Top 20 US History Books
Last updated: September 2, 2025
A People's History of the United States
What is A People's History of the United States about?
Howard Zinn’s "A People’s History of the United States" tells America’s history from the perspective of marginalized groups and challenges elite-centred narratives. Read and find out about grassroots fights for justice, including workers’ rights, racial equality, and women’s suffrage.
Team of Rivals
What is Team of Rivals about?
"Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin explores Abraham Lincoln's ability to unite a cabinet of former rivals to save the Union during the Civil War. Read and find out how, despite initial opposition, Lincoln's empathy and leadership turned his enemies into allies to navigate the most challenging crisis.
The Devil in the White City
What is The Devil in the White City about?
Read Erik Larson's "The Devil in the White City" to delve into America's Gilded Age. The author tells how architect Daniel Burnham built the White City for Chicago's World Fair, and Henry H. Holmes took advantage of the fair to draw victims to his infamous "murder castle." This is the story of ambition, genius, and evil.
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
What is Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee about?
The Dakota, Ute, Sioux, Cheyenne, and other tribes faced systematic destruction in the 19th century. "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" is a powerful account of their history, filled with stories of battles, broken treaties, massacres, and the struggle for freedom. This book will deeply change the way you understand the impact of the American West on Native Americans.
Killers of the Flower Moon
What is Killers of the Flower Moon about?
“Killers of the Flower Moon” is an exciting story based on actual events that happened a hundred years ago in the Osage tribe. The author reveals the series of mysterious murders that shook the entire county. This book also tells about how these shocking actions caused the creation of the FBI.
Founding Brothers
What is Founding Brothers about?
Hamilton, Jefferson, Washington, and Adams — do these names sound familiar? "Founding Brothers" tells their story and how they helped shape the United States. Each of these historical figures faced great challenges and achieved remarkable successes, using revolutionary ideas that changed the world forever.
The 1619 Project
What is The 1619 Project about?
"The 1619 Project" is worth reading for everybody who wants to learn more about American slavery. The effects of slavery still impact modern America, the systems of race and inequality. After reading this book, you will start challenging narratives about the American nation's founding.
Between the world and me
What is Between the world and me about?
“Between the World and Me” delves deeply into the challenges that Black Americans face in the United States. Author Ta-Nehisi Coates shares his experiences and observations to shed light on the systemic oppression that plagues Black communities. He wants to draw public attention to racism, police brutality, and violence. Coates prompts readers to reflect on the complex issues underlying racial injustice and encourages detailed discussions on addressing and dismantling these injustices.
Poverty, by America
What is Poverty, by America about?
“Poverty, by America” is a book by Matthew Desmond that reveals why so many people are poor in the United States. The author argues that many policies and systems benefit the wealthy at the expense of the poor, making it even harder for people to escape poverty. Desmond wants to change how we think about poverty and find better ways to help people who are struggling.
Killing the Witches
What is Killing the Witches about?
"Killing the Witches" explores the infamous Salem witch trials, where over 200 people were accused, 30 were found guilty, and 20 were executed, while others suffered in jail or had their lives destroyed. The book delves into Puritan beliefs that fueled these events and connects them to modern-day "witch hunts."
Democracy Awakening
What is Democracy Awakening about?
Once democracy is at risk, "Democracy Awakening" by Heather Cox Richardson will help you understand the roots of democracy and how people use false narratives to gain power. If you want a democratic future, learn the history to understand today's struggles, stay engaged, and work toward a fair America.
The Slip
What is The Slip about?
Art isn't only about large galleries in the city centers, and Coenties Slip, a small street in Manhattan, is a testament to that. Being home to a group of diverse artists, it reshaped American art. "The Slip" by Prudence Peiffer tells a lot about that street's history and the power of community.
All the Shah's Men
What is All the Shah's Men about?
"All the Shah's Men" by Stephen Kinzer tells the story of the 1953 CIA-led coup in Iran. What's so special about it? This coup led to 25 years of harsh rule under the Shah, the rise of Islamic fundamentalism, and anti-American feelings in the Middle East. By reading this book, you will understand more about the Middle East and important historical events in that region.
The War Before the War
What is The War Before the War about?
"The War Before the War" reveals the fact that everybody understands now: the contradiction between America’s ideals of freedom and the oppression millions faced. Here, you will learn how fugitive slaves affected the Civil War and how slavery influenced America.
Chaos
What is Chaos about?
Investigative journalist Tom O'Neill dared to question the unquestionable. The Manson Family murders had long been a closed chapter. “Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties” is the result of O'Neill’s pursuit of truth, where he carefully studies the stories of the murders that shocked America. This work challenges conventional theory and offers a look at facts that remained unnoticed.
Hidden Figures
What is Hidden Figures about?
Do you know anything about "human computers?" These were people who performed vital calculations that launched rockets and astronauts into space. "Hidden Figures" is a real-life story of African American women mathematicians and their input in NASA’s space achievements. In a male-dominated field, these women persevered and influenced America’s future.
The Warmth of Other Suns
What is The Warmth of Other Suns about?
Isabel Wilkerson recounts the details of African Americans leaving the oppressive South in search for a more just and safe environment. She connects personal stories of the individuals in those circumstances with a broader historical analysis. This is a story of unbelievable strength and resilience, reported in a poignant manner.
Mayflower
What is Mayflower about?
"Mayflower" explores the journey of the Pilgrims and the settlement in Plymouth, uncovering the realities of the voyage. Nathaniel Philbrick goes deep into the details of this time in history, as well as into the lives of many characters. If you want to gain more comprehensive information about this chapter of America’s past, this book is a perfect choice.
Myth America
What is Myth America about?
How many of the things that you know to be true about America are actually myths? Historians Kruse and Zelizer created this anthology of essays to tackle popular and pervasive misconceptions. This book extensively covers a variety of issues such as voting, violence, or American exceptionalism.
The Situation Room
What is The Situation Room about?
Explore the secretes of the White House Situation Room with this George Stephanopoulos' book. This room has been the center of crisis management for all US presidents since its creation. Find out about the terrifying hours during the 9/11 attack, the transcripts from the room when Presidents Kennedy and Reagan were shot, and other paramount events.
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