Pod Save America
Book Recommendations

Pod Save America

Pod Save America is a no-b******t conversation about politics hosted by former Obama aides Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor. It cuts through the noise to break down the week’s news and helps people figure out what matters and how they can help. They’re regularly joined by jour...

Episodes 1,682
Books 512

Recently mentioned

Latest Recommendations

The Day After: How to Wield Power in a Post-Trump World – A Progressive Political Playbook on Saving Democracy from the #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of Shameless cover

The Day After

Brian Tyler Cohen

Mentioned 1 week ago

Trump Honors Dead Friend, Restarts War

The hosts discussed Brian Tyler Cohen's new book, noting that it had just been released and urging listeners to buy it. They highlighted its relevance for understanding power in a postTrump world.

Then Lovett talks to our pal Brian Tyler Cohen about his brand new book, The Day After, How to Wield Power in a PostTrump World.

Buy on Amazon
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America cover

The Devil in the White City

Erik Larson

Mentioned 3 weeks ago

Trump Held a Fair And (Almost) No One Came

The hosts mentioned that they had recently read the book, noting it covered the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and the construction of the first Ferris wheel.

I read Devil in the White City recently. I'm on Eric Larson kick, which is about the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893, I believe. And that was when the first Ferris wheel was built.

Buy on Amazon
Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes cover

Lawless

Leah Litman

Mentioned 3 weeks ago

The MAGA Supreme Court's Assault on America

Leah Litman was introduced as the author of a book titled Lawless, which examines how the Supreme Court operates on conservative grievances, fringe theories, and bad vibes.

A law professor, co-host of Crooked Media's Strict Scrutiny and author of Lawless, How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievances, Fringe Theories and Bad Vibes.

Buy on Amazon
Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump cover

Regime Change

Maggie Haberman

Mentioned 4 weeks ago

Pool Me Twice, Shame On You

The hosts praised the book as a compelling, pageturning inside look at Donald Trump's second term, noting its extensive interviews and fresh revelations.

New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan talk to Tommy about their explosive new book, Regime Change, which is full of fascinating revelations about Trump's second term White House.

Buy on Amazon
What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence cover

What It Takes

Stephen A. Schwarzman

Mentioned 1 month ago

LIVE(ish) from the Obama Presidential Center

They noticed the book titled "What It Takes" among the other titles in the reading room.

I see What It Takes.

Buy on Amazon
Life of Pi cover

Life of Pi

Yann Martel

Mentioned 1 month ago

LIVE(ish) from the Obama Presidential Center

The hosts spotted the novel on the library shelf while walking through the reading room.

I see Life of Pi.

Buy on Amazon
We Are the World (Cup): A Personal History of the World's Greatest Sporting Event – Soccer's Triumphs, Heartbreaks, and the Passion That Unites Fans Worldwide cover

We Are the World (Cup)

Roger Bennett

Mentioned 1 month ago

TRUMP CURSES KNICKS

Roger Bennett highlighted his new book, noting it captures the excitement and depth of the World Cup and encourages listeners to pick up a copy.

My guest today is the co-creator and long-time host of the smash hit Men in Blazers podcast ... a New York Times best-selling author whose most recent book is called We Are the World Cup buy it now.

Buy on Amazon
View from the East Wing: A Memoir cover

View from the East Wing

Dr Jill Biden

Mentioned 1 month ago

Trump's Versailles on the Potomac

The hosts compared it to Condoleezza Rice's oped and said the memoir was the more interesting read.

Which is less welcome, the Jill Biden memoir or the Condoleezza Rice oped?

Buy on Amazon
All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches cover

All We Say

Ben Rhodes

Mentioned 1 month ago

What Does it Mean to Be an American?

The hosts praised the book as a compelling, timely history of the United States told through fifteen pivotal speeches, noting its emotional impact and recommending it to anyone interested in American politics.

Ben has written an incredible, timely book about that argument... The book is called All We Say, A History of the United States in 15 Speeches.

Buy on Amazon
Make America Sane Again: Reflections on Trump’s Travesties cover

Make America Sane Again

Sheldon Hirsch

Mentioned 2 months ago

Trump Admits He's for He/Him, Not You

They said they had written a book titled Trump in America that was released in 2020, just before the pandemic.

When I wrote my book on Trump in America in 2020, I guess it came out. Yeah. 2020. Yeah. Right before the pandemic.

Buy on Amazon
The Crooked Places Made Straight: Reflections on the Moral Meaning of America cover

The Crooked Places Made Straight

Raphael G. Warnock

Mentioned 2 months ago

Will Raphael Warnock Hear the Call?

The senator announced his forthcoming book, which reflects on the moral meaning of America and ties his sermon on Isaiah to the nation's 250th birthday. He said the book would address equity, integrity, and the moral topography of the country.

So, you've written a book coming out next month. Yeah. That's a sermon on Isaiah for America's 250th birthday.

Buy on Amazon
The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader cover

The U.S. Constitution

Melissa Murray

Mentioned 2 months ago

Trump Is Falling. Are Democrats Rising?

Melissa Murray introduced her new book, describing it as a modernreader guide that explains every clause of the Constitution and offers historical context and anecdotes.

The book is the U.S. Constitution, a comprehensive and annotated guide for the modern reader.

Buy on Amazon

Most Recommended

This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War Cover

Drew Gilpin Faust

This Republic of Suffering

Death and the American Civil War

It was mentioned as another important read focusing on the country and the forces that shape the leaders, rather than the leaders themselves, and is specifically about the effect of the Civil War on the country.

"

And the other one is Republic of Suffering, which is by Drew Gilpin Faust, that is about the effect the Civil War had on the country because of the tremendous trauma.

— Episode: “Trump’s Recovery Summer.”

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: “Trump’s Recovery Summer.”

It was mentioned as another important read focusing on the country and the forces that shape the leaders, rather than the leaders themselves, and is specifically about the effect of the Civil War on the country.

"

And the other one is Republic of Suffering, which is by Drew Gilpin Faust, that is about the effect the Civil War had on the country because of the tremendous trauma.

Eileen: A Novel Cover

Ottessa Moshfegh

Eileen

A Novel

It was mentioned as a previous work by the author of 'A Death in Her Hands' that had won numerous awards.

"

And I just started A Death in Her Hands by Otessa Mavska. I think I might mispronounce her name, but she is a American author who wrote a book called Eileen that won a lot of awards a...

— Episode: “Trump’s Recovery Summer.”

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: “Trump’s Recovery Summer.”

It was mentioned as a previous work by the author of 'A Death in Her Hands' that had won numerous awards.

"

And I just started A Death in Her Hands by Otessa Mavska. I think I might mispronounce her name, but she is a American author who wrote a book called Eileen that won a lot of awards a few years ago.

They Can't Kill Us All: Ferguson, Baltimore, and a New Era in America's Racial Justice Movement Cover

Wesley Lowery

They Can't Kill Us All

Ferguson, Baltimore, and a New Era in America's Racial Justice Movement

Wesley Lowery's book was discussed in relation to the nationwide protests and racial justice movements, highlighting how it explores a new era in America's fight for racial equality.

"

I'm now joined by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist correspondent for the new show 60 on 6 on Quibi and author of They Can't Kill Us All: Ferguson, Baltimore, and a New Era in America...

— Episode: “Trump, unmasked.”

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: “Trump, unmasked.”

Wesley Lowery's book was discussed in relation to the nationwide protests and racial justice movements, highlighting how it explores a new era in America's fight for racial equality.

"

I'm now joined by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist correspondent for the new show 60 on 6 on Quibi and author of They Can't Kill Us All: Ferguson, Baltimore, and a New Era in America's Racial Justice Movement Wesley Lowery.

The Daughters of Erietown: A Novel Cover

Connie Schultz

The Daughters of Erietown

A Novel

Connie Schultz's first novel was mentioned and it was released on June 9th, during the time of the recording.

"

Her first novel, The Daughters of Erie Town is out June 9th.

— Episode: “Fired up and ready to Zoom.”

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: “Fired up and ready to Zoom.”

Connie Schultz's first novel was mentioned and it was released on June 9th, during the time of the recording.

"

Her first novel, The Daughters of Erie Town is out June 9th.

Network Propaganda: Manipulation, Disinformation, and Radicalization in American Politics Cover

Yochai Benkler

Network Propaganda

Manipulation, Disinformation, and Radicalization in American Politics

It was discussed as a book that analyzed the disinformation and propaganda events of the 2016 election cycle, including the role of conservative media.

"

Yochai Bankler and another authors wrote this book called Network Propaganda, and it came out in 2018. I think it's still as relevant now as it was then, in which they kind of do this...

— Episode: “Trump’s imaginary enemy.”

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: “Trump’s imaginary enemy.”

It was discussed as a book that analyzed the disinformation and propaganda events of the 2016 election cycle, including the role of conservative media.

"

Yochai Bankler and another authors wrote this book called Network Propaganda, and it came out in 2018. I think it's still as relevant now as it was then, in which they kind of do this multi factor analysis of all the things that happen in the 2016 cycle with regards to disinformation.

Troll Nation: How The Right Became Trump-Worshipping Monsters Set On Rat-F*cking Liberals, America, and Truth Itself Cover

Amanda Marcotte

Troll Nation

How The Right Became Trump-Worshipping Monsters Set On Rat-F*cking Liberals, America, and Truth Itself

The book was mentioned as a work by the podcast guest, Amanda Marcotte, during the interview segment of the podcast. It's a political commentary with a rather provocative title that was highlighted by the host.

"

I am now joined by Amanda Marcotte, a politics writer for Salon and the author of Troll Nation, How the Right Became Trump Worshipping Monsters Set on Ratfucking Liberals, America and...

— Episode: “Trump’s Grand Opening.”

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: “Trump’s Grand Opening.”

The book was mentioned as a work by the podcast guest, Amanda Marcotte, during the interview segment of the podcast. It's a political commentary with a rather provocative title that was highlighted by the host.

"

I am now joined by Amanda Marcotte, a politics writer for Salon and the author of Troll Nation, How the Right Became Trump Worshipping Monsters Set on Ratfucking Liberals, America and the Truth Itself.

But thank you. Thank you. Thanks, Amanda, for joining us today. And I'll talk to you guys soon.

Troll Nation, How the Right Became Trump Worshipping Monsters Set on Ratfucking Liberals America and Truth Itself.

Untamed: The Wildest Woman in America and the Fight for Cumberland Island Cover

Will Harlan

Untamed

The Wildest Woman in America and the Fight for Cumberland Island

Dan Pfeiffer expressed gratitude for the support received for his book and announced an upcoming book event in New York City, moderated by Alyssa Mastromonaco.

"

I do. First, I want to just thank everyone. Last week, I put out a pretty plaintive appeal for people to buy the book because I feel really passionate about it and people very generously did.

— Episode: “Get it together.”

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: “Get it together.”

Dan Pfeiffer expressed gratitude for the support received for his book and announced an upcoming book event in New York City, moderated by Alyssa Mastromonaco.

"

I do. First, I want to just thank everyone. Last week, I put out a pretty plaintive appeal for people to buy the book because I feel really passionate about it and people very generously did.

I hope people continue to do so because we have less than two weeks to go.

We also have an important announcement, which is my first book event is on February 19th in New York City at the 92nd Street Y.

We finally have a moderator and we have the best possible moderator that anyone could ask for, Alyssa Mastromonaco.

You can get information on how to get tickets at untrummingamerica.com.

Prisoner of Tehran: A Memoir Cover

Marina Nemat

Prisoner of Tehran

A Memoir

It was mentioned briefly in the context of Jason Rezaian, a former Washington Post journalist, discussing whether he wanted to be defined by his imprisonment in Iran. The comment was made jokingly, with no further details provided.

"

He wrote a book about it. I'm just kidding. You wrote a book about it.

— Episode: “Bernie is my friend.” (Debate recap spe...

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: “Bernie is my friend.” (Debate recap special!)

It was mentioned briefly in the context of Jason Rezaian, a former Washington Post journalist, discussing whether he wanted to be defined by his imprisonment in Iran. The comment was made jokingly, with no further details provided.

"

He wrote a book about it. I'm just kidding. You wrote a book about it.

Kids on Trump: America's Children on President Trump Cover

Marie Korman

Kids on Trump

America's Children on President Trump

Dan Pfeiffer's book, 'On Trump and America', was mentioned as containing a chapter on the structural bias of the US Senate towards white conservatives, and its negative effects on the political system.

"

I wrote an entire chapter in my book on this because I think it is one of what is that book called again? It's called on Trump in America.

— Episode: “Holiday mailbag!”

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: “Holiday mailbag!”

Dan Pfeiffer's book, 'On Trump and America', was mentioned as containing a chapter on the structural bias of the US Senate towards white conservatives, and its negative effects on the political system.

"

I wrote an entire chapter in my book on this because I think it is one of what is that book called again? It's called on Trump in America.

Everyone on Trump in America by Dan Pfeiffer. Go on.

Go on Amazon and wherever you get your books.

Primary Politics: Everything You Need to Know about How America Nominates Its Presidential Candidates Cover

Elaine C. Kamarck

Primary Politics

Everything You Need to Know about How America Nominates Its Presidential Candidates

It was mentioned as a book that covers the American presidential nomination process, providing essential information on how America selects its candidates.

"

And she wrote a book called Primary Politics, Everything You Need to Know About How America Nominates Its Presidential Candidates.

— Episode: Iowa Episode 4: The final sprint

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Iowa Episode 4: The final sprint

It was mentioned as a book that covers the American presidential nomination process, providing essential information on how America selects its candidates.

"

And she wrote a book called Primary Politics, Everything You Need to Know About How America Nominates Its Presidential Candidates.

Let the Children March Cover

Monica Clark-Robinson

Let the Children March

It was mentioned in the context of the Civil Rights movement and the fight against segregation in Birmingham, illustrating a powerful example of how activism and unified coalitions can achieve change.

"

It's called the children's miracle when kids were marching in front of Bull Connor's dogs and fire hoses.

— Episode: “A global laughingstock.”

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: “A global laughingstock.”

It was mentioned in the context of the Civil Rights movement and the fight against segregation in Birmingham, illustrating a powerful example of how activism and unified coalitions can achieve change.

"

It's called the children's miracle when kids were marching in front of Bull Connor's dogs and fire hoses.

Desk 88: Eight Progressive Senators Who Changed America Cover

Sherrod Brown

Desk 88

Eight Progressive Senators Who Changed America

It was described as a book about hope, focusing on the power of government to improve people's lives and highlighting progressive senators who achieved significant victories, particularly when focusing on social movements.

"

I am now joined by the senior senator from Ohio and author of the new book, Desk 88, Eight Progressive Senators Who Changed America.

— Episode: “He loves your ass.”

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: “He loves your ass.”

It was described as a book about hope, focusing on the power of government to improve people's lives and highlighting progressive senators who achieved significant victories, particularly when focusing on social movements.

"

I am now joined by the senior senator from Ohio and author of the new book, Desk 88, Eight Progressive Senators Who Changed America.

It's mostly about hope in the sense that I took my first when I first was when senators were looking at the freshman senators were looking where they were going to sit on the Senate floor.

It's a book about the power of government to make people's lives better.

Progressives don't we don't win often. But when we win, we win really big. You know, we win big.

The book is Desk 88, Eight Progressive Senators Who Changed America. It is fantastic. I've read it. I really love it.

The Case to Impeach and Imprison Joe Biden Cover

Mike McCormick

The Case to Impeach and Imprison Joe Biden

It was discussed as a new book about the case against Donald Trump, and the author, a former Acting Solicitor General, joined the podcast.

"

On the pod today, the former acting solicitor general of the United States and the co-author of the upcoming book Impeach, The Case Against Donald Trump. Neil Katyal.

— Episode: “Welcome to the Schiff-show.”

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: “Welcome to the Schiff-show.”

It was discussed as a new book about the case against Donald Trump, and the author, a former Acting Solicitor General, joined the podcast.

"

On the pod today, the former acting solicitor general of the United States and the co-author of the upcoming book Impeach, The Case Against Donald Trump. Neil Katyal.

Everyone go check out the book Impeach the Case Against Donald Trump.

The Survivors (Books 1-12) Cover

Nathan Hystad

The Survivors (Books 1-12)

It was described as a true story about Adam's family that reads like a novel, a very compelling and exciting read. It was said to be a fantastic book by the speaker.

"

Our good friend Adam Frankel, who is the very first speechwriter I hired on the Obama campaign way back when, has written a book called 'The Survivors', A Story of War, Inheritance and Healing.

— Episode: "Real World/Road Rules Challenge: Impeac...

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: "Real World/Road Rules Challenge: Impeachment Infe...

It was described as a true story about Adam's family that reads like a novel, a very compelling and exciting read. It was said to be a fantastic book by the speaker.

"

Our good friend Adam Frankel, who is the very first speechwriter I hired on the Obama campaign way back when, has written a book called 'The Survivors', A Story of War, Inheritance and Healing.

This is a true story about Adam's family that reads like a novel, a very compelling, exciting novel.

Adam is a fantastic storyteller and writer.

So go take a look. It is out today. It is a fantastic book.

Toughlove Cover

Phyllis York

Toughlove

Susan Rice's book, 'Tough Love', was discussed, specifically the chapters detailing the Benghazi attacks and the subsequent right-wing conspiracy theories targeting her.

"

everyone who's listening is gonna buy it

— Episode: “Pierre Delecto, Welcome to the Resistan...

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: “Pierre Delecto, Welcome to the Resistance.”

Susan Rice's book, 'Tough Love', was discussed, specifically the chapters detailing the Benghazi attacks and the subsequent right-wing conspiracy theories targeting her.

"

everyone who's listening is gonna buy it

it was hard it was hard to read those chapters

hashtag Benghazi is a parable about the madness that we're now seeing all day every day from the Trump administration

Lindsey Graham isn't just a piece of shit now he's been a piece of shit

it's a great book

Schoolhouse Burning: Public Education and the Assault on American Democracy Cover

Derek W. Black

Schoolhouse Burning

Public Education and the Assault on American Democracy

It was mentioned in the context of discussing new evidence corroborating sexual assault claims against Brett Kavanaugh, based on reporting from the New York Times and the book.

"

Two New York Times reporters, Robin Pogerman and Kate Kelly, published a piece based on their new book about Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in which they share new evidence that corroborates cl...

— Episode: “Fair Fight 2020!”

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: “Fair Fight 2020!”

It was mentioned in the context of discussing new evidence corroborating sexual assault claims against Brett Kavanaugh, based on reporting from the New York Times and the book.

"

Two New York Times reporters, Robin Pogerman and Kate Kelly, published a piece based on their new book about Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in which they share new evidence that corroborates claims made by Deborah Ramirez, a former Yale classmate of Kavanaugh's, who told The New Yorker last year that Kavanaugh thrust his penis into her face at a party when they were in school together.

The Other Side of Freedom Cover

Cynthia T. Toney

The Other Side of Freedom

DeRay McKesson's book was mentioned as a good read, and was promoted during the podcast.

"

He's got a great book out that you should check out called The Other Side of Freedom, The Case for Hope.

— Episode: “Charm city offensive.”

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: “Charm city offensive.”

DeRay McKesson's book was mentioned as a good read, and was promoted during the podcast.

"

He's got a great book out that you should check out called The Other Side of Freedom, The Case for Hope.

The Debt : What America Owes to Blacks Cover

Randall Robinson

The Debt

What America Owes to Blacks

It was mentioned by Harry Reid as a book he read by Elizabeth Warren that impressed him, dealing with the topic of poor people and the financial crisis.

"

I'd read one of her books dealing with poor people I was impressed with her being a Harvard professor and I knew about her background and so I called her my office she brought her daughter I put her o...

— Episode: “'Tis the season for virtual treason.”

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: “'Tis the season for virtual treason.”

It was mentioned by Harry Reid as a book he read by Elizabeth Warren that impressed him, dealing with the topic of poor people and the financial crisis.

"

I'd read one of her books dealing with poor people I was impressed with her being a Harvard professor and I knew about her background and so I called her my office she brought her daughter I put her on The Debt commission and she was a star.

Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.