The most recommended new politics books

Who picked these books? Meet our 19 experts.

19 authors created a book list connected to new politics, and here are their favorite new politics books.
When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

What type of new politics book?

Loading...

Book cover of Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America

John Oller Author Of American Queen: The Rise and Fall of Kate Chase Sprague, Civil War "Belle of the North" and Gilded Age Woman of Scandal

From John's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Historian Film buff Ex-lawyer Avid but mediocre golfer

John's 3 favorite reads in 2023

John Oller Why did John love this book?

I've read probably twenty books on Abraham Lincoln. Just when I thought there could hardly be another comes this excellent book by the host of NPR's Morning Edition.

It's not terribly long and is divided into 16 chapters, one for each individual Lincoln encountered with whom he had his differences to greater and lesser extents.

They run the gamut from the famous (Frederick Douglass, General George McClellan) to the obscure (Lincoln's African-American barber). As well as any recent Lincoln book, it demonstrates our greatest president's capacity for empathy, humanity, and wisdom coupled with a steely determination to pursue the twin goals of saving the Union and freeing the slaves.

By Steve Inskeep,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Differ We Must as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An Instant New York Times Bestseller

A compelling and nuanced exploration of Abraham Lincolnā€™s political acumen, illuminating a great politicianā€™s strategy in a country dividedā€”and lessons for our own disorderly present

In 1855, with the United States at odds over slavery, the lawyerAbraham Lincoln wrote a note to his best friend, the son of a Kentucky slaveowner. Lincoln rebuked his friend for failing to oppose slavery. But he added: ā€œIf for this you and I must differ, differ we must,ā€ and said they would be friends forever. Throughout his life and political career, Lincoln often agreed to disagree. Democracy demandedā€¦


Book cover of The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War

John Oller Author Of Gangster Hunters

From John's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Historian Film buff Ex-lawyer Avid but mediocre golfer

John's 3 favorite reads in 2024

John Oller Why did John love this book?

Another great book from Erik Larson, this time on a period of particular interest to me--the runup to the Civil War. The author vividly brings to life the highly charged atmosphere that led to the great conflict and the issues and personalities that drove it. Highly recommended for Civil War and history buffs in general.

By Erik Larson,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked The Demon of Unrest as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ā€¢ The author of The Splendid and the Vile brings to life the pivotal five months between the election of Abraham Lincoln and the start of the Civil War in this ā€œriveting reexamination of a nation in tumultā€ (Los Angeles Times).

ā€œA feast of historical insight and narrative verve . . . This is Erik Larson at his best, enlivening even a thrice-told tale into an irresistible thriller.ā€ā€”The Wall Street Journal

On November 6, 1860, Abraham Lincoln became the fluky victor in a tight race for president. The country was bitterly at odds; Southern extremistsā€¦


Book cover of Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America
Book cover of The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,861

readers submitted
so far, will you?