Understanding the United States Public

Pearlstein seeks to answer a simple question: how did we go from the largest Democratic Party landslide in 1964 to the largest Republican Party one in 1972? At its heart is Richard Nixon and his ability to exploit anger over civil rights and the Vietnam War. One of my essential reads about the US.

A continuation of "American Nations," the book looks at the tension in American identity between an Individualist and Communal impulse over the centuries.

A shocking book that convincingly argues that race function like caste in the United States. As someone who has lived in India for an extended period of time, I think that Wilkerson is spot on in her observations. You won't look at the US in the same way after reading this.

One of the best histories I've ever read, this book looks at the American Civil War through America's evolving relationship with death. Faust convincingly argues that this transition is essential to understanding modern America.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Wilkerson writes about the Great Migration, one of the largest mass-movements of people in history. The books follows black refugees from the South and their lives in Northern cities. A remarkable work.

One of the most insightful examinations of race in America that you will ever read. Baldwin was a interesting figure in US History - in neither Martin Luther King or Malcolm X's camp. These two essays are beautiful and insightful.

I am really torn about adding this one to the list. J.D. Vance's politics and his problematic view of poverty aside, I think the book does give an insight into a particular view about poverty, race, and class in the US. Just make sure you read other books on the subjects to get a fuller view.

An academic book but one that has stayed with me long after graduate school. It is one of the best books to help an individual understand the presence of religion in American politics, society, and culture.

This book is FAR funnier than it has any right to be. A great, accessible examination of the position of Indigenous peoples in North America.

Robinson is one of America's foremost authors. Her novels are beautiful and brilliant. But she is also one of the most erudite commentators on American society and the interplay of religion, society, and culture. She is not easy to read but worth the time.

I think "Gilead" is an excellent, beautifully written work that captures something very deep about faith, place, and nation. Robinson is one of the US's most careful writers and you can see her ideas on display in this Pulitzer-Prize winning novel.

A classic play based on the award-winning film. Even nearly 70 years after being written, it remains one of the best, most searing dramas examining questions of law and justice, and it showcases the best and worst of America.

Classic short story cycle that captures the alienation and desire for connection in small-town life.

Classic American novel centered around the rise of a crude, fast-talking politician to the US Presidency and the rise of fascism in the US in the 1930s. A biting, satire that looks at dark forces underpinning American life. Lewis was inspired by the rise of Louisiana politician Huey K. Long.

Though this book is primarily centered on the Canadian experience for Indigenous peoples, I think that it is an excellent introduction to contemporary Indigenous issues. Good to read along with Thomas King's "An Inconvenient Indian."