A Reading List for Midterm Elections
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The 2018 midterm elections are important. How important, you ask? (Have you been following the news at all?) To put it this way: all of the seats in the House of Representatives, a third of the Senate, dozens of governorships, and a bunch of state legislature positions are all up for grabs. The outcome of the midterm election could impact legislation in Congress, the investigations regarding the Trump regime, SCOTUS nominations, and countless state laws. Roe vs Wade is in the balance, families are being indefinitely detained, every day brings new appalling stories—this election can be life and death for many people, literally.
This election has the power to change things for years, even decades, to come. It also means it’s crucial to become educated about various issues, learn about the candidates, and seek out factual, accurate information. Do your own fact-checking. Don’t fall for sensationalism. Read various news sources. Read books from intelligent people with experience in their fields. Learn about history—namely, the rise of fascism in Europe and the rise of the Third Reich. Read about resistance movements throughout the last century. Ask questions of the candidates at town halls, and remember that they’re supposed to work for YOU.
This is by no means an exhaustive or complete list. In fact, this doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface, but such a list would be dozens and dozens, if not hundreds, of books long. I’ve tried to include books on a variety of pressing topics, but I’m sure there are some I’ve missed.
An important, must-read book for the current political and social climate about hatred and anger. Taking a historical perspective, Mishra traces how these movements based in resentment, fear, and individualism take root and flourish.
Blending memoir and reportage, a devastating and smart examination of class and the working poor in America, particularly the rural working poor. An excellent portrait of an often overlooked group.
Filled with art and stories from Gail Simone, Javier Munoz, Gabby Rivera, Sonia Manzano, Rosario Dawson, and more, this comics anthology starring Superman, Aquaman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, and other DC superstars is a must-read. Proceeds benefit hurricane relief for Puerto Rico.
Part of the #Resistance? A must-read, by someone who’s been there on the front lines against fascism.
This election has the power to change things for years, even decades, to come. It also means it’s crucial to become educated about various issues, learn about the candidates, and seek out factual, accurate information. Do your own fact-checking. Don’t fall for sensationalism. Read various news sources. Read books from intelligent people with experience in their fields. Learn about history—namely, the rise of fascism in Europe and the rise of the Third Reich. Read about resistance movements throughout the last century. Ask questions of the candidates at town halls, and remember that they’re supposed to work for YOU.
This is by no means an exhaustive or complete list. In fact, this doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface, but such a list would be dozens and dozens, if not hundreds, of books long. I’ve tried to include books on a variety of pressing topics, but I’m sure there are some I’ve missed.
