Reading Recs

Timely historical collection of presidential campaign stories from U.S. elections past. ~Brad Reel, Kent Library

Hate the way the media covers politics? Maybe you should — if you love your democracy. Sociologist Michael Schudson lays out an argument for why when everyone is mad at the press, we're all probably better off... at least when it comes to politics. ~Sarah Cavanah, Mass Media

Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton's paths quickly joined. Although each were born into very different circumstances, both were well educated, bravely fought in the Revolutionary War, and became politicians of the new American republic. Hamilton wrote the Constitution and acted as first secretary of treasury while Burr became a senator and vice president. However, Burr came under the political attach of Hamilton which damaged his reputation. Although illegal, Aaron and Alexander met in the woods with pistols to settle their differences. Bang! Discover what happened to these similar rivals. ~Stephanie Hallam, Kent Library

Discover the character behind Frank Underwood, a politician who's all the more sinister for his smooth façade. ~Eric Sentell, English

A made for the movies story about the film industry reads like a Film Nior. In 1947, the House of Representatives created a new committee to investigate "Un-American Activities" which began by investigating the motion picture industry, mainly screenwriters, for communist supporters. The committee included Richard Nixon who won his seat in the house, in part, by falsely accusing his opponent of being a Communist. Clark Gable and Ginger Rogers "volunteered information" which was never backed with evidence. Berthold Brecht, recently escaped from Germany as #3 on Hitler's extermination list for his scripts which were anti-Nazi again found himself on this list. Those questioned were not permitted to give statements and spouses were punished for being supportive. Following petitions, children raising money to defend their fathers, and many hearings, discover the committee results. Loaded with primary documents, cartoons, and photos, this book documents anticommunist investigations that spanned most of a century. ~Stephanie Hallam, Kent Library

Gregory's novel depicts the political intrigue and turmoil within Henry VIII's court from a woman's point of view. The novel situates political machinations amidst a rich backdrop of historical details and the inner workings of women members of the Tudor-era palace. ~Stephanie Hayes, Kent Library

This autobiography written by South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg during this historic campaign for President is a testament to how the middle class and the rural cities they live in can truly be saved despite the changing economic and industrial changes happening in the United States. His forthcoming second book, Truth, is out soon, and I can not wait to follow up my reading of Shortest Way Home with that novel. Buttigieg represents to me a re-birth of the traditional politics of the United States - compromising, middle of the road, social progressive, humility, heart, and courageous. Rather we can return to that nobler time or not, Mayor Pete's philosophies are still sound and much needed in such a divided country. ~Randyn Heisserer-Miller, Kent Library