These books cover everything from the Declaration of Independence to the evolution of conservative politics, beginning with Reagan, as well as the nation’s cultural roots, the opioid crisis, and economic challenges tied to the cost of living.
These Truths: A History of the United States by Jill Lepore (2018)
Harvard historian Jill Lepore’s sweeping narrative draws its title from the Declaration of Independence, offering an in-depth look at U.S. history from the 16th century through 2018. Lepore tells the story of a multiracial nation from its founding, exploring its conflicts, contradictions, and ongoing struggles. John S. Gardner describes it as the perfect civics book for our time, as it’s less about progress and more about the ongoing battle between opposing forces in U.S. society.
Reaganland: America’s Right Turn 1976-1980 by Rick Perlstein (2020)
This final volume in Rick Perlstein’s chronicle of the rise of U.S. conservatism covers the political landscape from Gerald Ford to Ronald Reagan’s victory in 1980. Perlstein dives into key moments like California’s Proposition 13, supply-side economics, and more, while highlighting the social movements shaping this era. It’s an essential read for understanding the ideological shifts still resonating in today’s political climate.
Hunter explores the deep cultural divides in American political life, tracing them back over two centuries. He examines how a nation built on the promise of equality has continually failed to live up to that ideal, leading to today’s fractured political landscape. As David Brooks notes, Hunter reminds us that politics rests on cultural foundations, and those foundations have unraveled over time.
Liberty and Sexuality by David J. Garrow (1998)
Garrow’s landmark legal history dives deep into the long struggle for reproductive rights in the U.S., from early fights over birth control laws to the seismic Roe v. Wade decision and its recent reversal. This thorough exploration of the legal battles surrounding these issues is essential for understanding the future of reproductive rights in the country, which remains a hot topic leading up to the election.
Dreamland by Sam Quinones (2015)
Quinones’s award-winning book tackles the opioid epidemic, painting a tragic picture of how prescription painkillers and heroin ravaged communities across America. By connecting the dots between small towns in the U.S. and traffickers from Mexico, Quinones offers a comprehensive view of the epidemic’s roots, impacts, and potential solutions, including the use of overdose-reversing drugs.
Life After Capitalism by George Gilder (2023)
Economist George Gilder, a key influence on Reagan-era economics, presents a bold new vision for the future in Life After Capitalism. He argues that wealth is rooted in knowledge, not material goods, and explores how technological innovation and entrepreneurship can reshape society. As economic issues dominate voter concerns, Gilder’s book offers a fresh take on what lies ahead.
