The list of “10 Must-Read Political Books of the Year” includes a diverse range of perspectives on pressing issues facing society. Robert D. Putnam’s “The Upswing” explores social and political shifts in America, while Barack Obama’s memoir “A Promised Land” reflects on his presidency. “How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi offers guidance on promoting equality, and Isabel Wilkerson’s “Caste” examines the history of discrimination. “Our Time Is Now” by Stacey Abrams urges political engagement, while John Bolton’s “The Room Where It Happened” provides a behind-the-scenes look at the Trump administration. Lilliana Mason’s “Uncivil Agreement” explores political divisions and Stephanie Kelton challenges conventional wisdom about government spending in “The Deficit Myth.” Finally, “White Rage” by Carol Anderson delves into the history of racial oppression in America. These books offer valuable insights for a wide range of readers.
10 Must-Read Political Books of the Year
1. The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again by Robert D. Putnam
Robert D. Putnam explores the social and political shifts that have taken place in America over the past century and offers insights into how we can bridge the current divide and work towards a more unified society.
2. A Promised Land by Barack Obama
In his highly anticipated memoir, former President Barack Obama reflects on his time in office, sharing personal anecdotes and insights into the challenges and triumphs of his presidency.
3. How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Ibram X. Kendi provides a powerful examination of racism in America and offers guidance on how individuals can actively work towards being antiracist and promoting equality and justice.
4. Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
Isabel Wilkerson delves into the history of caste in America, examining how deeply entrenched systems of hierarchy and discrimination have shaped our society and continue to impact our lives today.
5. Our Time Is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight for a Fair America by Stacey Abrams
Stacey Abrams shares her experiences as a political leader and activist, offering insights into the fight for fair and accessible democracy and urging readers to become more actively engaged in shaping the future of our country.
6. The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir by John Bolton
Former National Security Advisor John Bolton provides a firsthand account of his time in the Trump administration, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the White House and the foreign policy decisions that shaped his tenure.
7. Uncivil Agreement: How Politics Became Our Identity by Lilliana Mason
Lilliana Mason examines the role of identity in shaping political beliefs and behaviors, offering insights into the divisions that currently exist in American politics and how we can work towards greater understanding and cooperation.
8. The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race by Walter Isaacson
Walter Isaacson tells the story of Jennifer Doudna, a pioneering scientist whose work on gene editing has the potential to revolutionize medicine and raise profound ethical and political questions about the future of humanity.
9. The Deficit Myth: Modern Monetary Theory and the Birth of the People’s Economy by Stephanie Kelton
Stephanie Kelton challenges conventional wisdom about government spending and deficit, offering a new perspective on the role of money in the economy and advocating for policies that prioritize public well-being over fiscal austerity.
10. White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide by Carol Anderson
Carol Anderson examines the history of racial oppression in America, offering a powerful exploration of the ways in which white rage has shaped our society and continues to perpetuate systemic inequality.
These 10 must-read political books of the year offer a diverse range of perspectives on some of the most pressing issues facing our society today. Whether you’re interested in history, social justice, or the future of democracy, there’s a book on this list that is sure to provide valuable insights and provoke thoughtful reflection.