History & Politics

In telling the story of the French Resistance through the perspective of a handful of women (among many) recruited as operatives and spies to work behind enemy lines, Sarah Rose adds a chapter that had been missing from the written history of World War II. Dropped by parachute to lead missions of espionage and sabotage, they let nothing stand in the way of defeating Hitler and freeing France. Pick this one up for an engrossing, true narrative and for inspiration from women who never backed down. - Jocelyn

Journalist Alissa Quart investigates the increasing barriers and burdens forcing families with children out of middle-class security. Kids are a luxury item in an economy where the proverbial golden ticket to security—education—is more often a ticket to overwhelming debt, unpaid overtime, side gigs, and a lack of job security. Quark’s combination of research and diverse personal narratives is fascinating, relatable, and galvanizing. - Clara

I wish I could escape from this time of upheaval and massive discontent by reading books that are non-political or historical, but really, I find more solace by immersing myself in information. (It makes me think the bad guys aren’t getting away with it.) The Soul of America, which chronicles our nation’s struggles from revolutionary times to the current day, is right up my alley, while also offering a beacon of hope. “Gripping and inspiring…[Meacham] makes the resonant argument that America has faced division before—and not only survived it but thrived.” —Newsday - S.B.

This is my favorite type of book: fast paced, intelligent, and makes me exclaim, “Ohh, nooo!” out loud while reading it. It’s history from the angles you weren’t meant to see, making the text that much more alarming. Reading about the acceleration from covert training for WWII offense to the more recent happenings in the Middle East was equal parts horror and fascination. Already a fan of her writings, the amount of work Jacobsen (Area 51) put into this book is astounding. The clandestine nature of it all meant she went far beyond traditional research, and that effort shows in the details. - Rachel

From meteorology to mystery and mythology, this book has it all. Although the title alludes to the history of a set of islands covering a small fraction of our planet’s surface, Christina Thompson sails the globe in this thrilling exploration of the driven humans who chanced upon the pacific islands. Perhaps one of the most touching points is Thompson’s personal connection to Polynesian society in her Maori husband. - R.H.

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book by the former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, who oversaw cases involving terrorism, corruption, and organized crime (among others) and was famously fired by President Trump. Preet Bharara has written a fascinating, compelling, and surprisingly readable book. I was really taken in by the tales from his legal career (including tragic and triumphant cases) and by the insight into what prosecutors must consider when prosecuting and crime and recommending sentences. From the importance of a fair and open justice system to regrets in Bharara’s career, Doing Justice is a page-turner. - S.B.

Theoharis established herself as the writer of the long civil rights era (extending our views of the historical forces and outcomes of the civil rights movement beyond the small window of the 1960s). In this book she explores how the legacy of civil rights has been reshaped, used, and invoked to paint a fuller picture of national identity and where the struggle for equality is headed. - Clara

Want to understand how the 1% amassed all of their money and power? Want to take power back? Graeber, one of the minds behind Occupy, traces the history of money from the earliest civilizations up to the housing market crash of 2018 and (too big to fail) bail-outs. Graeber introduces new ideas for changing our broken financial system. Viva La Revolution! - Jason

I had to get my hands on this after seeing Bregman's clear, assured take-downs of wealth inequality at Davos and on Tucker Carlson. His vision for a modern utopia where technological advancements benefit humans rather than oppress them includes universal basic income, a 15 hour workweek, and open borders. This radical, ambitious, and knowledgeable plan is a must read! - Clara

Written as imagined life narratives, this is the most interesting history book I've read all year. Hartman revisits old sources about urban, black Philadelphia to interpret them through the overlooked eyes of young black women navigating social change at the turn of the 20th century. Her methodology dials in on women’s lived experiences and reads like short stories. Love! - Clara