The Democracy Group's Summer Reading List

Looking for a new book to read this summer? Here are 10 recommendations from our network's hosts and producers. Whether you're looking to escape politics for a little while or take a deep dive on a specific topic, you'll find something on this list to enjoy.

1. I Never Thought of it That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by Mónica Guzmán  

2. Money, Power, Respect by Macaela Mackenzie

3. High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out by Amanda Ripley

4. Beautiful Trauma: An Explosion, an Obsession, and a New Lease on Life by Rebecca Fogg

5. Radical American Partisanship: Mapping Violent Hostility, Its Causes, and the Consequences for Democracy by Liliana Mason and Nathan P. Kalmoe

6. Liberalism and Its Discontents by Francis Fukuyama

7. Dances by Nicole Cuffy

8. Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant

9. Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud by Ben McKenzie and Jacob Silverman

10. Poverty, By America by Matthew Desmond

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Francis Fukuyama on the promise and peril of liberalism

‍This episode of Democracy Works discusses book recommendation #6! Hear from the author of the book, Francis Fukuyama during this episode.

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This is Megan Goldstein, The Democracy Group's Community Manager. This week I listened to a lot of podcast episodes and wanted to share my favorites with you!

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Politics is Everything: Hot Takes: Virginia Primary Elections

This episode is quick yet a very informative look into the June primaries that just took place in Virginia. In about 25 minutes I learned about who won, the impact of those who won, and why this election was different from those in the past. I really enjoyed hearing the hosts thoughts on the primary elections and got to hear some great hot takes!

Democracy Matters: European democracy at a crossroads: An interview with Minister Counselor Markus Teglas

‍I enjoyed hearing from an expert who I didn’t know during this episode. They discuss the crossroads that Europe is at and why this crossroads has occurred. Both hosts ask Markus Teglas insightful questions that really carry the episode along and make it more interesting. If you are looking for an educational episode with a great perspective check this one out!

Our Body Politic: Juneteenth Celebration of Black Memory and Black Freedom

Juneteenth was last week so I found it important to learn more about this holiday. I learned about the history of Juneteenth, I heard stories about liberation, and I also learned what more needs to be done in the Corporate world for corporations to have better practices on Juneteenth and beyond.

FEATURED EXPERTS

Lets Find Common Ground: Judy Woodruff on America at a Crossroads

Judy Woodruff is a seasoned journalist who has covered U.S. politics for more than 50 years. She has reported for NBC, CNN, and PBS. She anchored PBS News Hour from 2013-2022. Woodruff stepped down from her anchoring position of PBS News Hour to focus on a two-year special project called “America at a Crossroads” which focuses on what is dividing America and what can be done to fix the division.

Democracy Paradox: Dan Slater on Thailand’s Revolutionary Election

Dan Slater is the James Orin Murfin Professor of Political Science at The University of Michigan where he specializes in the politics and history of dictatorship and democracy. In addition he is an author of multiple pieces such as "From Development to Democracy: The Transformations of Modern Asia" and "Thailand's Revolutionary Election."