Key Takeaways
- The list of recommended books focuses on U.S.-focused titles, perfect for history buffs or those looking to learn more about the country’s past.
- The books cover a range of topics, including education, the American Revolution, racial justice, and housing insecurity.
- Notable authors and books include Jarvis R. Givens’ "American Grammar", Rick Atkinson’s "The Fate of the Day", and David McCullough’s "History Matters".
- The list also includes books on social change, artists’ protests, and the U.S. Constitution.
- These books offer a unique perspective on the country’s history and its impact on the present day.
Introduction to the List
The nation’s 250th anniversary is approaching, and to commemorate this milestone, NPR staff and critics have recommended a list of U.S.-focused titles for the annual year-end reading guide, Books We Love. This list includes 10 favorites that are perfect for the history buff on your gift list or anyone looking to learn more about how the U.S. got to where it is today. The books cover a range of topics, from education and the American Revolution to racial justice and housing insecurity.
American Education and History
Jarvis R. Givens’ book, "American Grammar", offers a clear-eyed assessment of American education, locating 1819 as a "crossroads" in the history of education in the United States. This year marked the passage of the Civilization Fund Act, which provided funding for assimilative boarding schools for Native American children, and the signing of an anti-literacy law that made it a crime to teach enslaved people to read and write in schools. Givens’ book provides an opportunity to reflect on the long-standing relationships among race, power, and schooling in the U.S.
The American Revolution
Rick Atkinson’s "The Fate of the Day" is the second volume of his trilogy on the American Revolution. The book makes good use of letters and diaries, bringing the battles to life with vivid descriptions of hand-to-hand fighting, scalping, and desperate evacuations. Atkinson carefully lays out how the battles began, and the successes, mistakes, and missed opportunities – on both sides. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the American Revolution and its impact on the country’s history.
Historical Perspectives
David McCullough’s posthumous collection, "History Matters", is a comfort read that showcases the historian’s glorious observations about Americans and their history. The essay subjects are diverse, ranging from painter Thomas Eakins to Harriet Beecher Stowe in Paris. One theme emerges that is reassuring in its own way: there was no "simpler time". This collection is a testament to McCullough’s ability to make history accessible and engaging for readers of all ages.
Racial Justice and Housing Insecurity
Judith Giesberg’s "Last Seen" is a powerful book that tells the story of formerly enslaved people who placed ads in newspapers hoping to find family members separated by slavery. The ads span the 1830s to the 1920s and serve as portals "into the lived experience of slavery". Giesberg closely reads 10 of these ads, providing a cuttingly personal account of the history of slavery and its legacy. Brian Goldstone’s "There Is No Place for Us" is a paradigm-shifting book that follows five families in Atlanta who, despite working full time, struggle to stay housed amid gentrification, a lack of tenants’ rights, and low wages.
Artistic Expression and Social Change
Lauren O’Neill-Butler’s "The War of Art" is a book about the creative ways in which artists have fought for social change in the U.S. since the 1960s. The book includes a chapter on how the scrappy video collective, Top Value Television (TVTV), changed the public’s view of political conventions. This book provides a powerful frame for thinking about artist-led actions today, as artists continue to use their work as a form of protest and social commentary.
The U.S. Constitution and Government
Jill Lepore’s "We the People" is a history of the U.S. Constitution, which is among the world’s oldest constitutions. Lepore focuses on battles over amendments, which were fought not just by politicians but by ordinary Americans. The founders designed the Constitution to be amended, but it has become much more difficult to do so over the years. As the Constitution becomes harder to amend, Lepore writes, the risk of political violence becomes greater. Michael Lewis’ "Who Is Government?" showcases the stories of unsung heroes in the government who are making life better for Americans, from a coal-mining safety official to the man who led the National Cemetery Administration to the top of the American Customer Satisfaction Index.
Conclusion
The list of recommended books offers a unique perspective on the country’s history and its impact on the present day. From education and the American Revolution to racial justice and housing insecurity, these books cover a range of topics that are essential to understanding the U.S. today. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking to learn more about the country’s past, these books are a great place to start. With the nation’s 250th anniversary approaching, there’s no better time to reflect on where we’re at as a country and how we got here.
