The Greatest "Nonfiction, Political, American History" Books Since 2010

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Nonfiction

Political

The "Political" category of books encompasses works that explore the theory, practice, and history of government and politics. These books may cover topics such as political ideologies, political systems, political institutions, political movements, and political leaders. They may also examine the relationship between politics and other areas of society, such as economics, culture, and international relations. Political books can be both informative and thought-provoking, offering readers insights into the complexities of the political world and the challenges of governing in a democratic society.

American History

The "American History" category encompasses a broad range of books that delve into the events, figures, and forces that have shaped the United States from its pre-colonial days to the present. This genre includes works on pivotal moments such as the American Revolution, Civil War, and civil rights movements, as well as studies of political, social, and cultural developments across various eras. It covers biographies of influential leaders, analyses of policy changes, and examinations of societal shifts. Whether providing comprehensive overviews or focusing on specific incidents or decades, books in the American History category aim to illuminate the complexities of the nation's past, offering readers insights into the events that have defined the American experience and the context for its ongoing evolution.

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  1. 1. The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander

    "The New Jim Crow" is a thought-provoking and eye-opening book that examines the deeply ingrained racial bias within the American criminal justice system. Drawing on extensive research and personal anecdotes, the author explores how the War on Drugs has disproportionately targeted and marginalized Black communities, leading to a modern-day system of racial control and oppression. This powerful critique challenges readers to confront the systemic racism that continues to perpetuate inequality and injustice in the United States.

    The 2123rd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond

    This book provides an in-depth look at the housing crisis in America, focusing on eight families in Milwaukee who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads. The author explores the role of eviction in perpetuating poverty, illuminating the business of landlords and the harsh reality of tenants in impoverished neighborhoods. The book offers a close examination of the intersection between profit and poverty, revealing how both are intricately linked in the American housing market.

    The 2746th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, And The Golden Age Of Journalism by Doris Kearns Goodwin

    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 5299th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. March: Book One by John Lewis

    "March: Book One" is a graphic novel that depicts the early life of a key figure in the American civil rights movement. Raised in rural Alabama, he grows up inspired by the activism surrounding the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the words of Martin Luther King Jr., which sets him on the path of nonviolent protest. The novel highlights his commitment to the fight for equal rights and his journey from a young boy on a farm to one of the key figures in the civil rights movement.

    The 5359th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Passage Of Power: The Years Of Lyndon Johnson by Robert Caro

    "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 5449th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic by Sam Quinones

    This book provides an in-depth exploration of the opioid crisis in America, tracing its origins and examining its devastating impact. It delves into the lives of addicts, doctors, drug traffickers, and families affected by the epidemic, providing a comprehensive look at the complex factors that contributed to the crisis. The narrative also discusses the role of pharmaceutical companies and uncovers how the aggressive marketing of painkillers led to widespread addiction. Additionally, it sheds light on the black tar heroin trade, revealing how it has infiltrated small towns and suburban communities.

    The 6640th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention by Manning Marable

    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.

    The 8196th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Days Of Fire: Bush And Cheney In The White House by Peter Baker

    "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.

    The 8453rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. After The Music Stopped: The Financial Crisis, The Response, And The Work Ahead by Alan S. Blinder

    After the Music Stopped is a comprehensive analysis of the 2008 financial crisis and its aftermath. Alan S. Blinder, a former vice chairman of the Federal Reserve, examines the causes of the crisis, the government's response to it, and the ongoing challenges facing the global economy. Blinder argues that the crisis was caused by a combination of factors, including lax regulation, excessive risk-taking, and a housing bubble. He also explores the various policy responses to the crisis, including the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Finally, Blinder offers recommendations for preventing future financial crises and ensuring long-term economic stability.

    The 8453rd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Locking Up Our Own: Crime and Punishment in Black America by James Forman

    This book delves into the complex and controversial issue of mass incarceration in the United States, particularly within the African American community. It explores the historical, social, and political factors that contributed to the high rates of black imprisonment. The author examines the role of African American leaders in advocating for tough-on-crime policies and their unintended consequences. The book is a thought-provoking analysis of the intersection of race, crime, and justice in America.

    The 8495th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Thirteen Days In September: Carter, Begin, And Sadat At Camp David by Lawrence Wright

    "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.

    The 8571st Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Gentrification of the Mind by Sarah Schulman

    "The Gentrification of the Mind" is a critical examination of the impact of the AIDS epidemic on American society and culture, particularly in relation to urban gentrification. The author argues that the loss of a generation of artists, writers, and thinkers due to the AIDS crisis led to a homogenization of culture and thought, similar to the way gentrification leads to a homogenization of urban neighborhoods. The book is a powerful critique of the erasure of diverse voices and experiences, and a call to remember and honor the lost history of those affected by the epidemic.

    The 8576th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America by George Packer

    The book offers an in-depth look at the social, political, and economic transformations that have occurred in America over the past three decades. It presents a series of personal narratives from various individuals, including a factory worker, a Silicon Valley billionaire, and a Washington insider, among others. These stories serve to illustrate the larger trends and changes that have taken place in the country, such as deindustrialization, the rise of technology, and the influence of money in politics, and how these shifts have affected the American dream.

    The 9189th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. American Prison: A Reporter's Undercover Journey Into The Business Of Punishment by Shane Bauer

    In "American Prison: A Reporter's Undercover Journey Into The Business Of Punishment," Shane Bauer goes undercover as a correctional officer at a private prison in Louisiana to expose the inhumane conditions and profit-driven motives of the American prison system. Through his experiences, Bauer reveals the corrupt and exploitative nature of the for-profit prison industry, as well as the systemic racism and abuse of power that permeates the entire criminal justice system.

    The 9270th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. White Rage by Carol Anderson

    The book in question examines the complex history of structural racism in the United States, particularly focusing on the insidious ways in which white Americans have resisted and undermined African American progress following the Civil War. It explores the backlash against African American advancement, from the Reconstruction era through to the present day, revealing how systemic racism has been perpetuated by policies, laws, and judicial decisions. The narrative highlights the gap between America's professed ideals of equality and the stark realities of racial inequality, providing a critical analysis of the political and social mechanisms that have worked to maintain white dominance and impede black progress in America.

    The 9350th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Amity and Prosperity: One Family and the Fracturing of America by Eliza Griswold

    This book is a detailed account of a family living in rural Pennsylvania, whose lives are disrupted by the fracking industry. It explores the economic desperation that leads small towns to welcome fracking, the environmental and health disasters that follow, and the legal battles that families must wage to protect their rights. The narrative also delves into the political and social divides that the fracking industry exacerbates, providing a comprehensive look at the impact of this controversial practice on American society.

    The 9691st Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Liberty's Exiles: American Loyalists in the Revolutionary World by Maya Jasanoff

    The book provides an in-depth exploration of the experiences of American Loyalists who were forced into exile following the American Revolution. It details their struggles and hardships as they sought to rebuild their lives in far-flung corners of the British Empire, including Canada, the Caribbean, Sierra Leone, and India. The book also examines the broader impact of this mass migration on the shaping of the British Empire and the early United States.

    The 10255th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. The Color Of Law by Richard Rothstein

    "The Color of Law" by Richard Rothstein explores the deeply ingrained history of racial segregation in the United States, particularly focusing on the role of government policies and practices. Through extensive research and analysis, Rothstein uncovers how discriminatory housing policies, such as redlining and racially restrictive covenants, were systematically implemented by federal, state, and local governments, perpetuating racial inequality and segregation. The book challenges the notion that segregation was solely a result of individual choices or private prejudices, emphasizing the significant role of government actions in shaping the racial landscape of America.

    The 10278th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones

    The book in question is a comprehensive re-examination of American history that places slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the center of the national narrative. It challenges the traditional story of America's founding by marking the year 1619, when the first enslaved Africans were brought to the Virginia colony, as the country's foundational date. Through a collection of essays, poems, and fiction, the work explores the legacy of slavery across various aspects of American society, including democracy, the economy, and the legal system, arguing that the effects of slavery and racial discrimination are embedded in the fabric of the nation's identity and continue to shape its policies and social structures today.

    The 10412th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. South To America by Imani Perry

    This book is a profound exploration of the American South, delving into its complex tapestry of history, culture, pain, and beauty to understand the region's significance to the entire United States. The author embarks on a journey through the Southern states, weaving personal narrative with historical analysis to uncover the soul of the region. By examining the South's influence on national identity and the profound impact of its past, from the legacies of slavery and the Civil War to the ongoing struggles for racial justice, the book presents a compelling argument that to truly grasp the American story, one must look South.

    The 10495th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. The Evangelicals: The Struggle to Shape America by Frances FitzGerald

    This book provides a comprehensive history of the evangelical movement in America, tracing its evolution from the days of Jonathan Edwards and the Great Awakening to its significant influence on modern-day politics. The author examines the internal dynamics within the evangelical community, its relationship with other religious groups, and its impact on American society and politics. The narrative delves into the rise of the religious right, the role of evangelicals in the culture wars, and their influence on the Republican Party.

    The 10503rd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. Devil in the Grove: Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys, and the Dawn of a New America by Gilbert King

    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.

    The 10724th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation by Dan Fagin

    The book is a detailed account of a small town in New Jersey, Toms River, which became the epicenter of a major environmental disaster due to industrial pollution. It chronicles the community's struggle for justice, the scientific investigation into the high cancer rates, and the eventual legal battle against the chemical companies responsible. The narrative intertwines public health, legal drama, and investigative journalism, providing a cautionary tale about the consequences of environmental negligence.

    The 10732nd Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi

    This book offers a comprehensive history of anti-Black racist ideas in America, tracing their development from the earliest days of the country to the present. It challenges the notion that racism is merely the product of ignorance and hatred, instead arguing that it is a powerful and enduring system of thought that has been deliberately constructed and maintained over centuries. The book also explores the complex ways in which racist ideas have been used to justify and perpetuate social, economic, and political inequalities.

    The 10770th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. The End of the Myth: From the Frontier to the Border Wall in the Mind of America by Greg Grandin

    The book explores the concept of the frontier throughout American history, arguing that it has been a central myth that has shaped the nation's ideologies and policies, from its inception to the present day. The author traces this myth from the country's founding, through westward expansion, to the current political climate and the contentious issue of the border wall. The book suggests that the frontier has served as a symbol of freedom and opportunity, but also of conflict and exclusion, reflecting the country's struggle with its own identity and values.

    The 10810th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download