The Ezra Klein Show

Mickey traced the decline of Jim Crowera politics in North Carolina, showing how the state moved from a segregationist stronghold to a more competitive political landscape before recent gerrymandering setbacks. He highlighted the historical arc of democratic backsliding and resurgence.

Mitchener explored Medicaid administration across states, linking class and racial inequality to democratic outcomes. She argued that state-level health policy shapes broader democratic participation and accountability.

Charnas chronicled the life and legacy of hiphop producer JDilla, detailing his influence on music and his untimely death, while celebrating his artistic contributions.

Ezra Klein noted that Michael Brennan Doherty is the author of My Father Left Me Ireland, highlighting his role as a writer.

The host praised The German War as a haunting, frightening history of World WarII told from ordinary German perspectives, calling it more effective than many essays on dictatorship and genocide.

The host recommended The Face of God as a profound collection of essays that guide secular readers through thinking about God without turning into conventional apologetics.

Leah Garcs was introduced as the author of Grilled, which she wrote to turn adversaries into allies to change the chicken industry.

The book was cited as an interesting source that explains how economies of scale have driven meat prices down.

It was recommended as a book about the Smithfield case in North Carolina.

The book was praised for its modern edition with new introductions that explain why factory farming remains a problem, noting its influence on Peter Singer and the Five Freedoms.

Wolf's second book was mentioned as a companion to her first, emphasizing its focus on the reading brain in a digital world, and it was referenced directly by the host at the end of the interview.

Dunn's collection was named as a third, more difficult recommendation, noted for its theological focus.

The novel was praised as a fun and surprisingly cheerful climatechange story set in a future New York City.

Solnit's recent work Orwell's Roses, about George Orwell's relationship with the natural world, was described as beautiful.

Berry's new shortstory collection How It Went, tracing his Port William community, was noted as a brandnew release that came out on election day.

The hosts highlighted the book as a key resource for understanding why the 2020 election resembled 2016, emphasizing its analysis of political calcification and voter stability.

Saunders recommended Luke Mogelson's The Storm Is Here as a tremendous insider look at the events leading up to January6.

Saunders praised Jonathan Dee's novel Sugar Street, calling it a wonderful novel that jolted him after a long time without a compelling read.

Saunders highlighted Julie Buntin's Marlena as a detailed, strangely joyful look at workingclass America and addiction.

DeLong highlighted Soll's book as a thorough exploration of the idea of the free market from antiquity to modern thinkers, calling it an excellent work he wished he'd had while writing.