This book explores the political acumen of Abraham Lincoln, focusing on how he assembled his cabinet from political adversaries, many of whom initially dismissed him for his perceived lack of experience and ungainly appearance. The narrative delves into how Lincoln used his rivals' talents to navigate the tumultuous times of the Civil War, maintaining unity and leading the nation towards the abolition of slavery. It underscores Lincoln's extraordinary ability to turn rivals into allies, demonstrating his leadership and his profound impact on American history.

This book is a comprehensive biography that chronicles the life and influence of a prominent civil rights activist who played a pivotal role in some of the most influential organizations of her time, including the NAACP, Martin Luther King Jr.'s Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. It delves into her commitment to grassroots organizing and participatory democracy, showcasing her belief in the power of the people to instigate social change. The narrative highlights her behind-the-scenes work, her emphasis on collective leadership, and her dedication to fighting racial and economic injustice, making a strong case for her as one of the most important, yet often overlooked, leaders of the civil rights movement.

This historical work delves into the vibrant era of early 20th-century America, exploring the close friendship and eventual political rivalry between two presidents, Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft. It also highlights the crucial role of muckraking journalists who, with the support of Roosevelt's bully pulpit, exposed corruption and galvanized public opinion. The narrative weaves together the personal and political dynamics that shaped the Progressive Era, showcasing how these leaders and the press collectively brought about significant reforms and forever transformed the American political landscape.

"The Passage of Power: The Years of Lyndon Johnson" by Robert Caro is the fourth volume in his acclaimed biography of the 36th President of the United States. This book covers the years from 1958 to 1964, including Johnson's ascent to the presidency following the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Caro explores Johnson's struggles to pass civil rights legislation, his relationship with Kennedy's family, and his efforts to establish his own presidential legacy. The book also delves into Johnson's personal life, including his marriage to Lady Bird Johnson and his health issues. Overall, "The Passage of Power" provides a comprehensive and insightful look into one of the most complex and consequential figures in American political history.

The book is a non-fiction account of a Syrian-American contractor named Zeitoun who decides to stay in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. Despite the chaos, he paddles around the city in a canoe, helping those he can. However, he is arrested and accused of looting, leading to a harrowing experience in prison. The narrative explores themes of family, survival, and the breakdown of civil liberties in times of crisis.

"The Nine" by Jeffrey Toobin provides an in-depth look at the inner workings of the Supreme Court, focusing on the years between 2005 and 2007. Toobin explores the personalities, ideologies, and decisions of the nine justices who serve on America's highest court, including the contentious nominations of John Roberts and Samuel Alito. He also delves into landmark cases such as Bush v. Gore and the legalization of same-sex marriage. Through interviews with justices and their clerks, as well as extensive research, Toobin offers a fascinating glimpse into the secretive world of the Supreme Court.

This biography provides an in-depth exploration of Malcolm X's life, from his early days of crime and imprisonment to his transformation into one of the most influential African-American leaders. It delves into his complex relationships, his evolving political beliefs, and his controversial views on race and religion. The book also examines his assassination, shedding new light on the circumstances around his death and the conspiracy theories that followed.

"Days of Fire" is a comprehensive account of the presidency of George W. Bush and his vice president, Dick Cheney, during their eight years in the White House. Peter Baker, a journalist who covered the Bush administration for The New York Times, provides a detailed analysis of the key events and decisions that shaped their time in office, including the 9/11 attacks, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Hurricane Katrina, and the financial crisis. Through interviews with key players and extensive research, Baker offers a nuanced portrait of two men who were both praised and vilified for their leadership and legacy.

"Thirteen Days In September" by Lawrence Wright is a detailed account of the historic peace negotiations that took place between President Jimmy Carter, Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat at Camp David in September 1978. The book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the intense negotiations and personal dynamics between the leaders, as they worked to reach a peace agreement that would end decades of conflict in the Middle East. Wright's narrative is a gripping and informative account of a pivotal moment in modern history.

"Sons of Mississippi" is a powerful exploration of the legacy of racism in the American South. The book uses a famous photograph of seven Mississippi sheriffs preparing to thwart James Meredith's integration of the University of Mississippi in 1962 as a starting point. The author then traces the lives and descendants of these men, providing a deep and nuanced look at the enduring effects of prejudice and discrimination, as well as the struggle for civil rights and racial equality in the United States.

"Rough Crossings" is a historical account of the experience of African American slaves during the American Revolution. It focuses on the British promise to grant freedom to slaves who joined their cause, and the subsequent journey of these former slaves to Nova Scotia and Sierra Leone. The book explores the complexities of this period in history, questioning the traditional narrative of the American Revolution and shedding light on the struggle for freedom and equality by African Americans.

"Ghost Wars" is an in-depth exploration of the complex history of Afghanistan from the Soviet invasion in 1979 to just before the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The book provides an intricate account of the CIA's role and America's foreign policy in Afghanistan, the rise of the Taliban, and the emergence of Osama Bin Laden. It also details the numerous missed opportunities to capture or kill Bin Laden, and the failure to prevent the 9/11 attacks.

The book is a gripping account of the Groveland Boys, four African American men falsely accused of raping a white woman in Florida in 1949, and the efforts of Thurgood Marshall, a future Supreme Court justice, to defend them. The narrative delves into the depths of racial injustice and violence in the Jim Crow South, and shows how Marshall's fight for the Groveland Boys helped to lay the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement and the desegregation of America.