12 Books About Politicians
12 Books About Politicians to Read This Year
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There's no shortage of things to say about politics, but regardless of where you stand on the political spectrum, you can always benefit from being more informed. Understanding the lives of major politicians helps add context to the movements that they were part of, and the major events that happened during their leadership. The glass ceiling breakers, movement leaders, and first-evers both inspire and inform us, and all of these books about politicians have lessons to offer about power and our country's past.
Whether you'd like to complete the PS Reading Challenge prompt about "a book about a politician" or you enjoy diving into memoirs and nonfiction novels, read on for our top books about politicians. After reading, you just might be inspired to write the next Hamilton.
“A Promised Land” by Barack Obama
"A Promised Land" ($16, originally $45)
In the first volume of his presidential memoirs, Obama takes us from his early grassroots organizing days to his history-making presidential election win. He brings readers inside the Oval Office and the White House Situation Room to recount the extraordinary moments of his presidency, and offers a thoughtful exploration of both the reach and limits on presidential power.
“Alexander Hamilton” by Ron Chernow
"Alexander Hamilton" ($12, originally $23)
The inspiration for the Broadway musical, "Alexander Hamilton" by Chernow paints Hamilton as one of the most central figures to America as it was founded, and even as we know it today. Chernow recounts Hamilton's journey from Caribbean orphan to first Treasury Secretary of the United States. If you loved what you learned from the musical, you'll want to go even deeper with this book.
“The Art of Power” by Nancy Pelosi
"The Art of Power" ($19, originally $30)
In her autobiography, Pelosi recounts her glass-ceiling-shattering career in politics, beginning with her run for Congress at the age of 46. As she traces the course of her powerful career, she describes working to find common ground with presidents from Bush to Biden, and gives a firsthand account of the events of Jan. 6, 2021, including the attack on her husband two weeks later.
“And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle” by John Meacham
"And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle" ($19, originally $25)
While there are many books about Lincoln to choose from, "And There Was Light" is one of the most popular. This award-winning biography traces Lincoln's life, from his log cabin roots to his momentous presidency and tragic assassination.
“Something Lost, Something Gained” by Hillary Rodham Clinton
"Something Lost, Something Gained" ($18, originally $30)
In her latest memoir, Clinton Hillary offers her candid views on life and love, politics, liberty, democracy, the threats we face, and the future within our reach. She looks back on her life and provides both reflections on her incredible past, and hope and action for the future.
“The Kennedy Curse” by James Patterson
"The Kennedy Curse" ($23)
In "The Kennedy Curse," Patterson uses his literary and journalistic skills to recount the story of a family whose name is synonymous with American royalty. A family who, for all its success, has been blighted by assassinations, accidents, drug and alcohol abuse, and scandals.
“41: A Portrait of my Father” by George W. Bush
"41: A Portrait of my Father" ($8, originally $28)
A unique biography, this book about former President George H.W. Bush is written through the eyes of another former president: his son. George W. Bush traces his father's life and career, from his service in the Pacific during World War II to eventually vice president and president. Adding color that another biographer couldn't, Bush discusses his father's influence on him throughout his own life, from his childhood in West Texas to his early campaign trips with his father.
“No Ordinary Time" by Doris Kearns Goodwin
"No Ordinary Time" ($14, originally $24)
In this Pulitzer-Prize-winning account, famed historian Doris Kearns Goodwin tells several stories at once: Eleanor and Franklin's marriage and political partnership; Eleanor's life as First Lady; and both the internal politics and external lasting impact of FDR's administration. This biography is an incredible picture of both their relationship and a unique time in American History.
“United” by Cory Booker
"United" ($20)
The first African American elected to represent New Jersey in the US Senate, Booker's autobiography traces his journey there, from his career beginnings as a tenant's rights lawyer to the mayor of Newark, NJ. Booker recounts the moments that shaped his own political education and civic vision, and calls for reorienting politics around the principles of compassion and solidarity.
“Heart of Fire: An Immigrant Daughter’s Story” by Mazie K. Hirono
"Heart of Fire: An Immigrant Daughter's Story" ($9, originally $28)
Current Hawaii senator Hirono was only 7 when her mother moved their family from rural Japan to Hawaii. Her memoir, starting with her humble beginnings in a single room Honolulu boarding house, recounts her five decades (and counting) of public service, and her internal struggle to find her voice and power.
“Reagan” by Max Boot
"Reagan" ($43)
This biography was a New York Times Book Review Best Book of 2024. Thoroughly researched via over 100 interviews with Reagan's aides, friends, and family members, it traces Reagan's life from his small-town Midwest roots to the big screens of Hollywood and eventually the oval office, and investigates how his legacy still influences politics today.
“Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement” by John Lewis and Michael D'Orso
"Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement" ($11, originally $20)
This memoir by the late John Lewis details his firsthand experience as a prominent leader within the American civil rights movement and his leadership in the Nashville Movement — a student-led effort to desegregate the city of Nashville. Lewis details his role in the pivotal Selma marches, Bloody Sunday, and the Freedom Rides, and his decision to run for Congress in Georgia.
Kaley Rohlinger is a freelance writer for PS who focuses on health, fitness, food, and lifestyle content. She has a background in the marketing and communications industry and has written for PS for over four years.
