HomeSuggested Readings

Suggested Readings

Democracy; In one book or less by David Litt

This book was the Leagues' summer ready challenge. A very readable book that had many of us exclaiming "Well I knew about this (or that) but I really didn't know that". The last portion of the book covered what we need to change to insure our country remains a democracy.

Potholes, Parks, and Politics by Lisa R. Shaffer

People usually don’t give much thought to local government until a situation occurs that affects them personally. Eventually, that happens to most of us. The authors provide simple, step by step instructions on what to do and how to do it. They provide real world examples along with guidance in basic principles such as defining the problem, knowing the rules, and identifying the players who can help.

It’s a concrete “how to” book for working with your local government.

This is a self-published book. You can purchase it from the author’s Etsy store.

Beyond The Messy Truth; How we came apart, how we come together by Van Jones

If you’re wondering how our country got so crazy, this is a book to help you understand. While Jones is a Democrat, he believes that we should talk to one another, be civil, and work for the good of the whole rather than the good of one party. He’s friends with Newt Gingrich! So worth your time to read and is a “keeper” because there are lists of resources in the back to help you navigate the political world and understand the stances of both blue states and red states.

Let The People Pick The President: The case for abolishing the electoral college by Jesse Wegman

The Electoral College has been a hot topic for every election in the 2000 last two decades, leaving people wondering if it really necessary. This book by Jesse Wegman, Supreme Court journalist and New York Times editorial board member, presents a compelling case against it. The first part of the book covers the history of the Electoral College, including how a Indiana Senator in the 1960’s came close to getting it abolished. The last chapters discuss the standard reasons given for keeping the Electoral College and why those reasons aren’t valid.

Trust: America’s Best Chance by Pete Buttigieg

If you want a book that makes for thinking and good discussion, this one is it. While it’s obvious Buttigieg is a Democrat, by virtue of some of his remarks about Trump, for the most part this is a philosophical and historic look at where “trust” is in our country’s vision these days. Buttigieg has much more “trust” that the future will get better than many of us but he does back this up with statistics, real world examples and his life experience. Well worth your time to read.

His Truth is Marching On—John Lewis and the Power of Hope by Jon Meacham

When you read about the challenges faced by African-Americans in the Deep South who wanted to vote, you have to wonder about a lot of the things we’ve been taught about our country’s history. In this case, especially, “All Men are Created Equal”. But, this is also a story that shows that if you have a cause that you wholeheartedly believe in…..and are willing to risk your life for…..things can and do change. Reading this book has led to wanting to explore more of Meacham’s work as he is a very good writer who doesn’t gloss over reality and tells the story straight up. It isn’t always pretty but then history seldom is.

The Influential Mind: What the Brain Reveals about Our Power to Change Others by Tali Sharot

The author describes why it is so difficult to influence or
persuade others. It is based on neuroscience, but is simply
written for a lay audience, and gives many illustrative
examples which demonstrate what works/what doesn’t and why.
It is good food for thought as we try to convince
people to support redistricting reform (or any other issue).
Peg M.

Promise Me, Dad by Joe Biden

Joe Biden is a living, breathing example of how you can be in politics and still be a class act…. something that has too often been forgotten. (End of rant.) Good look at what Biden did as vice-president, the illness that led to his son’s death, and some of his memories from his years in the political arena. Very readable and interesting. The only criticism I have is that when you’re the past vice-president and writing about what you did while in office, it’s hard not to seem egotistical.
Nancy M.