Today is Hotline’s last edition until Aug. 31. We’ll be off next week for a summer break as we gear up to cover the general election. To tide our readers over until our return, we asked friends of the program to share their summer reading recommendations. Enjoy, and we’ll see you soon.
Nothing Left: Confessions of a Democratic Operative by Evan Barker. “A look into the dark underbelly of politics that holds nothing back and names names. Ride along as Barker becomes disillusioned with the progressive left she believed would save the working class, one campaign at a time. Even if you disagree with her conclusions, it's worth the read to understand campaign fundraising and consultant world.” — Natalie Jackson, National Journal’s “Leading Indicators” columnist and founder of Centerline Research and Strategy
The Hard Line by Mark Greaney. “With less than three months until the midterms, I’m constantly on the road traveling to our target districts and states to meet with voters and support our candidates. When I have a few minutes to spare, I like to get my mind off politics and The Hard Line is the perfect fast-paced, action-packed spy novel to help unwind in between campaign stops.” — Joe Gruters, chairman of the RNC
Lake Effect by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney. It “starts by looking at women during the 1970s and the sexual revolution and how one spark impacts multiple families through generations. There are family secrets and surprises that keep you turning the pages to see how these characters are intertwined at different life stages.” — Jessica Taylor, Senate and governors editor at the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter
Nothing Random: Bennett Cerf and the Publishing House He Built by Gayle Feldman. “This is a name I've been familiar with for a long time as a humorist, but I knew little about him as a book publishing giant and creating the book publishing behemoth Random House. This book is constantly teaching me—for which I am grateful. As she told C-SPAN's ‘Q&A’ program, author Gayle Friedman spent 23 years researching/writing this book.” — Howard Mortman, C-SPAN communications director
Connect: Building Exceptional Relationships with Family, Friends, and Colleagues by David L. Bradford. This “is probably the best book I've ever read in any self-help-y genre. Not only does it have some practical advice for anyone who works in this town, but it goes beyond shallow networking to offer insights on topics lots of people struggle with these days, including deepening friendships and navigating conflict.” — Mini Racker, D.C. correspondent for the Nevada Independent
Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan. “A mesmerizing read by two outstanding reporters.” — Phil Murphy, former New Jersey governor
The Game Changer: How Harry Reid Remade the Rules and Showed Democrats How to Fight by Jon Ralston. “If you want a tale about how power is wielded in Washington, no one illustrates it better than Nevada political legend Jon Ralston, whose biography of the late Senate Majority Leader is a case study in ruthless gamesmanship. Ralston's compelling narrative also benefits from Reid's cooperation before the senator's death and his unparalleled experience covering Nevada politics in his long career.” — Josh Kraushaar, Jewish Insider editor in chief
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. It’s “such an interesting read and exploration on feminism. I’m in the middle of it now and really enjoying it. James by Percival Everett was also one of my favorite books of the last year. I loved James' voice. And you can’t go wrong with any of the books our Democratic governors have released in the last few years!” — Meghan Meehan-Draper, executive director of the Democratic Governors Association
A Separation by Katie Kitamura. “Your recently estranged husband goes missing on a Greek island. What could go wrong! Unsettling, thought-provoking, frustratingly ambiguous—a perfect beach read.” — Erin Covey, House editor at the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter
— Kirk A. Bado
