If you’re a passionate follower of presidential debates, congressional votes, and even local elections, reading books about politics will certainly stir up your analytical hormones! In addition to that, continually expanding your perspective is a must in order to keep up with discussions.
On the other hand, if you consider yourself someone who doesn’t really care about politics, it’s even more important to be able to find books that can help you understand the themes and issues surrounding politics, and we hope this list of books can help both the experts and amateurs alike.
Must-Read Nonfiction Books to Understand Politics
Take a look at this list of books to help you understand politics:
1. What You Should Know About Politics… But Don’t by Jessamyn Conrad
If you consider yourself an amateur in politics, this is a great place to start. As a nonpartisan primer, this will teach you about the most pressing issues in politics in America, such as health care, the economy, and even climate change, to see who supports which side and why.
2. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave by Frederick Douglass
This is the autobiography of a slave who lived in Maryland until his early twenties. In 1838, he managed to escape and became one of the leaders in the abolitionist movement. His political writings form a foundation for both the abolitionist and the women’s rights movements.
3. The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rosseau
French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rosseau, a well-known figure in the social sciences, wrote this essay on the social contract between the people and the government. Published in 1762, his ideas of the people’s will being above governmental authority was a stark contrast to the state of government in France during that time.
4. The Republic by Plato
Perhaps the undisputed classic book on politics, Plato writes this book in the form of Socratic dialogue, and argues that choosing the ruler of a people should be based on knowledge. He believes that the most knowledgeable tend to be the most efficient and fair leaders.
5. Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin
This book contains essays written by James Baldwin, which are foundational reading resources for learning about the Civil Rights Movement. This will help you understand the Jim Crow era and the start of the Civil Rights Movement.
6. Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
Take a look at the thoughts and ideas of the revolutionary Nelson Mandela in his very own autobiography, published at the start of his term as President of South Africa. The book centers around his anti-segregation views, and is more of a political essay than a life story.
7. The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli
Although this book was not published in Machiavelli’s lifetime, it’s considered a main text for learning about politics. The book contains his advice to the current leader of Florence on how to stay in power.
8. Why We’re Polarized by Ezra Klein
This exploration of the political polarization in the United States today takes a look at the 2016 election and how politics played out by party lines. The author also examines identity politics, with modern media feeding the increasing polarization of people’s views.
9. Politics Is for Power by Eitan Hersh
This book aims to teach you how to move from political passiveness to taking actual steps to make a change. This makes it different from other books that may be rich in ideologies but are difficult to apply in daily life. Learn about lobbying, advocating for a cause, and mobilizing coalitions and communities to make the difference you want to see.
10. Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin
This New York Times bestseller inspired the 2012 movie Lincoln, and shows the 16th president of the US rising from his role as a simple prairie lawyer to become one of the most well-known presidents in history.
11. Red State, Blue State, Rich State, Poor State: Why Americans Vote the Way They Do by Andrew Gelman
Back in 2000, the presidential election pollsters divided the map of the United States into red and blue states. From that time forward, the color divide has served as a symbol of a culture war that feeds on stereotypes, and Andrew Gelman wisely breaks down these and other myths in politics.
12. Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
This biography, which inspired the Broadway smash hit Hamilton, paints a clear picture of the formative years of our nation and the goals of the founding fathers. This gives you a glimpse into how the government came into its current state.
Best Fiction Books Where You Can Experience Politics
Fictional stories can also be a great introduction to how politics affects daily life, as seen in these books below:
13. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Told from the perspective of the South, this historical novel gives a picture of the devastations wrought by the Civil War. The story also includes many underhanded transactions that may give you a glimpse into the political system during that time.
14. Animal Farm by George Orwell
This allegorical novella is a must-read for anyone wanting to learn more about politics. The allegory follows a group of farm animals rebelling against their human owner, whom they intend to replace with a free and equal utopia. What happens when a dictator pig steps up in power instead?
15. 1984 by George Orwell
This dystopian novel offers a horrifying look forward into a totalitarian future: what happens when surveillance, propaganda, and a cult-like supreme leadership governs society? Because Orwell based his fictional government off of actual examples, you get a glimpse of politics during his time.
Reading Political Books
Reading books on politics is a great way of understanding the dynamics behind many of the issues we’re facing today. It’s also a plus to read books coming from opposite sides of the spectrum, in order to fight against the increasing polarization we see today.
Consider adding a book or two from this list to challenge your own thinking, and then mix it up with some more relaxing reads. You’ll appreciate the change of pace and get more out of the experience!
Do you have a favorite book about politics? Share it with us in the comments below!
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- 20 Must-Read Books for Nerds
Yen Cabag is the Blog Writer of TCK Publishing. She is also a homeschooling mom, family coach, and speaker for the Charlotte Mason method, an educational philosophy that places great emphasis on classic literature and the masterpieces in art and music. She has also written several books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her passion is to see the next generation of children become lovers of reading and learning in the midst of short attention spans.
