History & Politics

In this follow-up to his previous book, Evicted, Desmond tackles the complex, often misrepresented topic of American poverty; what causes it and how can we remedy it? Bastioned by statistics, testimonies, and his own extensive research, the author presents a compelling case for what he terms “poverty abolition.” Excellent and infuriating, Desmond’s book is a must read for anybody who craves a better understanding of modern America. —Jade

The spirit and essence of “America” are things quintessentially, essentially elusive. In South to America, Imani Perry—native Black Southerner, award-winning author, Princeton professor—submits a gorgeously written, eminently worthy entry in the search. Crafting a compelling balance between recorded history, current events, and personal experience, Perry charts the evolution of the United States through the intriguingly and heartbreakingly contrary South, always charting a course with hope for what “America” could be. —Jocelyn

The American conception of the Wild West, those decades of rapid western expansion that wrought great change, opportunity, chaos, and death across this nation, is so often one of masculine identity. But what of the women? In Brave Hearted, Katie Hickman tells stories of women who chose to leave everything behind for a new life, making the western expansion of America possible; and of Indigenous women whose resistance and courage reverberate to this day. Fascinating and perfect for history lovers or anyone looking for a good western.  —JAX

A fascinating, informative, and terrifying read, Raising Them Right is the book that will have you supporting a cause you care about, encouraging your children to pursue activism, and rethinking the impact of social media on a political scale. Spencer’s revelatory understanding of the conservative youth activism movement is often devastating to read, but his digestible writing style and concluding advice makes the overall narrative a crucial and impactful work.

—JIANNA

Derecka Purnell, human rights lawyer and community organizer, knows exactly how challenging the concept of abolition can be. Her powerful activist memoir and abolitionist text charts her own lived experiences tracing her personal evolution toward abolition, alongside historical context and hard numbers on poverty, crime, militarization, and policing in the US and beyond. No matter your politics, this is an intelligent, empathetic, immediate work to expand your perspective and share the hope of a safe, free future for all. 
—JOCEYLN

When we think of the Romantics, we think of Byron, Shelley, and windswept moors. But who inspired those greats, and where does the modern idea of the self come from? What is it about the German countryside that promotes scandals? Wulf answers all these questions and more in her meticulously researched book. Perfect for those looking for a deep dive, ready to snuggle up with something seriously academic.

—JAX

In Inventing Latinos, Laura E. Gómez examines how the Latinx/o identity became “a distinctive racial identity.” Gómez illustrates the deep complexities of the Latino identity throughout time in four concise and informative chapters framed in the themes of colonization, “idealized mestizaje,” whiteness, and the history of the US census. This text is a vital source of information, especially for those trying to work through the racial hierarchy created in the United States. 
—ANDREA

In the midst of COVID, “the bodyminds of this country are being disabled & debilitated at varying rates & only a disability justice approach will work.” This is a core thesis of Disability Justice activist Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha’s new book. They propose that a future where the majority is disabled could be “a source of possibility and power,” and that the future we build must be informed by the wisdom of Disability Justice. This book will set your heart aflame, both with hope and rage, and should be read by every crip futurist, climate change activist, and mutual aid organizer.

—MOLLY

All That Is Wicked is the perfect example of my ideal recipe for a true crime book. One-third I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, one-third Helter Skelter, and one-third Devil in the White City—I couldn’t put it down. I had never heard of the psychopathic and murderous Edward Rulloff, nor the proto-Mindhunters who attempted to understand him. This scintillating, spiraling, maddening journey had me transfixed from the very first page. 
—LINDSAY

Before reading Ben Macintyre’s latest, I knew very little about Colditz, the German castle–turned– World War II POW camp, and now I’m fascinated. As a prison for Allied officers, it was largely protected by the Geneva Conventions and became a microcosm for the world warring beyond its walls. With his signature eye for detail and narrative, Macintyre brings the people of Colditz—its inmates, guards, escapists, traitors, and spies—to remarkable life, celebrating their indomitable spirit.

—MELINDA