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Best U.S.Congresses, Senates & Legislative

Al Franken, Giant of the Senate
It's a book about what happens when the nation's foremost progressive satirist gets a chance to serve in the United States Senate and, defying the low expectations of the pundit class, actually turns out to be good at it. In this candid personal memoir, the honorable gentleman from Minnesota takes his army of loyal fans along with him from Saturday Night Live to the campaign trail, inside the halls of Congress, and behind the scenes of some of the most dramatic and/or hilarious moments of his new career in politics. "The best political book of 2017. "[AL FRANKEN, GIANT OF THE SENATE] may...be the funniest memoir by a sitting - standing, recumbent, squatting - U.S. senator. This is a genuinely funny book, often hilarious...the Senate, and the country, would be the poorer without him. [Franken] uses self-deprecating humor to poke fun at everyone on either side of the aisle, and he gives readers insight into the daily workings of life in the Senate.
Reviews
"That seemed like it was tough on him, and this memoir makes it clear just how tough it was, not only because Franken had been professionally funny for decades, but also because Franken had always used humor to say whatever he pleased throughout his life. This book is very funny, and Franken both borrows and satirizes the tropes of the traditional political bio in telling his own strange story of his rise to office. Because Franken gives himself leave to be funny again in this book, he is also very honest about his colleagues, the state of American politics, and himself."
"Humor that helps assuage the angst of political absurdities. from decency, from earnest efforts to solve our nation's real-life problems. And how deeply some are committed to addressing the real, existential needs of their constituents."
"Regardless of which side of the aisle people lean towards, reading Senator Franken's book is a good way to stay informed -- and entertained -- about the background of today's political climate."
"I loved the style, the humor, the satire, the snark, and, most of all, the good-hearted honesty and integrity that shines through the whole book. If you're just finding out who he is - maybe because of the Cabinet hearings - read this and learn more about this brilliant, remarkable man. You won't get half the jokes or understand the rest of the book."
"Senator Franken continues to share just how diabolical the bad Politicians are, gives the inside scoop of his awful first election delay, and explains the intricacies of passing Obama care."
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This Fight Is Our Fight: The Battle to Save America's Middle Class
Now, at a perilous moment for our nation, she has written a book that is at once an illuminating account of how we built the strongest middle class in history, a scathing indictment of those who have spent the past thirty-five years undermining working families, and a rousing call to action. Now, with the election of Donald Trump--a con artist who promised to drain the swamp of special interests and then surrounded himself with billionaires and lobbyists--the middle class is being pushed ever closer to collapse. A former Harvard Law School professor, she is the author of several books, including A Fighting Chance , a national bestseller that received widespread critical acclaim.
Reviews
"I appreciate all the hard work Elizabeth Warren and most other Democrats do to try and make life better for the middle class, but I have to admit, I've always wondered why no one talks about making life better for the two classes below middle."
"Nevertheless, she provides a creditable well documented discussion of what "big" money and "big" business has done and is doing to abuse the middle class."
"Regardless of what you may think of Elizabeth Warren, her politics or her demeanor, you have to admire the sincerity of her belief and conviction to what she says in "This Fight..." I can see why she inspires her many supporters, and I can also appreciate why her critics find her a bit shrill--but is she wrong?"
"This lady is a spit fire who isn't afraid to tell it like it is."
"Elizabeth is a public servant not a politician, who rocks."
"Great rallying spirit."
"Awesome."
"Although her politics lean quite left of mine, she makes some compelling arguments about how our political class has sold out to big business."
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The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream
In July 2004, Barack Obama electrified the Democratic National Convention with an address that spoke to Americans across the political spectrum. One phrase in particular anchored itself in listeners’ minds, a reminder that for all the discord and struggle to be found in our history as a nation, we have always been guided by a dogged optimism in the future, or what Obama called “the audacity of hope.” The Audacity of Hope is Barack Obama’s call for a different brand of politics—a politics for those weary of bitter partisanship. and alienated by the “endless clash of armies” we see in congress and on the campaign trail; a politics rooted in the faith, inclusiveness, and nobility of spirit at the heart of “our improbable experiment in democracy.” He explores those forces—from the fear of losing to the perpetual need to raise money to the power of the media—that can stifle even the best-intentioned politician. "[Barack Obama] is that rare politician who can actually write- and write movingly and genuinely about himself...In these pages he often speaks to the reader as if he were an old friend from back in the day, salting policy recommendations with colorful asides about the absurdities of political life...[He] strives in these pages to ground his policy thinking in simple common sense...while articulating these venomous pre-election days, but also in these increasingly polarized and polarizing times." Readers, no matter what their party affiliation, may experience the oddly uplifting sensation of comparing the everyday contemptuous view of politics that circulates so widely in our civic conversations with the practical idealism set down by this slender, smiling, 45-year-old former sate legislator who is included on virtually every credible list of future presidential contenders." It presents a man of relative youth yet maturity, a wise observer of the human condition, a figure who possesses perseverance and writing skills that have flashes of grandeur. Obama also demonstrates a wry sense of humor…His particular upbringing gives him special insights into the transition of American politics in the 1960s and ’70s from debates over economic principles to a focus on culture and morality, and into the divisiveness, polarization and incivility that accompanied this transition.” —Gary Hart, The New York Times Book Review “America’s founders set a high standard for political writing, and most contemporary efforts fall woefully short.
Reviews
"Then the working of government and particularly the Senate."
"This book describes a reasonableness in life and politics that is refreshing."
"Wonderful man,wonderful book."
"'Audacity of Hope' is pretty much the well Obama draws on for his speeches: yeah, we're on the wrong track as a country, yeah, it's gonna take a lot of work to get back where we were and head where we want to go, but we can do it if we believe in ourselves, roll up our sleeves and get to it, instead of allowing cynicism and cumulative disappointments to lull us into do-nothing apathy. No real surprises in his policy prescriptions - I've come across versions of most of them someplace or other before. Then again, the guy never promoted himself as a radical but as a species of idealistic pragmatist, so it stands to reason that his policy prescriptions would be in the mainstream/ slightly left of center range."
"It was a great read."
"Brilliant ,frank book which show Obama as a person of substance,well before he became President."
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Best Legislative Branch

A Fighting Chance
Early marriage and motherhood seemed to put even that dream out of reach, but fifteen years later she was a distinguished law professor with a deep understanding of why people go bankrupt. In this passionate, funny, rabble-rousing book, Warren shows why she has chosen to fight tooth and nail for the middle class—and why she has become a hero to all those who believe that America's government can and must do better for working families. This is a passionate memoir of one woman’s personal story and the larger story of corruption in financial circles and the need for reform that balances the interests of the American middle class against those of the corporate sector. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The senior senator from Massachusetts and former Harvard law professor here gives the backstory on her fight for the middle class in a memoir that is sure to attract interest beyond the book-review section.
Reviews
"I didn't know much of anything about Warren before reading this book."
"A Fighting Chance is a great read -- it's well written (very readable), interesting on both personal & professional levels, very informative from the perspective of real/common people's lives, and well referenced."
"Very interesting reading."
"Outstanding book!"
"She has studied why people go into bankruptcy, and she strongly disagrees with Senators and Wall Street bankers who blame deadbeat borrowers for the problem."
"Elizabeth Warren tells the story of her amazing life - going from the daughter of middle class parents, working her way through college, becoming a law professor and finally a U.S."
"But I love her now."
"Made me appreciate E. Warren (personally) and made me appreciate the perspective on how our society has changed."
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Best United States Executive Government

Obama: An Intimate Portrait
Relive the extraordinary Presidency of Barack Obama through White House photographer Pete Souza's behind-the-scenes images and stories in this #1 New York Times bestseller--with a foreword from the President himself. During Barack Obama's two terms, Pete Souza was with the President during more crucial moments than anyone else--and he photographed them all. "The book, which distills the 1.9 million photographs that Souza took of Obama's eight years in the White House down to about 300 images, it as once warm and nostalgic, worshipful and respectful, sad and wistful-in a sense, not so different from the framed JFK portraits that everyday Americans hung in living rooms, right through the Nixon administration. "Here are the qualities that radiate from these photos of the former President and his family, all taken by Souza during his eight years as official White House photographer: intelligence, kindness, warmth, integrity. "Souza, chief official White House photographer for Obama's two terms, was on hand for history--documenting our first black president, and a pretty photogenic one at that. Souza's book, an instant best seller, includes many iconic images we've seen before, but its most poignant moments are the least public--like one of the president and his daughters frolicking in the snow at the White House. "The 300 photographs in the book are a remarkable account of President Obama's eight years in the White House, from events of historic significance to quiet moments with his wife and daughters and the family dogs.
Reviews
"I'd like to say up front here that this is one of those reviews where I am struggling so hard to put thoughts into words, because of how many thoughts I have, and how difficult it is for me to express them. He was funny and personable, and every time I heard him speak I felt suddenly prouder and more patriotic. Because all the rest of that time I wasted being blind and hateful. I'm not really the kind that normally runs off to scrounge around for books they can't afford, but this is the second photography book of the Obamas I've done so for, and it captured my heart as much the second time, as it did the first. UPDATE: Thanks to so many of the kind, heartwarming offers, I have received a copy of this book."
"Well, I guess it is the idea of the unconditional love that I have personally felt by dogs.....and the fact that it least in my mind that is what our former President and First Lady gave us for 8 years. I pray that someday Obama haters or hopefully their children will view the pictures in this “must have” Obama memorabilia and appreciate not only the historical significance of this man to US and world history but also feel his unconditional love of America ; its history, culture and people in every page."
"Obama wasn't perfect, but seeing his two-term administration, not riddled by scandal or buffoonery, captured in this historic volume brought tears to my eyes."
"As I thumb through the pages, I realize how much of my vision of President Obama was formed by the photographs of special moments captured by Souza."
"In capturing the defining moments of the Obama presidency, Mr. Souza has given the common citizen a personal, vulnerable look into the remarkable 8-year tenure of the 44th president."
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Best United States National Government

Understanding Trump
Further, these pages hold a detailed discussion of Trump-style solutions for national security, education, health care, economic growth, government reform, and other important topics. The very essence of Trump's mission is a willingness to enact policies and set goals that send our country in a bold new direction - one that may be "unreasonable" to Washington but is sensible to millions of Americans outside the Beltway. He is a Fox News contributor and author of 34 books, including 14 New York Times bestsellers.
Reviews
"I use the computer alot so when my eyes get tired it is great to just listen when ironing or driving on the weekends."
"I've always loved books about people who seem to accomplish the impossible."
"Gingrich offers insights into our president that are very enlightening."
"Great understanding of trump, the swamp, and what trump wants to do help all Americans."
"Someone who has the courage to try and. govern in a completely unconventional manner which is frightening to the politicians who prefer the. status quo. I am beginning to believe we need someone who surrounds himself with the. best people who share his goal of demanding results from government."
"In any case, this book goes a long way toward articulating the ideological trends that drove Trump to a historic victory in the presidential election, giving context to the man himself, and looking forward to give us a glimpse of what we can expect in the future."
"OK, so it seems I posted my review on the wrong book- this is by far the BEST book on both the 2016 election and Donald Trump I've seen yet- and I've read over 2 dozen."
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Best United States Local Government

American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America
• A New Republic Best Book of the Year • The Globalist Top Books of the Year • Winner of the Maine Literary Award for Non-fiction • Particularly relevant in understanding who voted for who in this presidential election year, this is an endlessly fascinating look at American regionalism and the eleven “nations” that continue to shape North America. Colin Woodard, an award-winning writer and journalist, is currently the state and national affairs writer at the Portland Press Herald and Maine Sunday Telegram where he won a 2012 George Polk Award and was a finalist for the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting A longtime foreign correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor , the San Francisco Chronicle , and The Chronicle of Higher Education , he has reported from more than fifty foreign countries and six continents.
Reviews
"Whereas the first two-thirds were well-reasoned and well-supported, the last third devolved into stereotypes and generalities, and contained more than a few downright errors, particularly concerning the modern Deep South and Greater Appalachia. I could list at least a half-dozen factual errors in his presentation concerning the practice and influence of Evangelical Christianity in the Bible Belt, for instance, but would rather not bog down this review with nit-picking."
"Author Woodard tells the history of how North America (the United States, Canada, and part of Mexico) developed defined areas of distinct culture that reflected not only the nationalities of the original settlers, but also the geographic terrain on which the settlers had to survive, and the political point of view that grew out of their specific situations. Add to these New Netherland, Tidewater, New France, the Left Coast, El Norte, and the emerging First Nation, and you have an amazing amalgam of disparate cultures all trying to get along (or not)."
"I then read the text as I listened to the audio version, a process which showed me just how many substantial errors the narrator was making."
"It is helping me make sense of the crazy political scene this election year and the vast differences that divide us as a nation."
"Being from the area known as the "Far West" I felt that the author decided to spend virtually no time or effort in speaking to the El Norte, Far West and the Left Coast."
"One of the best books I've read on America and it's history."
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Best United States Judicial Branch

Licensed to Lie: Exposing Corruption in the Department of Justice
A tragic suicide, a likely murder, wrongful imprisonment, and gripping courtroom scenes draw readers into this compelling story giving them a frightening perspective on justice corrupted and who should be accountable when evidence is withheld. The takeaway is that both Bushies and Obamaites should be very afraid: over the last few years, a coterie of vicious and unethical prosecutors who are unfit to practice law has been harbored within and enabled by the now ironically named Department of Justice.''. ''When you ve finished reading this fast-paced thriller, you will want to stand up and applaud Powell's courage in daring to shine light into the darkest recesses of America's justice system. ''I have covered hundreds of court cases over the years and have witnessed far too often the kind of duplicity and governmental heavy-handedness Ms. Powell describes in her well-written book, Licensed to Lie.''.
Reviews
"I have been lied to, threatened with bar complaints and had complaints made to judges behind my back, all for trying to provide a zealous defense to my client."
"Highly recommend you buy and read this book and see what they could do to an ordinary citizen (who is still considered a felon under bogus charges.)."
"Got her book on Kindle first and figured i’d read a couple chapters and chuck it."
"heckuva accounting of crooked government prosecutors-------."
"Fascinating book...every one should read it."
"Revealing story of the mis-deeds done by Federal prosecutors in the name of “justice” whilst feathering their own nest with promotion to higher echelons."
"Required reading for anyone interesting in preserving justice and our faith in a lawful civil society."
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Best Local U.S. Politics

Governing Texas (Third Edition)
The #1 selling book for Texas government courses, with a new focus on the future of Texas politics. He is the author of Congressman Sam Rayburn, Sam Rayburn: A Bio-bibliography, and Judicial Politics in Texas: Partisanship, Money, and Politics in State Courts.
Reviews
"You can also make flashcards of what you highlight in the book."
"Very useful book."
"As expected and as advertised."
"Great book and I got an A:)!"
"kind of surprised, the book was new."
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