Bonus: Ezra Klein Talks to Obama About How America Went From ‘Yes We Can’ to ‘MAGA’

The Overstory is a sweeping and impassioned work of environmental fiction that follows the lives of nine individuals whose paths are intertwined by their connections to trees. The novel is structured in four parts – 'Roots', 'Trunk', 'Crown', and 'Seeds' – mirroring the parts of a tree. It delves into themes of ecology, climate change, and the interconnectedness of trees and humans, using a blend of science, history, and magical realism. The book advocates for the protection of trees and the natural world, posing critical questions about humanity's relationship with the environment and the long-term consequences of human actions.

My Promised Land is a comprehensive and personal narrative history of Israel, written by Ari Shavit. The book combines family history, memoir, archival research, and interviews to provide a rich and nuanced account of Israel’s history from the late 19th century to the present. Shavit examines the complexities and contradictions of the Israeli condition, asking crucial questions about the origins, survival, and future of Israel. The book is praised for its balanced and empathetic portrayal of both Jewish and Palestinian experiences, although some critics have noted its controversial handling of certain historical events. It is a landmark work that brings to life epic history without being a conventional history book, deepening contemporary political understanding without being a one-sided polemic.

In this memoir, Natasha Trethewey recounts the traumatic event of her mother's murder by her former stepfather in 1985. The book delves into the author's experience of grief, loss, and the long-term effects of domestic violence. Trethewey explores her mother's history in the deeply segregated South, her own girlhood as a 'child of miscegenation' in Mississippi, and how these experiences shaped her as a poet. The memoir includes personal narratives, historical context, and actual court transcripts, providing a poignant and intimate look at the author's journey toward understanding and healing.