"Dark Money" by Jane Mayer is an investigative book that delves into the secretive world of political funding by wealthy individuals and corporations. Mayer exposes the hidden history of the billionaires behind the rise of the radical right, including the Koch brothers and their network of donors. She reveals how these donors have used their enormous wealth to shape American politics and policy, pushing their own interests and agendas while undermining democracy. Mayer's book is a sobering reminder of the dangers of unchecked political influence by the ultra-wealthy.

"The Coup" is a satirical novel that tells the story of Colonel Hakim Félix Ellelou, the ruler of a small, fictional, underdeveloped African nation. The narrative, delivered through Ellelou's first-person perspective, explores his anti-Western sentiments, his struggles with modernity and development, and his complex personal life, including his relationships with his four wives. The novel presents a critique of both Western imperialism and African dictatorships, using humor and wit to examine the complexities of global politics.

"Vida" tells the story of a woman who is a key figure in a radical political group similar to the Weathermen of the 1960s and 70s. She is forced to live undercover and on the run due to her involvement in the group's activities. The narrative explores her struggle to balance her commitment to the cause with her desire for a normal life, revealing the personal sacrifices made in the name of political activism.

"The Emperor of Ocean Park" is a gripping novel that combines elements of mystery, legal drama, and family saga. Set in the affluent world of African-American elites in New England, the story follows Talcott Garland, a law professor and former Supreme Court nominee, as he investigates the mysterious death of his father, a prominent conservative judge. As Talcott delves deeper into his father's past, he uncovers a web of secrets, political intrigue, and corruption that threatens to unravel his own life and reputation. With its intricate plot and richly drawn characters, the book explores themes of power, loyalty, and the complexities of race and identity in America.

The book is a speculative fiction narrative that explores the global response to a catastrophic climate crisis through the lens of an international organization tasked with advocating for future generations. Set in the near future, the story weaves together a tapestry of perspectives, from bureaucrats and activists to ordinary citizens, as they confront ecological disasters, economic upheaval, and social transformation. The organization at the heart of the novel employs a mix of diplomacy, policy, and direct action to mitigate climate change, showcasing the complexities and moral dilemmas associated with stewarding the Earth for both present and future inhabitants. The narrative grapples with themes of responsibility, sustainability, and the interconnectedness of global communities in the face of unprecedented environmental challenges.

"The Almanac of the Dead" is a complex narrative that explores the histories and struggles of indigenous peoples in the Americas, particularly in the Southwestern United States and Central America. The story is centered around a 500-year-old manuscript known as "the almanac," which prophesizes a massive, revolutionary upheaval led by the indigenous people against the oppressive forces of capitalism and colonialism. The novel delves into themes of resistance, survival, and the power of storytelling, weaving together a multitude of interconnected narratives and characters.

"The Assassins’ Gate: America In Iraq" by George Packer is a detailed account of the United States' involvement in Iraq following the 9/11 attacks. Packer provides an in-depth analysis of the political decisions, military strategies, and cultural misunderstandings that led to the disastrous and ongoing conflict. He also explores the personal stories of soldiers, diplomats, and Iraqis affected by the war. The book offers a critical examination of American foreign policy and its consequences, making it a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the history of the Iraq War.

"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.

"Redeployment" is a collection of short stories that gives an intimate and profound look into the lives of soldiers in the Iraq War and their experiences upon returning home. The stories explore various themes such as the brutal realities of war, the struggle to adapt to civilian life, the moral complexities faced by soldiers, and the psychological impact of warfare. The book provides a multifaceted portrayal of the human cost of war, offering a nuanced and empathetic depiction of the men and women who serve in the military.

"The Dark Side" by Jane Mayer is a non-fiction book that explores the use of torture and other controversial tactics by the United States government in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Mayer details the decision-making process behind the use of enhanced interrogation techniques, and the legal and ethical debates surrounding them. She also examines the impact of these tactics on the individuals who were subjected to them, as well as the broader implications for American democracy and human rights. The book draws on extensive research and interviews with key players in the Bush administration, as well as classified documents and memos.

This novel explores the lives of two former radicals from the 1970s who are now living under assumed identities. The narrative interweaves their past and present, revealing the consequences of their actions and the lengths they must go to keep their secrets. The story is also interjected with the perspective of the woman's son, who is on a quest to uncover his mother's past, adding another layer of intrigue and complexity.

In this high-octane political thriller, a counterterrorism operative finds himself in the crosshairs of an international conspiracy when a wealthy Saudi kingpin, seeking vengeance for the death of his son, puts a bounty on the operative's head. As the protagonist navigates a treacherous path filled with espionage, betrayal, and moral ambiguities, he must also confront personal demons and the complexities of his own past. The narrative unfolds with relentless pacing, delivering a tale of retribution and survival that tests the limits of the operative's skills, loyalty, and the very essence of his character.

In "Blowback," readers are plunged into a thrilling narrative where the protagonist, a skilled counterterrorism operative, is tasked with preventing a catastrophic attack on the United States. The plot thickens when he discovers that an ancient weapon of mass destruction, thought to be a myth, has been rediscovered and is in the hands of a dangerous enemy. As the clock ticks down, the operative must navigate a treacherous path of deceit and betrayal, racing across the globe to unravel historical secrets and stop the impending doom that threatens to unleash chaos on a massive scale.

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 novel follows a young American poet on a prestigious fellowship in Madrid, Spain, where he grapples with his work, relationships, and sense of self. He struggles with his own perceptions of authenticity, both in his poetry and his personal life, while navigating the cultural and language barriers of a foreign country. The protagonist's experiences are marked by a constant tension between reality and artifice, as he questions the value and impact of his own art in the face of world events.

"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 novel explores the life of a politically radical American woman who, after becoming involved with various revolutionary movements in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, flees to Liberia to escape the FBI. In Liberia, she marries a government official and becomes embroiled in the country's own political turmoil, witnessing and participating in the complex interplay of power, colonialism, and personal relationships. As the narrative unfolds, the protagonist grapples with her role in the political landscape, her identity, and the consequences of her actions, both in her personal life and in the broader context of the African nation's violent history.

"The Lacuna" is a captivating historical novel that follows the life of Harrison Shepherd, a young man with a Mexican-American heritage. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous events of the early 20th century, including the Mexican Revolution and the McCarthy era in the United States, the story explores themes of identity, politics, and art. Through Shepherd's unique perspective as a writer and his encounters with iconic figures such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, the novel delves into the complexities of personal and national history, while also shedding light on the power of storytelling and the search for belonging.

"Dominion" is a thought-provoking novel that weaves together the lives of four individuals across different time periods, from the American Revolution to the modern era. The narrative explores the complex tapestry of American identity, delving into themes of race, freedom, and the enduring struggle for equality. Through the interconnected stories of its characters, the book examines the historical and ongoing impact of colonialism and slavery on the United States, offering a reflective look at the nation's past and its influence on the present and future. The novel serves as a poignant commentary on the quest for personal and collective sovereignty in a country still grappling with the consequences of its foundational injustices.

In this gripping legal thriller, a small Mississippi town becomes the battleground for a high-stakes legal fight when a chemical company is accused of dumping toxic waste, leading to a spike in cancer cases among the town's residents. The case attracts the attention of a husband-and-wife legal team who are determined to seek justice for the victims. However, as they prepare for trial, they face an uphill battle against the company's ruthless billionaire owner, who will stop at nothing to secure a verdict in his favor. This includes manipulating the judicial election to ensure a sympathetic judge oversees the case. The novel explores themes of corporate malfeasance, environmental justice, and the corrupting influence of money on the legal system, delivering a suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative.

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.

"Black and Blur" is an exploration of black studies, performance, aesthetics, and politics. It delves into the intersections of critical theory, social science, and philosophy, challenging traditional definitions and understandings of blackness. The book uses an array of topics such as contemporary art, music, and literature to deconstruct and critique the conventional frameworks of authority, identity, and culture. It presents a new perspective on the complexities of blackness and the potential for social and political change.

"Homeland Elegies" is a novel by Ayad Akhtar that blurs the lines between fiction and memoir. The book follows the story of a Pakistani-American playwright named Ayad Akhtar who is struggling to reconcile his identity as a Muslim-American in a post-9/11 world. Through a series of interconnected stories, Akhtar explores themes of family, politics, and identity, while also examining the American Dream and the challenges faced by immigrants in the United States. The novel is a powerful and poignant exploration of what it means to be an American today.

"A Promised Land" is a memoir by Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States. The book covers his early life, his political career, and his presidency. Obama reflects on his successes and failures, his relationships with world leaders, and the challenges he faced during his two terms in office. He also shares personal anecdotes about his family and the toll that public life took on them. Overall, "A Promised Land" is a thoughtful and introspective look at Obama's life and presidency.

This gripping novel concludes a powerful trilogy that delves into the complex and brutal world of drug cartels and the war on drugs. It follows the story of Art Keller, a determined DEA agent who has spent decades in the relentless battle against the Mexican drug cartels. As Keller ascends to the top of the DEA, he faces not only the ruthless kingpins of the drug trade but also corruption within his own ranks and the moral ambiguities of his war. Set against the backdrop of contemporary political and social issues, the narrative weaves together a tapestry of characters and stories, from the cartel bosses to the addicts, the politicians to the hitmen, exploring the far-reaching impact of the drug war on both sides of the border.