The Gatekeepers?

  • Political junkies
  • Students of history or public policy
  • Anyone interested in how the White House works behind the scenes

17
US Politics Books: Hue 1968 by Mark Bowden

Hue 1968

Mark Bowden
A Turning Point of the American War in Vietnam
4.4 (52 ratings)

What's Hue 1968 about?

The Vietnam War is remembered as one of the longest and bloodiest conflicts of the twentieth century. At the end of 1967, the US government was assuring the public the war was almost won; by February 1968, that was no longer the case. In Hue 1968 (2017) Mark Bowden examines the battle in the city of Hue which changed the way the American public viewed the war.

Who should read Hue 1968?

  • Anyone interested in modern American history
  • Students of politics or international relations
  • Soldiers and veterans

18
US Politics Books: The Big Lie by Dinesh D’Souza

The Big Lie

Dinesh D’Souza
Exposing the Nazi Roots of the American Left
3.0 (145 ratings)

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

19
US Politics Books: An American Sickness by Elisabeth Rosenthal

An American Sickness

Elisabeth Rosenthal
How Health Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back
4.3 (42 ratings)

What's An American Sickness about?

An American Sickness (2017) takes an honest look at the state of the American health-care system and frankly diagnoses its many ailments. When big business started taking over what were once charitable organizations, things began to go truly wrong. Rosenthal presents valuable information on how to reduce health-care bills and not get taken for a ride by greedy hospitals and over-prescribing doctors.

Who should read An American Sickness?

  • Americans, both healthy and sick
  • Workers in the health-care and insurance industry
  • Readers who want to save money

20
US Politics Books: Strangers in Their Own Land by Arlie Russell Hochschild

Strangers in Their Own Land

Arlie Russell Hochschild
Anger and Mourning on the American Right
3.8 (29 ratings)

What's Strangers in Their Own Land about?

Strangers in Their Own Land (2016) discusses the issues that divide American politics, with specific focus on the Tea Party of Louisiana. In the course of explaining how Louisiana ended up where it is today, the author encourages readers to empathize with disparate political stances.

Who should read Strangers in Their Own Land?

  • People interested in American society
  • Students of politics and sociology
  • Anyone interested in today’s political climate

21
US Politics Books: No Is Not Enough by Naomi Klein

No Is Not Enough

Naomi Klein
Resisting the New Shock Politics and Winning the World We Need
3.3 (25 ratings)

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

22
US Politics Books: Edge of Chaos by Dambisa Moyo

Edge of Chaos

Dambisa Moyo
Why Democracy is Failing to Deliver Economic Growth – and How to Fix It
3.8 (60 ratings)

What's Edge of Chaos about?

Edge of Chaos (2018) examines the key challenges that liberal democracies around the world are facing today. Aging populations, limited resources and increasing debt are all threats to these countries’ economic well-being – but so too are the “remedies” of short-term policies and protectionism. Author Dambisa Moyo examines that misguided agenda and presents a radical blueprint for economic growth in the twenty-first century.

Who should read Edge of Chaos?

  • Citizens concerned about Brexit and Donald Trump
  • Policymakers interested in rebuilding their political systems
  • Curious readers hoping to get a grip on global economic systems

23
US Politics Books: The Case for Trump by Victor Davis Hanson

The Case for Trump

Victor Davis Hanson
3.7 (164 ratings)

What's The Case for Trump about?

The Case for Trump (2019) explains the story of how a businessman and reality TV star with no political experience managed to best his Republican rivals and Hillary Clinton to become president of the United States. And what’s more, it shows how Trump, despite being constantly attacked in the media, is managing to implement his policies successfully.

Who should read The Case for Trump?

  • Anyone wondering how Trump became president
  • Both liberals and conservatives looking to understand Trumpism

24
US Politics Books: The Threat by Andrew G. McCabe

The Threat

Andrew G. McCabe
How the FBI Protects America in the Age of Terror and Trump
3.3 (39 ratings)

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

25
US Politics Books: Upheaval by Jared Diamond

Upheaval

Jared Diamond
Turning Points for Nations in Crisis
4.3 (367 ratings)

What's Upheaval about?

Upheaval (2019) takes us through some of modern history’s biggest national crises to find out how each nation ended up in such trouble, and how they managed to get out of it. Looking at seven different nations, author Jared Diamond reveals how some of the same problems and solutions have emerged time and again, whether we’re looking at Chile and Indonesia in the 1970s, or Australia and Germany after WWII.

Who should read Upheaval?

  • History buffs
  • Students of political science
  • Globally minded individuals interested in world affairs

26
US Politics Books: The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer

The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee

David Treuer
Native America from 1890 to the Present
4.1 (88 ratings)

What's The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee about?

The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee (2019) is a vivid history of Native America since the 1890 massacre at South Dakota’s Wounded Knee Creek. These blinks show that – contrary to popular opinion – in the twentieth century, Native Americans did not slide into obscurity and achieve nothing of note. On the contrary, this was a time filled with momentous and extraordinary events.

Who should read The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee?

  • History students
  • Government officials who could learn more about Indigenous cultures
  • Americans unaware of modern Native American history

27
US Politics Books: Siege by Michael Wolff

Siege

Michael Wolff
Trump Under Fire
4.3 (40 ratings)

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

28
US Politics Books: American Carnage by Tim Alberta

American Carnage

Tim Alberta
On the Front Lines of the Republican Civil War and the Rise of President Trump
3.9 (73 ratings)

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

29
US Politics Books: Mindf*ck by Christopher Wylie

Mindf*ck

Christopher Wylie
Cambridge Analytica and the Plot to Break America
4.5 (125 ratings)

What's Mindf*ck about?

Mindf*ck (2019), written by a whistleblower, tells the story of the largest data crime in history to date. On the eve of the 2016 United States presidential election, consulting firm Cambridge Analytica harvested the Facebook data from 87 million people and used it to conduct a mass disinformation campaign. Now, the full story has finally come to light.

Who should read Mindf*ck?

  • Americans who want to understand Cambridge Analytica’s role in the Trump election
  • Left- and right-wingers feeling increasingly resentful of the other side
  • Brits interested in why the Brexit referendum turned out the way it did

30
US Politics Books: The Conscience of a Conservative by Barry Goldwater

The Conscience of a Conservative

Barry Goldwater
4.4 (138 ratings)

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

31
US Politics Books: Triggered by Donald Trump Jr.

Triggered

Donald Trump Jr.
How the Left Thrives on Hate and Wants to Silence Us
3.8 (102 ratings)

What's Triggered about?

In Triggered (2019), Trump Jr. presents an excoriating critique of contemporary left-wing politics in the United States. These blinks expose what Trump Jr. perceives as the violent and hypocritical tactics used by the left to advance its agenda, from rampant political correctness to online abuse. They also explore the author’s belief that the greatest threat to freedom of speech today comes from the left.

Who should read Triggered?

  • Conservatives who want to defend themselves against hostility from the left
  • Liberals who want to engage with conservative ideas 
  • Anyone who wants to better understand the forces influencing their views and language today

32
US Politics Books: Dark Towers by David Enrich

Dark Towers

David Enrich
Deutsche Bank, Donald Trump, and an Epic Trail of Destruction
4.4 (89 ratings)

What's Dark Towers about?

Dark Towers (2020) is a heavily researched look into the ignominious rise and devastating fall of Deutsche Bank. Over the course of 150 years, the bank helped build the American railroad system, funded Nazi genocide, schmoozed Russian oligarchs, and had a hand in the election of President Donald Trump. When Deutsche executive Bill Broeksmit killed himself in 2014, he came to symbolize the destructive power of the bank’s institutional greed.

Who should read Dark Towers?

  • People who work in finance
  • Anyone still mad about the government’s Wall Street bailout
  • Stock market watchers

33
US Politics Books: A Very Stable Genius by Philip Rucker and Carol Leonnig

A Very Stable Genius

Philip Rucker and Carol Leonnig
Donald J. Trump's Testing of America
3.6 (104 ratings)

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

34
US Politics Books: Profiles in Corruption by Peter Schweizer

Profiles in Corruption

Peter Schweizer
Abuse of Power by America’s Progressive Elite
3.3 (69 ratings)

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

35
US Politics Books: Leadership and the Rise of Great Powers by Yan Xuetong

Leadership and the Rise of Great Powers

Yan Xuetong
3.9 (61 ratings)

What's Leadership and the Rise of Great Powers about?

Leadership and the Rise of Great Powers (2019) considers the way that leadership determines the fate of nations. Yan Xuetong reflects on the rise of China and the USA’s diminishing stature while speculating on how the international order might look like in a few decades.

Who should read Leadership and the Rise of Great Powers?

  • Anyone interested in Sino-American relations
  • Geopolitics buffs
  • Those working in international relations

36
US Politics Books: Hawai'i by Sumner La Croix

Hawai'i

Sumner La Croix
Eight Hundred Years of Political and Economic Change
4.2 (33 ratings)

What's Hawai'i about?

Hawai’i (2019) is a detailed history of the economic forces that have shaped Hawaiian society. Author Sumner La Croix traces the arc of commerce, from traditions first established in the twelfth century by Polynesian colonists to the modern Hawaiian state. Along the way, he examines what has changed and what has stayed the same.

Who should read Hawai'i?

  • Anyone interested in the dark side of paradise
  • Students of colonialism
  • Labor historians

37
US Politics Books: Fall and Rise by Mitchell Zuckoff

Fall and Rise

Mitchell Zuckoff
The Story of 9/11
4.3 (102 ratings)

What's Fall and Rise about?

Fall and Rise (2019) recounts the morning of September 11, 2001, a date when the world changed forever. Operating under the direction of Osama bin Laden, terrorists seized control of four commercial airliners, crashing them into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. It tells a story of fear, courage, and strength through the eyes of just a few of the men, women, and children who were there. 

Who should read Fall and Rise?

  • People who want to go past the headlines and learn more about the individuals who lived and died on this tragic day
  • Anyone who wants to know what it was like to be a part of history

38
US Politics Books: The Code by Margaret O’Mara

The Code

Margaret O’Mara
Silicon Valley and the Remaking of America
4.0 (60 ratings)

What's The Code about?

The Code (2019) examines the remarkable history of Silicon Valley, the lush Californian valley that became synonymous with tech startups and the creation of some of our society’s most disruptive inventions like the internet. With a curious, critical gaze, The Code uncovers the reality behind the myths, and shows that while entrepreneurship and technical genius were important to the valley’s rise, none of its most famous achievements would have been possible without military collaborations and enormous amounts of federal funding.

Who should read The Code?

  • Entrepreneurs curious about the Silicon Valley blueprint for creating successful startups
  • Technophiles wanting to know more about the birthplace of some of our most disruptive technologies
  • Social historians interested in the human stories behind the headlines

39
US Politics Books: One Billion Americans by Matthew Yglesias

One Billion Americans

Matthew Yglesias
The Case for Thinking Bigger
4.3 (37 ratings)

What's One Billion Americans about?

One Billion Americans (2020) poses a provocative solution to America’s diminishing prosperity. Author Matthew Yglesias believes that by increasing its population to one billion, the nation could retain its position as the world’s top economic power. Yglesias puts forward a strategy to achieve this, while exploring the surprising benefits more people would bring.

Who should read One Billion Americans?

  • Voters concerned about America’s future
  • The economically curious
  • Americans seeking solutions to social challenges

40
US Politics Books: It Was All a Lie by Stuart Stevens

It Was All a Lie

Stuart Stevens
How the Republican Party Became Donald Trump
4.0 (112 ratings)

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

41
US Politics Books: A Promised Land by Barack Obama

A Promised Land

Barack Obama
4.5 (428 ratings)

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

42
US Politics Books: Donald Trump v. The United States by Michael S. Schmidt

Donald Trump v. The United States

Michael S. Schmidt
Inside the Struggle to Stop a President
3.9 (57 ratings)

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

43
US Politics Books: Compromised by Peter Strzok

Compromised

Peter Strzok
Counterintelligence and the Threat of Donald J. Trump
3.9 (37 ratings)

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

44
US Politics Books: The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee

The Sum of Us

Heather McGhee
What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together
4.1 (68 ratings)

What's The Sum of Us about?

The Sum of Us (2021) is a searing analysis of how white supremacy has devastated the American middle class. Public services have been decimated, millions of Americans have no healthcare, and lobbyists control political decision-making. But white Americans keep voting for politicians who make things worse while blaming immigrants and people of color for the nation’s problems. Only by tackling racism head-on can we begin to fight for economic equality for all Americans.

Who should read The Sum of Us?

  • White people wanting to educate themselves about the real costs of racism
  • Activists looking for inspiration about how to create powerful multiracial coalitions
  • Anyone wanting to deepen their knowledge of US history and how it affects politics today

45
US Politics Books: Shakespeare in a Divided America by James Shapiro

Shakespeare in a Divided America

James Shapiro
What His Plays Tell Us About Our Past and Future
4.1 (38 ratings)

What's Shakespeare in a Divided America about?

Shakespeare in a Divided America (2020) offers a new perspective on American history. In looking back at eight instances where Shakespeare’s plays have been politicized by those on both sides of the political spectrum, we can see how the playwright's work has remained highly relevant over the years.

Who should read Shakespeare in a Divided America?

  • Fans of the Bard and his many plays
  • People interested in how art can be politicized
  • History buffs and those curious about America’s political past

46
US Politics Books: Ping-Pong Diplomacy by Nicholas Griffin

Ping-Pong Diplomacy

Nicholas Griffin
The Secret History Behind the Game That Changed the World
4.6 (67 ratings)

What's Ping-Pong Diplomacy about?

Ping-Pong Diplomacy (2014) is the tale of how China and the United States ended two decades of diplomatic silence and antagonism. This breakthrough did not originate in embassies or politicians’ offices. Instead, it began at the ping-pong table. These blinks show how a sport shaped by a communist-leaning aristocrat changed politics forever. 

Who should read Ping-Pong Diplomacy?

  • Those with an eye for unusual history
  • People who are interested in ping-pong and politics
  • Sports fans interested in how their passion can change the world

47
US Politics Books: Speaking for Myself by Sarah Huckabee Sanders

Speaking for Myself

Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Faith, Freedom, and the Fight of Our Lives Inside the Trump White House
3.4 (61 ratings)

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

48
US Politics Books: American Crisis by Andrew M. Cuomo

American Crisis

Andrew M. Cuomo
Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
3.6 (25 ratings)

What's American Crisis about?

American Crisis (2020) is a candid retelling of how Governor Andrew Cuomo managed the COVID-19 crisis in one of the worst affected states in America: New York. It reveals the steps Cuomo took to steer New York through the early days of the pandemic in a country run by a president Cuomo sees as incapable of leadership. It also shows how real leadership requires honesty and transparency, clear communication, and compassion for others.

Who should read American Crisis?

  • Anyone interested in American politics 
  • Leaders of organizations who want to learn about crisis management
  • Those curious about how New York has fared throughout the crisis

49
US Politics Books: The Economists’ Hour by Binyamin Appelbaum

The Economists’ Hour

Binyamin Appelbaum
False Prophets, Free Markets, and the Fracture of Society
4.3 (65 ratings)

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?”

50
US Politics Books: Where Law Ends by Andrew Weissmann

Where Law Ends

Andrew Weissmann
Inside the Mueller Investigation
4.2 (33 ratings)

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

51
US Politics Books: Chaos Under Heaven by Josh Rogin

Chaos Under Heaven

Josh Rogin
America, China, and the Battle for the 21st Century
4.2 (59 ratings)

What's Chaos Under Heaven about?

Chaos Under Heaven (2021) brings to life the behind-the-scenes negotiations and deliberations that dictated the Trump administration’s policy toward China. America’s understanding of the inner workings of the Chinese state has changed a great deal, yet competing interests have so far led to a chaotic response as the US grapples with this foreign policy challenge. 

Who should read Chaos Under Heaven?

  • Policy wonks
  • News junkies
  • People interested in world affairs

52
US Politics Books: Our Malady by Timothy Snyder

Our Malady

Timothy Snyder
Lessons in Liberty from a Hospital Diary
3.5 (233 ratings)

What's Our Malady about?

Our Malady (2020) explores why the American health care system not only fails to keep people healthy but also denies their freedom. It identifies the shortcomings of the present system, the dire ramifications, and why other countries don’t suffer the same fate.

Who should read Our Malady?

  • Truth-seeking Americans
  • Health-care personnel
  • The politically curious

53
US Politics Books: What Unites Us by Dan Rather with Elliot Kirschner

What Unites Us

Dan Rather with Elliot Kirschner
Reflections on Patriotism
4.2 (36 ratings)

What's What Unites Us about?

What Unites Us (2017) is an ode to American traditions, ideals, and solidarity. Drawing on Dan Rather’s long career as a political reporter, it appeals to all that is good and enduring in US culture and politics.

Who should read What Unites Us?

  • Americans no longer sure what their country stands for
  • International observers interested in what makes Americans tick
  • US citizens concerned by rampant polarization

54
US Politics Books: Saving Justice by James Comey

Saving Justice

James Comey
Truth, Transparency, and Trust
3.9 (29 ratings)

What's Saving Justice about?

Saving Justice (2021) is a compilation of the lessons James Comey has learned during his long career both as a lawyer and as an employee of the US Justice Department. In particular, Comey recounts the memorable cases he’s been involved in and how he’s learned the importance of the judicial system being separate from the partisanship of American politics.

Who should read Saving Justice?

  • People who enjoy stories about the mafia
  • Anyone interested in the history of the FBI
  • Americans worried about the justice system

55
US Politics Books: How To Destroy America in Three Easy Steps by Ben Shapiro

How To Destroy America in Three Easy Steps

Ben Shapiro
3.8 (166 ratings)

What's How To Destroy America in Three Easy Steps about?

How To Destroy America in Three Easy Steps (2020) is an account of the political forces threatening to tear America in two. Drawing on history, philosophy, and politics past and present, this book emphatically argues that Americans should remember exactly what it is that unites them.

Who should read How To Destroy America in Three Easy Steps?

  • Political junkies trying to understand the polarization of US politics
  • Conservatives discouraged by the drift of American society
  • US citizens interested in trying to bridge the political divide

56
US Politics Books: Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong

Minor Feelings

Cathy Park Hong
A Reckoning on Race and the Asian Condition
3.8 (51 ratings)

What's Minor Feelings about?

Minor Feelings (2020) is poet Cathy Park Hong’s searing account of life as an Asian American. Drawing on her own experiences alongside penetrating insights, it paints a picture of the purgatorial status that Asian Americans still face.

Who should read Minor Feelings?

  • Those looking to explore what it means to be Asian in the United States today
  • Memoir lovers
  • People who want to expand their understanding of racial issues

57
US Politics Books: The Authoritarian Moment by Ben Shapiro

The Authoritarian Moment

Ben Shapiro
How the Left Weaponized America's Institutions Against Dissent
3.6 (185 ratings)

What's The Authoritarian Moment about?

The Authoritarian Moment (2021) is a plea to preserve America’s foundational freedoms in an era of rising authoritarianism. Rejecting a culture of censorship and conformity, it urges readers to stand up against the intolerance endemic to many modern institutions.

Who should read The Authoritarian Moment?

  • Americans of all political parties who fear for their nation’s future
  • Skeptics of widespread wokeism, ideological intolerance, and cancel culture
  • Anyone concerned with preserving foundational American freedoms

58
US Politics Books: Woke, Inc. by Vivek Ramaswamy

Woke, Inc.

Vivek Ramaswamy
Inside Corporate America's Social Justice Scam
3.9 (208 ratings)

What's Woke, Inc. about?

Woke, Inc. (2021) explores how the ideology of wokeness has come to infect America’s corporate sphere. While paying lip service to various social-justice causes, major American companies are acting in ways that are anything but just –⁠ and generating major profit in the process. Aside from being a nefarious way for corporations to make money, this strategy is also doing lasting damage to American democracy in surprising ways, and it’s time to snuff it out.

Who should read Woke, Inc.?

  • Conservatives and centrists worried about the excesses of progressivism
  • Liberals who want to hear the other side’s perspective
  • Anyone interested in American social ills

59
US Politics Books: The Man I Knew by Jean Becker

The Man I Knew

Jean Becker
The Amazing Story of George H. W. Bush's Post-Presidency
4.4 (21 ratings)

What's The Man I Knew about?

The Man I Knew (2021) is the simultaneously heartwarming, tear-jerking, and surprising story of George H. W. Bush’s life after the White House. Many people are aware of President Bush’s accomplishments as a politician – shepherding the US through the end of the Cold War, successfully navigating the Gulf War, and signing the Americans With Disabilities Act into law, to name but a few. But this isn’t the story of George Bush the politician –⁠ it’s the story of George Bush the husband, friend, and father.

Who should read The Man I Knew?

  • Fans of the Bush family and other prominent Republicans
  • Democrats who want to get to know someone on the other side of the aisle
  • Memoir-lovers

60
US Politics Books: American Kompromat by Craig Unger

American Kompromat

Craig Unger
How the KGB Cultivated Donald Trump, and Related Tales of Sex, Greed, Power, and Treachery
3.9 (65 ratings)

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

61
US Politics Books: Google Leaks by Zach Vorhies and Kent Hecklively

Google Leaks

Zach Vorhies and Kent Hecklively
A Whistleblower's Exposé of Big Tech Censorship
3.5 (341 ratings)

What's Google Leaks about?

Google Leaks (2021) is the no-holds-barred story of one former Google employee, who claims that the search giant has been corrupted by political bias and is pursuing a course of deliberate online censorship. It details the author’s journey after Donald Trump’s election from satisfied employee to unflinching corporate whistleblower .

Who should read Google Leaks?

  • Tech lovers concerned by the the growth of online megacorporations 
  • Political aficionados interested in the years of Trump’s presidency
  • Free-speech advocates concerned by the erosion of civil liberties

62
US Politics Books: On the House by John Boehner

On the House

John Boehner
A Washington Memoir
4.3 (15 ratings)

What's On the House about?

On the House (2021) is the memoir of a political maverick and one of the Republican party’s most outspoken representatives. Tracing his life from a Democrat-voting, blue-collar household in Cincinnati through to his crusading career on Capitol Hill, John Boehner tells us how Washington really works and dishes the dirt on enemies and allies alike.

Who should read On the House?

  • Politics buffs
  • Liberals interested in the other side of the story
  • Old-school conservatives

63
US Politics Books: Wildland by Evan Osnos

Wildland

Evan Osnos
The Making of America's Fury
3.4 (36 ratings)

What's Wildland about?

Wildland (2021) recounts the story of how America became unraveled throughout the first two decades of the twenty-first century. Drawing on stories from residents of three US cities –⁠ Greenwich, Connecticut; Clarksburg, West Virginia; and Chicago, Illinois –⁠ it examines the undercurrents of change that tie together the fates of these varied landscapes. Finally, it describes how the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 laid the foundation for the violent insurrection on January 6, 2021. 

Who should read Wildland?

  • Americans trying to make sense of the changes in their country
  • Students of American politics and culture
  • Activists looking for a holistic picture of the grievances of average Americans

64
US Politics Books: The Dying Citizen by Victor Davis Hanson

The Dying Citizen

Victor Davis Hanson
How Progressive Elites, Tribalism, and Globalization Are Destroying the Idea of America
2.7 (662 ratings)

What's The Dying Citizen about?

The Dying Citizen (2021) explores the ways in which modern American democracy is being weakened. Touching on issues like globalization and identity politics, it discusses how left-wing progressives are damaging the foundations of the United States. 

Who should read The Dying Citizen?

  • Conservatives looking for fresh insights
  • Fans of Donald Trump 
  • Anyone interested in politics and current affairs

65
US Politics Books: Richard Nixon by John A. Farrell

Richard Nixon

John A. Farrell
The Life
4.3 (112 ratings)

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

66
US Politics Books: After the Fall by Ben Rhodes

After the Fall

Ben Rhodes
Being American in the World We've Made
4.0 (229 ratings)

What's After the Fall about?

After the Fall (2021) takes a sobering look at the rise of nationalism and authoritarianism in places like Hungary, China, Russia, and the United States of America. It examines how the standing and influence of the US changed in the years following the Cold War, and how this has led to the current challenges facing democracy around the world. 

Who should read After the Fall?

  • Political junkies
  • Fans of democracy
  • Students of modern history

67
US Politics Books: The Reckoning by Mary L. Trump

The Reckoning

Mary L. Trump
Our Nation's Trauma and Finding a Way to Heal
3.2 (210 ratings)

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

68
US Politics Books: Uncontrolled Spread by Scott Gottlieb

Uncontrolled Spread

Scott Gottlieb
Why COVID-19 Crushed Us and How We Can Defeat the Next Pandemic
3.9 (204 ratings)

What's Uncontrolled Spread about?

Uncontrolled Spread (2021) takes an unsparing look at the many problems the United States faced when confronted with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Through a combination of factors, the US was unprepared for what occurred. But it’s possible to learn from this tragedy and make sure that it doesn’t happen again.

Who should read Uncontrolled Spread?

  • People keen to learn more about the US’s response to the COVID pandemic
  • Anyone interested in how we can be more prepared against future threats

69
US Politics Books: I Alone Can Fix It by Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker

I Alone Can Fix It

Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker
Donald J. Trump's Catastrophic Final Year
3.8 (93 ratings)

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

70
US Politics Books: The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones

The 1619 Project

Nikole Hannah-Jones
A New Origin Story
4.1 (523 ratings)

What's The 1619 Project about?

The 1619 Project (2021) is an anthology of essays investigating the origins of the slave trade in America, and how it has shaped what the country would become. It’s also an exploration of how we create history, and how these stories shape our political present. The essays are accompanied by fictional excerpts and poetry, bringing to life the experiences of enslaved people in America.

Who should read The 1619 Project?

  • History-lovers interested in learning more about cutting-edge research from the 1619 Project. 
  • Americans wanting to learn about how the slave trade has shaped their country.
  • Anyone wanting to understand the roots of institutional racism, and how to fight white supremacy.

71
US Politics Books: The American War in Afghanistan by Carter Malkasian

The American War in Afghanistan

Carter Malkasian
A History
3.9 (125 ratings)

What's The American War in Afghanistan about?

The American War in Afghanistan (2021) is an in-depth look at one of the defining conflicts of the twenty-first century. This exhaustively-researched analysis dives into the details of this protracted and complex military occupation.

Who should read The American War in Afghanistan?

  • Engaged citizens keen to keep up with current events
  • Civilians seeking insight into military matters 
  • Anyone eager to understand a complex conflict

72
US Politics Books: The Black Agenda by Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman

The Black Agenda

Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman
Bold Solutions for a Broken System
3.5 (168 ratings)

What's The Black Agenda about?

The Black Agenda (2022) is a compilation of essays by Black experts reflecting the latest developments and challenges in diverse fields such as wellness, criminal justice, climate activism, and AI.

Who should read The Black Agenda?

  • Activists of all stripes
  • Anyone who wants to know how tech perpetuates racism
  • Anyone who wants to know how climate change and racial justice are linked

73
US Politics Books: The January 6th Report by Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol

The January 6th Report

Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol
3.6 (214 ratings)

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

74
US Politics Books: The Raging 2020s by Alec Ross

The Raging 2020s

Alec Ross
Companies, Countries, People – and the Fight for Our Future
3.8 (93 ratings)

What's The Raging 2020s about?

The Raging 2020s (2021) is an autopsy of the American social contract, which once kept companies, governments, and individuals in stable harmony but has since broken down. In particular, it describes how the power of corporations has expanded in recent years while federal might has waned –⁠ and how the result is that companies have more control over people’s lives than ever before. We must work to restore the balance and write a new social contract for the modern age.

Who should read The Raging 2020s?

  • Citizens concerned about the increasing power of corporations
  • Current or aspiring politicians and activists
  • Anyone who sees the value in capitalism but thinks it can be improved

75
US Politics Books: Dear America by Graham Allen

Dear America

Graham Allen
Live Like It's 9/12
3.4 (195 ratings)

What's Dear America about?

Dear America (2021) is a call to action for Americans. It implores them to unite despite differences – and preserve their nation before it’s too late.

Who should read Dear America?

  • Americans of all political stripes
  • Anyone interested in US history
  • People intent on preserving free speech and diversity of thought

76
US Politics Books: Adrift by Scott Galloway

Adrift

Scott Galloway
America in 100 Charts
4.3 (306 ratings)

What's Adrift about?

Adrift (2022) argues that the United States is flailing, despite all its success and global dominance since World War II. It’s a country struggling to adapt to revolutionary changes in technology, facing deep economic and political divisions and threats of extremism, and quickly losing ground to rivals like China. Despite all of this, Scott Galloway still sees reason for hope, but first lays out what he sees as the biggest challenges facing the nation. 

Who should read Adrift?

  • Those who feel overwhelmed by the anger and divisiveness on social media
  • Investors who want to understand an evolving market
  • People wondering if higher education is worth their time

77
US Politics Books: It’s OK to Be Angry About Capitalism by Bernie Sanders

It’s OK to Be Angry About Capitalism

Bernie Sanders
3.9 (279 ratings)

What's It’s OK to Be Angry About Capitalism about?

It’s OK to be Angry About Capitalism (2023) is a critique of the economic and political system in the US. It offers a blueprint on how to move past unbridled capitalism onto a fairer and freer future.

Who should read It’s OK to Be Angry About Capitalism?

  • Everyone interested in the idea of democratic socialism
  • Those who’d like to understand Bernie Sanders’s political agenda
  • Anyone concerned about inequality

78
US Politics Books: G-Man by Beverly Gage

G-Man

Beverly Gage
J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the American Century
4.5 (41 ratings)

What's G-Man about?

G-Man (2022) is a thorough and comprehensive biography of J. Edgar Hoover and the history of the FBI. Drawing from established history as well as newly uncovered documents, it covers the entire timeline of Hoover’s personal life as well as his role in shaping America as we know it.

Who should read G-Man?

  • American history buffs
  • People curious about J. Edgar Hoover
  • Anyone interested in the hidden forces influencing American politics

79
US Politics Books: The Myth of American Inequality by Phil Gramm, Robert Ekelund & John Early

The Myth of American Inequality

Phil Gramm, Robert Ekelund & John Early
How Government Biases Policy Debate
4.0 (89 ratings)

What's The Myth of American Inequality about?

The Myth of American Inequality (2022) corrects widespread misconceptions about inequality in the United States. Taking aim at misleading official statistics, it shows that poverty has all but disappeared in today’s America and that the gap between rich and “poor” isn’t nearly as large as many people assume. 

Who should read The Myth of American Inequality?

  • Politicos and policymakers
  • Historians and economists
  • Anyone interested in contemporary debates about economic justice

80
US Politics Books: Killing the Killers by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

Killing the Killers

Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard
The Secret War Against Terrorists
3.9 (259 ratings)

What's Killing the Killers about?

Killing the Killers (2022) takes you deep into the global war on terror. As it examines the role of Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, it moves through all the theaters of action including Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Iran, and Afghanistan. It’s the eleventh book in the best-selling Killing series.

Who should read Killing the Killers?

  • Fans of the Killing series
  • History buffs interested in the war on terror
  • Lovers of dramatic story-telling

81
US Politics Books: Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick

Mayflower

Nathaniel Philbrick
A Story of Courage, Community, and War
4.6 (34 ratings)

What's Mayflower about?

Mayflower (2006) tells the epic story of the 1620 voyage to establish a colony of religious separatists on North American shores, and the astonishing aftermath of their fateful trip. From life-or-death struggle to peaceful coexistence with native peoples to devastating war just a half century later, it tells the unvarnished truth of the people and politics that went on to shape a nation.

Who should read Mayflower?

  • History buffs looking for new insights into a little-known chapter of America’s past
  • Epic saga lovers who crave complex stories of survival, politics, and conflict
  • Anyone curious about the real facts behind all the feel-good myths, and how they went on to shape the future of a nation

82
US Politics Books: The Gun Debate by Philip J. Cook and Kristin A. Goss

The Gun Debate

Philip J. Cook and Kristin A. Goss
What Everyone Needs to Know®
3.8 (179 ratings)

What's The Gun Debate about?

The Gun Debate (2014) conveys a clear picture of how firearms are bought, sold, used, and policed in the US. It lists and fact-checks a number of key arguments used by both pro and anti-gun campaigners in the ongoing debate about the parameters of gun control across the country.

Who should read The Gun Debate?

  • People who want facts – not opinions – about firearms and their use in the US
  • Americans seeking to better understand the current system of gun control
  • Anyone curious about America’s unique relationship with firearms

83
US Politics Books: Walk the Blue Line by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann

Walk the Blue Line

James Patterson and Matt Eversmann
They walk the line between life and death
4.2 (13 ratings)

What's Walk the Blue Line about?

Walk the Blue Line (2023) is a collection of real-life stories from police and law enforcement officers working across the United States. Their experiences detail the good, the bad, the gory, and the lasting influence these events have on their lives.

Who should read Walk the Blue Line?

  • Anyone with an interest in policing
  • Organizations seeking dialogue between communities and law enforcement
  • Citizens trying to understand what it feels like to work as a policeman in the US

84
US Politics Books: Letter to the American Church  by Eric Metaxas

Letter to the American Church

Eric Metaxas
3.9 (27 ratings)

What's Letter to the American Church about?

Letter to the American Church (2022) is part cautionary tale, part call-to-action to churches in America. It challenges Christians to speak up and be more involved in shaping the state of the country, even if that means getting political.

Who should read Letter to the American Church ?

  • Christians interested in politics
  • Lutheran scholars
  • Church leaders

85
US Politics Books: Confidence Man by Maggie Haberman

Confidence Man

Maggie Haberman
The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America
3.7 (295 ratings)

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

86
US Politics Books: Never Give an Inch by Mike Pompeo

Never Give an Inch

Mike Pompeo
Fighting for the America I Love
3.8 (47 ratings)

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

87
US Politics Books: Saving Aziz by Chad Robichaux with David L. Thomas

Saving Aziz

Chad Robichaux with David L. Thomas
How the Mission to Help One Became a Calling to Rescue Thousands from the Taliban
4.1 (111 ratings)

What's Saving Aziz about?

Saving Aziz (2023) is the story of how one man’s daring rescue of his friend and brother-in-arms turned into a multi-organizational effort that has resulted in rescuing over 17,000 allies from Afghanistan. 

Who should read Saving Aziz?

  • Anyone interested in Afghanistan history
  • Military history buffs
  • People in need of an inspiring story of the goodness in humanity

88
US Politics Books: The End of the World Is Just the Beginning by Peter Zeihan

The End of the World Is Just the Beginning

Peter Zeihan
Mapping the Collapse of Globalization
4.4 (197 ratings)

What's The End of the World Is Just the Beginning about?

The End of the World Is Just Beginning (2022) asks what happens if or when the United States stops policing the global order it established after the Second World War. The short answer is that the world as we know it will come to a grinding, potentially violent halt. The longer answer takes us on a thrilling ride through the politics and economics of trade, energy, and foreign policy. 

Who should read The End of the World Is Just the Beginning?

  • History buffs 
  • Politicos with an interest in foreign policy
  • Anyone trying to figure out global events

89
US Politics Books: Profit Over People by Noam Chomsky

Profit Over People

Noam Chomsky
Neoliberalism and Global Order
4.3 (369 ratings)

What's Profit Over People about?

Profit Over People (1999) is a deep dive into the often hidden world of neoliberalism, revealing how global power structures and US policies are influenced by corporate interests. You’ll be taken on a journey that uncovers an economic system geared toward the affluent, often to the detriment of the many.

Who should read Profit Over People?

  • Students of economics or international relations 
  • Policymakers and businesspeople
  • Curious minds interested in the way our world works

90
US Politics Books: What’s Our Problem? by Tim Urban

What’s Our Problem?

Tim Urban
A Self-Help Book for Societies
4.5 (431 ratings)

What's What’s Our Problem? about?

What’s Our Problem (2023) offers a fun and unique perspective on the strange state of the modern world in which we live. Using the author’s iconic comedic style, it draws on observations from political theory, psychology, history, and modern-day events to explain what is going on in our society, and what we can potentially do to fix it.

Who should read What’s Our Problem??

  • Followers of Tim Urban and his blog, Wait But Why
  • The socially-minded looking for clear and clever explanations of complex problems
  • Anyone confused and overwhelmed by the crazy state of the world

91
US Politics Books: Myth America by Kevin M. Kruse and Julian E. Zelizer

Myth America

Kevin M. Kruse and Julian E. Zelizer
Historians Take on the Biggest Legends and Lies about Our Past
2.9 (110 ratings)

What's Myth America about?

Myth America (2022) is a collection of essays that examine and dismantle some of the most pervasive myths about America: how it was founded, who’s allowed to be here, and how we define a ‘real’ American or American family.

Who should read Myth America?

  • History buffs
  • Students of American politics
  • Activists and social justice warriors

92
US Politics Books: The Courage to Be Free by Ron DeSantis

The Courage to Be Free

Ron DeSantis
Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival
3.5 (70 ratings)

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

93
US Politics Books: The Shadow Docket by Stephen Vladeck

The Shadow Docket

Stephen Vladeck
How the Supreme Court Uses Stealth Rulings to Amass Power and Undermine the Republic
4.5 (13 ratings)

What's The Shadow Docket about?

The Shadow Docket (2022) explores the Supreme Court’s growing abuse of its shadow docket – the procedural rulings it issues, often anonymously and without explanation. Since the mid-2010s, the conservative wing of the Court has increasingly relied on this opaque tactic to empower Republican administrations, influence elections, and transform the law in ways that threaten their own legitimacy.

Who should read The Shadow Docket?

  • Citizens affected by the Supreme Court’s decisions
  • Students curious about the court system
  • Anyone interested in the rule of law

94
US Politics Books: Devil in the Grove by Gilbert King

Devil in the Grove

Gilbert King
Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys, and the Dawn of a New America
4.8 (5 ratings)

What's Devil in the Grove about?

Devil in the Grove (2012) tells the true story of four young Black men falsely accused of rape in 1949 Florida. It follows lawyer Thurgood Marshall’s tireless efforts to save their lives in the face of racial hatred, obstruction, violence, and injustice at every turn. Ultimately, Marshall exposed devastating flaws in the case, achieving some semblance of justice despite a system aligned against the defendants. 

Who should read Devil in the Grove?

  • People interested in the Groveland case
  • Those curious about Thurgood Marshall’s legal career
  • Anyone who wants to learn more about the history of racial injustice in the US

95
US Politics Books: Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond

Poverty, by America

Matthew Desmond
3.8 (156 ratings)

What's Poverty, by America about?

Poverty, by America (2023) delves into the paradoxical issue of poverty in the abundant country of the United States. It explores potential solutions to this pervasive issue, based on extensive research.

Who should read Poverty, by America?

  • Poverty abolitionists
  • Lawmakers
  • Corporate leaders and shareholders

96
US Politics Books: Unbroken Bonds of Battle by Johnny Joey Jones

Unbroken Bonds of Battle

Johnny Joey Jones
A Book of Heroism, Patriotism, and Friendship
4.1 (84 ratings)

What's Unbroken Bonds of Battle about?

Unbroken Bonds of Battle (2023) is a collection of stories from 11 US veterans. They tell us what drove them to military service, their experience of being on the front lines, and the profound lessons they’ve learned about life, loss, and friendship.

Who should read Unbroken Bonds of Battle?

  • Military veterans 
  • Individuals considering military service 
  • Those interested in war history 

97
US Politics Books: Becoming FDR by Jonathan Darman

Becoming FDR

Jonathan Darman
The Personal Crisis That Made a President
4.3 (99 ratings)

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

98
US Politics Books: An Ordinary Man by Richard Norton Smith

An Ordinary Man

Richard Norton Smith
The Surprising Life and Historic Presidency of Gerald R. Ford
4.5 (14 ratings)

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 

99
US Politics Books: Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger

Be Useful

Arnold Schwarzenegger
Seven Tools for Life
4.4 (132 ratings)

What's Be Useful about?

Be Useful (2023) is an inspirational journey through the life and principles that have propelled Arnold Schwarzenegger to unparalleled heights. It encapsulates the wisdom and tools he developed from a young age to transcend the limitations of his humble beginnings, emphasizing the power of a clear vision, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to being useful. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and practical advice, it encourages others to forge their own paths – highlighting the intrinsic capability within each individual to shape their destiny and make a meaningful impact. 

Who should read Be Useful?

  • Individuals seeking personal growth and self-improvement
  • Fans of Arnold Schwarzenegger who are eager to learn from his experiences
  • Anyone looking for inspiration to persevere and thrive in spite of setbacks

100
US Politics Books: Game Change by John Heilemann

Game Change

John Heilemann
Obama and the Clintons, McCain and Palin, and the Race of a Lifetime

What's Game Change about?

Game Change by John Heilemann is a fascinating account of the 2008 US presidential election that offers behind-the-scenes insights and analysis. Drawing on interviews with key players, the book reveals the strategies, power struggles, and unexpected twists that shaped the outcome of the historic election. It provides a rich and engaging read for anyone interested in the world of politics.

Who should read Game Change?

  • Political junkies who want an inside look at the 2008 US presidential campaign
  • Readers interested in understanding the complexities of American politics and campaign strategies
  • Those who enjoy behind-the-scenes narratives and insider accounts of major events

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