- Why We Are Polarized by Ezra Klein (self explanatory, but holy moly --this is terrific).
- Prius or Pickup by Marc Hetherington (an easy way of looking at how we separate ourselves)
- An Audience of One by James Poniewozak (about Donald Trump's history & fixation on media)
- The Fifth Risk by Michael Lewis (the importance of having a federal government that functions. Ahem)
- The Death of Expertise by Tom Nichols (also self explanatory and highly relevant)
- The Age of American Unreason by Susan Jacoby (from 2008, this predicted ALOT).
So those are a few of my faves. Comment below with your recommendations!
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ReplyDeleteHere's some excellent non-fiction that is eminently readable:
ReplyDeleteRick Perlstein, BEFORE THE STORM / NIXONLAND / THE INVISIBLE BRIDGE
This trilogy on the emergence of modern conservatism is very helpful for understanding how American politics transformed, and started to become what we see today. Before the Storm tracks Barry Goldwater's rise to the 1964 GOP nomination; Nixonland is, duh, about Nixon, and the Invisible Bridge is about Ronald Reagan's entry into politics in the 1960's. (BONUS: I just noticed that there is a fourth volume coming in August: Reaganland: America's Right Turn 1976-1980.)
James Simon, EISENHOWER v. WARREN
This book tracks how President Eisenhower was dismayed to see the Supreme Court drift towards liberal activism under the leadership of Chief Justice Earl Warren, whom he had appointed.
Kevin McMahon, NIXON'S COURT
This book is a detailed and rich account of Nixon's attempt to move the Supreme Court in a more conservative direction - both his successes and misadventures. (NOTE: Kevin is a friend, but I'd recommend this book even if I didn't know him.)
Thomas Oliphant and Curtis Wilkie, THE ROAD TO CAMELOT
This book details how the Kennedy family maneuvered to position John F. Kennedy for a run to the presidency, a process that started all the way back in the mid-1950's. Kennedy's campaign in 1960 has been covered a lot; this book explores the less-well-known years that led up to the 1960 campaign. Great take on the JFK myth, and also great background material on the inside of campaigning in this era.
Lincoln Mitchell: SAN FRANCISCO YEAR ZERO
A fascinating look at San Francisco in 1978: the year of the assassination of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, and the mass suicide at Jonestown by members of the People's Temple (which was based in SF). Also weaves in the emerging punk rock scene in the city, and a surprise run to contention by the San Francisco Giants.