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American Book Summaries

The Saints of Swallow Hill
by Donna Everhart • 2022
Disguised as a man, a fugitive enters a turpentine camp where the sun is a coffin.
4.10
40k+
The Saints of Swallow Hill Summary
The Saints of Swallow Hill
Disguised as a man, a fugitive enters a turpentine camp where the sun is a coffin.
by Donna Everhart 2022 372 pages
4.10
40k+ ratings
Post-Racial or Most-Racial?
by Michael Tesler • 2016
How electing a Black president made racial attitudes more powerful in American politics, not less.
4.06
47
Post-Racial or Most-Racial? Summary
Post-Racial or Most-Racial?
How electing a Black president made racial attitudes more powerful in American politics, not less.
by Michael Tesler 2016 272 pages
4.06
47 ratings
The Decline of Popular Politics
by Michael E. McGerr • 1986
The loud, communal democracy that drew 83% turnout was killed by reformers, not apathy.
3.41
17
The Decline of Popular Politics Summary
The Decline of Popular Politics
The loud, communal democracy that drew 83% turnout was killed by reformers, not apathy.
by Michael E. McGerr 1986 322 pages
3.41
17 ratings
Deeply Divided
by Doug McAdam • 2014
Postwar consensus shattered over race. Reforms meant to democratize handed activists the keys.
3.91
64
Deeply Divided Summary
Deeply Divided
Postwar consensus shattered over race. Reforms meant to democratize handed activists the keys.
by Doug McAdam 2014 408 pages
3.91
64 ratings
The Perils of Federalism
by Lisa L. Miller • 2008
Federalism rewards punitive interests. The communities hit hardest by crime stay shut out.
3.54
13
The Perils of Federalism Summary
The Perils of Federalism
Federalism rewards punitive interests. The communities hit hardest by crime stay shut out.
by Lisa L. Miller 2008 264 pages
3.54
13 ratings
Building a New American State
by Stephen Skowronek • 1982
Before the New Deal, there was the Progressive Era: how America built its administrative state.
3.75
57
Building a New American State Summary
Building a New American State
Before the New Deal, there was the Progressive Era: how America built its administrative state.
by Stephen Skowronek 1982 400 pages
3.75
57 ratings
Nemesis
by Philip Roth • 2010
In 1944 Newark, a rejected soldier channels his duty into protecting children from a polio epidemic.
3.86
18k+
Nemesis Summary
Nemesis
In 1944 Newark, a rejected soldier channels his duty into protecting children from a polio epidemic.
by Philip Roth 2010 280 pages
3.86
18k+ ratings
Rich Thanks to Racism
by Jim Freeman • 2021
Persistent racial inequality is not a flaw in the system. It is the business model.
4.13
46
Rich Thanks to Racism Summary
Rich Thanks to Racism
Persistent racial inequality is not a flaw in the system. It is the business model.
by Jim Freeman 2021 296 pages
4.13
46 ratings
Between Earth and Sky
by Amanda Skenandore • 2018
A woman returns to her father's Indian boarding school to save a friend condemned for murder.
4.33
9k+
Between Earth and Sky Summary
Between Earth and Sky
A woman returns to her father's Indian boarding school to save a friend condemned for murder.
by Amanda Skenandore 2018 336 pages
4.33
9k+ ratings
Ragtime
by E.L. Doctorow • 1975
A wealthy family shelters a black woman, then faces her lover's armed fight for dignity.
3.90
47k+
Ragtime Summary
Ragtime
A wealthy family shelters a black woman, then faces her lover's armed fight for dignity.
by E.L. Doctorow 1975 320 pages
3.90
47k+ ratings
The Bookshop
by Evan Friss • 2024
From Franklin's print shop to Amazon's bookstores: how the American bookstore keeps refusing to die.
3.90
11k+
The Bookshop Summary
The Bookshop
From Franklin's print shop to Amazon's bookstores: how the American bookstore keeps refusing to die.
by Evan Friss 2024 416 pages
3.90
11k+ ratings
From Welfare to Workfare
by Jennifer Mittelstadt • 2005
Reformers taught poor mothers to work to save welfare; they built the case for workfare instead.
3.91
11
From Welfare to Workfare Summary
From Welfare to Workfare
Reformers taught poor mothers to work to save welfare; they built the case for workfare instead.
by Jennifer Mittelstadt 2005 288 pages
3.91
11 ratings
Does American Democracy Still Work?
by Alan Wolfe • 2006
American democracy has morphed into a form that is democratic on paper but illiberal in practice.
3.57
21
Does American Democracy Still Work? Summary
Does American Democracy Still Work?
American democracy has morphed into a form that is democratic on paper but illiberal in practice.
by Alan Wolfe 2006 224 pages
3.57
21 ratings
The Original Compromise
by David Brian Robertson • 2012
Shared ideals didn't build it. Raw bargains, evasions, and a tragic deal on slavery did.
3.86
35
The Original Compromise Summary
The Original Compromise
Shared ideals didn't build it. Raw bargains, evasions, and a tragic deal on slavery did.
by David Brian Robertson 2012 344 pages
3.86
35 ratings
Making Americans
by Desmond King • 2000
How a century of immigration quotas and eugenics built whiteness into the definition of American.
3.17
12
Making Americans Summary
Making Americans
How a century of immigration quotas and eugenics built whiteness into the definition of American.
by Desmond King 2000 400 pages
3.17
12 ratings
The Name of the World
by Denis Johnson • 2000
A grieving professor perfects the art of being unseen, until a bold young cellist demands otherwise.
3.55
2k+
The Name of the World Summary
The Name of the World
A grieving professor perfects the art of being unseen, until a bold young cellist demands otherwise.
by Denis Johnson 2000 129 pages
3.55
2k+ ratings
Mad at the World
by William Souder • 2020
He wrote the great novel of collective suffering, then fled the collective embrace of fame.
4.07
1k+
Mad at the World Summary
Mad at the World
He wrote the great novel of collective suffering, then fled the collective embrace of fame.
by William Souder 2020 464 pages
4.07
1k+ ratings
The One Percent Solution
by Gordon Lafer • 2017
Bureaucrats, not presidents, designed occupied Japan. Their blueprint was done before Hiroshima.
4.50
70
The One Percent Solution Summary
The One Percent Solution
Bureaucrats, not presidents, designed occupied Japan. Their blueprint was done before Hiroshima.
by Gordon Lafer 2017 272 pages
4.50
70 ratings
The Art of Smart Football
by Chris B. Brown • 2015
Football is a tactical arms race, won by the coaches and quarterbacks who outthink, not outrun.
4.20
500+
The Art of Smart Football Summary
The Art of Smart Football
Football is a tactical arms race, won by the coaches and quarterbacks who outthink, not outrun.
by Chris B. Brown 2015 183 pages
4.20
500+ ratings
Issue Evolution
by Edward G. Carmines • 1989
Parties don't flip in one election. Race reshaped American politics through decades of evolution.
3.22
23
Issue Evolution Summary
Issue Evolution
Parties don't flip in one election. Race reshaped American politics through decades of evolution.
by Edward G. Carmines 1989
3.22
23 ratings
Sunbelt Capitalism
by Elizabeth Tandy Shermer • 2013
How Phoenix elites seized government, broke unions, and built a corporate model that remade America.
3.23
22
Sunbelt Capitalism Summary
Sunbelt Capitalism
How Phoenix elites seized government, broke unions, and built a corporate model that remade America.
by Elizabeth Tandy Shermer 2013 432 pages
3.23
22 ratings
The Pale King
by David Foster Wallace • 2011
At an Illinois IRS center in 1985, surviving boredom may be the last heroic act.
3.97
20k+
The Pale King Summary
The Pale King
At an Illinois IRS center in 1985, surviving boredom may be the last heroic act.
by David Foster Wallace 2011 548 pages
3.97
20k+ ratings
Mr. Bridge
by Evan S. Connell • 1969
A Kansas City attorney orders his family's life with quiet precision, mistaking provision for love.
4.00
2k+
Mr. Bridge Summary
Mr. Bridge
A Kansas City attorney orders his family's life with quiet precision, mistaking provision for love.
by Evan S. Connell 1969 367 pages
4.00
2k+ ratings
The Royalist Revolution
by Eric Nelson • 2014
Americans rebelled for the king, not against him. The presidency became the crown they were denied.
4.12
116
The Royalist Revolution Summary
The Royalist Revolution
Americans rebelled for the king, not against him. The presidency became the crown they were denied.
by Eric Nelson 2014 400 pages
4.12
116 ratings
Federalism and the Making of America by David Brian Robertson
by David Robertson • 2011
America's biggest fights aren't over what government should do but which government gets to decide.
3.73
11
Federalism and the Making of America by David Brian Robertson Summary
Federalism and the Making of America by David Brian Robertson
America's biggest fights aren't over what government should do but which government gets to decide.
by David Robertson 2011
3.73
11 ratings
The Slaveholding Republic
by Don E. Fehrenbacher • 2001
The federal government was not neutral on slavery. It became the slaveholder's most powerful weapon.
4.21
63
The Slaveholding Republic Summary
The Slaveholding Republic
The federal government was not neutral on slavery. It became the slaveholder's most powerful weapon.
by Don E. Fehrenbacher 2001 480 pages
4.21
63 ratings
A Casebook of Murder
by Colin Wilson • 1969
Gin soaked London bred one kind of killer. Chicago later produced a man who built a murder castle.
3.63
41
A Casebook of Murder Summary
A Casebook of Murder
Gin soaked London bred one kind of killer. Chicago later produced a man who built a murder castle.
by Colin Wilson 1969 288 pages
3.63
41 ratings
Slavery and Politics in the Early American Republic
by Matthew Mason • 2006
Slavery was not a sleeping giant in the early republic; it was the first partisan weapon.
3.74
31
Slavery and Politics in the Early American Republic Summary
Slavery and Politics in the Early American Republic
Slavery was not a sleeping giant in the early republic; it was the first partisan weapon.
by Matthew Mason 2006 352 pages
3.74
31 ratings
The President and the Parties
by Sidney M. Milkis • 1993
The presidency became an administrative fortress under FDR, and parties have never recovered.
3.69
13
The President and the Parties Summary
The President and the Parties
The presidency became an administrative fortress under FDR, and parties have never recovered.
by Sidney M. Milkis 1993 404 pages
3.69
13 ratings
Affairs of State
by Morton Keller • 1977
After the Civil War, the real fight was over how much government America would accept.
3.80
10
Affairs of State Summary
Affairs of State
After the Civil War, the real fight was over how much government America would accept.
by Morton Keller 1977 648 pages
3.80
10 ratings
Atlas Shrugged Part B
by Ayn Rand • 1957
A railroad VP hunts a vanished inventor as the state devours its creators and industry collapses.
4.37
3k+
Atlas Shrugged Part B Summary
Atlas Shrugged Part B
A railroad VP hunts a vanished inventor as the state devours its creators and industry collapses.
by Ayn Rand 1957 15 pages
4.37
3k+ ratings
[Timbuktu] [by
by Paul Auster • 1999
A poet is dying. His dog narrates their final days together and the lonely world after.
3.73
17k+
[Timbuktu] [by Summary
[Timbuktu] [by
A poet is dying. His dog narrates their final days together and the lonely world after.
by Paul Auster 1999
3.73
17k+ ratings
A Thousand Acres
by Jane Smiley • 1991
Three sisters inherit an Iowa farm. The youngest refuses it; the eldest begins to remember why.
3.83
73k+
A Thousand Acres Summary
A Thousand Acres
Three sisters inherit an Iowa farm. The youngest refuses it; the eldest begins to remember why.
by Jane Smiley 1991 371 pages
3.83
73k+ ratings
The People's Business
by Lee Drutman • 2004
Corporations are not people, yet they won human rights and bought the democracy that created them.
4.33
12
The People's Business Summary
The People's Business
Corporations are not people, yet they won human rights and bought the democracy that created them.
by Lee Drutman 2004 360 pages
4.33
12 ratings
Phantoms of a Beleaguered Republic
by Stephen Skowronek • 2021
Two fictions, deep state and unitary executive, feed each other, dismantling American governance.
4.04
25
Phantoms of a Beleaguered Republic Summary
Phantoms of a Beleaguered Republic
Two fictions, deep state and unitary executive, feed each other, dismantling American governance.
by Stephen Skowronek 2021 304 pages
4.04
25 ratings
Fascism or Genocide
by Ross Barkan • 2025
Progressives collapsed, Trump conquered, Democrats learned nothing. A decade of failure dissected.
3.31
58
Fascism or Genocide Summary
Fascism or Genocide
Progressives collapsed, Trump conquered, Democrats learned nothing. A decade of failure dissected.
by Ross Barkan 2025 209 pages
3.31
58 ratings
Big Money
by Kenneth P. Vogel • 2014
$2.5 billion in outside money: why party bosses lost control and donors took over.
3.64
90
Big Money Summary
Big Money
$2.5 billion in outside money: why party bosses lost control and donors took over.
by Kenneth P. Vogel 2014 320 pages
3.64
90 ratings
Mr. Vértigo (Biblioteca Paul Auster)
by Paul Auster • 1994
An orphan follows a stranger to a Kansas farm for one impossible lesson: how to fly.
3.95
16k+
Mr. Vértigo (Biblioteca Paul Auster) Summary
Mr. Vértigo (Biblioteca Paul Auster)
An orphan follows a stranger to a Kansas farm for one impossible lesson: how to fly.
by Paul Auster 1994 348 pages
3.95
16k+ ratings
Rough Country
by Robert Wuthnow • 2014
How Texas's frontier faith became the engine of America's conservative political machine.
3.77
26
Rough Country Summary
Rough Country
How Texas's frontier faith became the engine of America's conservative political machine.
by Robert Wuthnow 2014 664 pages
3.77
26 ratings
Cattle Kingdom
by Christopher Knowlton • 2017
The Wild West was a speculative bubble fueled by British aristocrats and popped by a single winter.
4.10
1k+
Cattle Kingdom Summary
Cattle Kingdom
The Wild West was a speculative bubble fueled by British aristocrats and popped by a single winter.
by Christopher Knowlton 2017 426 pages
4.10
1k+ ratings
Polarized
by James E. Campbell • 2016
Forget the median voter. The base drives polarization. It started with the public in the 1960s.
3.70
23
Polarized Summary
Polarized
Forget the median voter. The base drives polarization. It started with the public in the 1960s.
by James E. Campbell 2016 336 pages
3.70
23 ratings
Light Comes to Shadow Mountain
by Toni Buzzeo • 2023
A Kentucky girl's dream of electric light meets the immovable force of her mother's grief.
4.25
307
Light Comes to Shadow Mountain Summary
Light Comes to Shadow Mountain
A Kentucky girl's dream of electric light meets the immovable force of her mother's grief.
by Toni Buzzeo 2023 272 pages
4.25
307 ratings
Our First Civil War
by H.W. Brands • 2021
Before fighting Britain, Americans fought each other. The Revolution as a civil war among neighbors.
3.90
1k+
Our First Civil War Summary
Our First Civil War
Before fighting Britain, Americans fought each other. The Revolution as a civil war among neighbors.
by H.W. Brands 2021 486 pages
3.90
1k+ ratings
Producers, Parasites, Patriots
by Daniel Martinez HoSang • 2019
Racial blame has been reassigned to struggling whites and rebranded by the right's non-white faces.
3.98
48
Producers, Parasites, Patriots Summary
Producers, Parasites, Patriots
Racial blame has been reassigned to struggling whites and rebranded by the right's non-white faces.
by Daniel Martinez HoSang 2019 208 pages
3.98
48 ratings
So Much Blue
by Percival Everett • 2017
A painter's hidden canvas holds the confessions he owes his wife, his daughter, and himself.
4.02
4k+
So Much Blue Summary
So Much Blue
A painter's hidden canvas holds the confessions he owes his wife, his daughter, and himself.
by Percival Everett 2017 236 pages
4.02
4k+ ratings
Songs in Ursa Major
by Emma Brodie • 2021
A crash sidelines a folk icon; an island singer takes his stage and steals his heart.
3.88
14k+
Songs in Ursa Major Summary
Songs in Ursa Major
A crash sidelines a folk icon; an island singer takes his stage and steals his heart.
by Emma Brodie 2021 336 pages
3.88
14k+ ratings
Plowing the Dark
by Richard Powers • 2000
One artist, one hostage, two rooms: a novel about the stories we tell to survive.
3.65
1k+
Plowing the Dark Summary
Plowing the Dark
One artist, one hostage, two rooms: a novel about the stories we tell to survive.
by Richard Powers 2000 415 pages
3.65
1k+ ratings
Capitalizing on Crisis
by Greta R. Krippner • 2011
Financialization was no blueprint. It was the state’s accidental escape from a crisis of legitimacy.
4.35
181
Capitalizing on Crisis Summary
Capitalizing on Crisis
Financialization was no blueprint. It was the state’s accidental escape from a crisis of legitimacy.
by Greta R. Krippner 2011 240 pages
4.35
181 ratings
The Earth Is Enough
by Harry Middleton • 1989
A boy broken by war heals in the Ozarks with his fly-fishing grandfather and great-uncle.
4.35
500+
The Earth Is Enough Summary
The Earth Is Enough
A boy broken by war heals in the Ozarks with his fly-fishing grandfather and great-uncle.
by Harry Middleton 1989 228 pages
4.35
500+ ratings
The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas
by Gertrude Stein • 1933
Alice Toklas meets Gertrude Stein in 1907 Paris, entering the salon where modern art was born.
3.54
13k+
The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas Summary
The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas
Alice Toklas meets Gertrude Stein in 1907 Paris, entering the salon where modern art was born.
by Gertrude Stein 1933 252 pages
3.54
13k+ ratings
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