Thomas E. Ricks: Churchill and Orwell: The Fight for Freedom

This book examines the lives and efforts of two men who never met each other but who helped save democracy leading up to and during World War II. Another much read for those who are worried about the American condition today. (*****)

Timothy Snyder: The Road to Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America

From the author of "On Tyranny" comes another pithy look at how freedom and democracy can be destroyed from within. (****)

Steven Levitsky & Daniel Liblatt: How Democracies Die

This is a must read for people concerned about the future of our democracy. One of their main points is that democracies begin to fail when the norms of civil discourse and the rule of law begin to crumble. We are seeing that happen before our very eyes today. (*****)

Khizr Khan: An American Family: A Memoir of Hope and Sacrifice

An amazing immigrant story from a true American patriot. You'll want to read the Constitution again after reading this. (****)

Ron Chernow: Grant

Just started this hefty book by Ron Chernow, author of Hamilton.

Timothy Snyder: On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century

A Yale University history professor traces the collapse of democratic institutions and governments following World War I, World War II, and the fall of communism in 1989. Excellent lessons for today in how best to resist tyranny. (*****)

David Garrow: Rising Star: The Making of Barack Obama

Reading in progress; this is a hulk of a book, more than 1,500 pages. The details are intimate and unbelievably thorough.

Ajay Chaudry, Taryn Morrissey, Christina Weiland, Hiro Yoshikawa: Cradle to Kindergarten: A New Plan to Combat Inequality

Here is a very pragmatic and effective road map that will pay huge dividends for our children. Chaudry, Weiland and Yoshikawa helped me with early policy and design issues for the Seattle Preschool Program. I highly recommend this book for those who want to move the needle and solve our children's opportunity gap. (*****)

Claudia Rowe: The Spider and the Fly: A Reporter, a Serial Killer, and the Meaning of Murder

This is a raw, hard-hitting, emotional roller coaster of a ride through a serial killer's life and that of the author. I couldn't put it down. Claudia Rowe, a journalist at The Seattle Times, tells a true crime story that is rich, foreboding and packed with glimpses of the harm often foisted on those we love the most. (*****)

Mark K. Shriver: Pilgrimage: My Search for the Real Pope Francis

My friend, Mark Shriver, wrote this book about Pope Francis and it soon become apparent he was writing about his own spiritual journey as well. The stories here are intimate and compelling. (*****)

Tom Rinaldi: The Red Bandanna: A life, A Choice, A Legacy

Rinaldi tells a moving and compelling story about a man who sacrificed his life for others during the 9/11 attacks in New York City. It's inspiring. Here's the ESPN video that tells the same story in 13 minutes: http://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/17519467 (****)

Alex Kershaw: Avenue of Spies: A True Story of Terror, Espionage, and One American Family's Heroic Resistance in Nazi-Occupied Paris

Absolutely fascinating read. This true story about an American family in Paris during WW II will help restore your faith in people. Gripping. Tragically sad, at the same time. Well worth a quick read. (*****)

Mark Lilla: The Shipwrecked Mind: On Political Reaction

Interesting take on political conflict in terms of philosophy and the decline of the west. (***)

Arlie Russell Hochschild: Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right

I've been reading more about middle America since the presidential election. White Trash and Hillbilly Elegy are very good, but Stranger in Their Own Land really captures the complexity and conflict many Americans feel toward their government. Read Hillbilly Elegy if you just want a quick read, but read Strangers if you want a deep dive into how many of our fellow Americans feel and perceive government. (*****)

J. D. Vance: Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis

After our recent national election, I decided to read up on people living in middle America. Vance's book is funny, insightful and powerfully poignant. This is a great story. (*****)