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Let’s face it: you definitely will want some distractions as a survival tactic in the Trump 2.0 presidency. In my last year of flying weekly to and from Congress, I vowed to read more—and scroll through social media less. And now as we wrap up 2024, I am proud that I beat my goal of reading 52 books, an average of one a week.
Reading should be a judgment-free activity; we all read for different reasons. Because I read two newspapers each day and wade through staff briefs, witness testimony, and legislation, my personal reading is all fiction. I won’t apologize; fiction, even so-called chick lit, can help us empathize with others, see new perspectives, and become better storytellers. These are three critical skills for candidates and elected leaders. You cannot win tough elections (or survive bad ones!) without these tools.
Below are a few books that I enjoyed, with my own personal categories, to help you pick a next read. And you can check out the graphic above to see some other titles I enjoyed. I hope you enjoy this list, and please send me your own book recommendations.
My family is not as dysfunctional as yours: The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz
I read The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz and liked it well enough to try another book by her. The Latecomer describes a complex family, with characters that are imperfect yet empathetic. We don’t all get to our destination at the same time, a message that a striver like me needs to hear.
Being a 50-year old woman *is* that Hard: How Hard Can It Be by Allison Pearson
Funny and real, this book is pitch perfect on its descriptions of the ways in which family and work both overwhelm and reward mothers. I picked this one up at my library used book sale. I handed it off to another 50-year old working mom who probably will struggle to find time to read it.
We’ll find our way through hard shit together: The Guncle by Steven Rowley
This book won the Thurber prize for American humor, and indeed, it made me laugh. The poignancy and resilience of the characters resonated, however, long after I forgot the funny moments.
Wildly creative and I’m still puzzling: The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
This debut novel is bursting with imagination— somehow the book is a romance-science fiction-history-thriller. I’m still noodling on the ethics of its premise, having been prompted to read more on the history of Arctic exploration after finishing the book. This book is flawed and brilliant, a paradox that is perfectly apt for its plot.
How did I miss this great book: Honor by Thrity Umrigar
Ethnic and religious nationalism may be growing problems in many parts of the world, but they are not new. This book looks at present and past divisions in India, showing how the dehumanization of others spreads, infecting some and hurting others.
Read RomComs for Joy: The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
My fellow Congressperson, Lizzie Fletcher, is the sister of one of my favorite authors, Katherine Center. Katherine’s motto is Read for Joy. This book features an audacious, hilarious protagonist— a romance novelist who realizes she has fizzled out in her own romantic life.
Weird but I laughed: Death Valley by Melissa Broder
This book won’t be for everyone, but its depiction of struggles—both real and self-imposed—has stayed with me. Set in California, the writer spends a harrowing weekend in the desert confronting her personal and professional insecurities. (And listening to rocks explain the wisdom of the world!)
My top recommendation: The Real Americans by Rachel Khong
Limiting myself to books released in 2024, my top recommendation is The Real Americans. The three generational perspectives that reveal the story are equally skillful, a testament to the author’s ability to voice the experiences and perspectives of others.
Bonus: Book I most want to read in 2025: All Fours by Miranda July
As I build my life after Congress, I have made time to reconnect with friends. They’ve all recommended this novel, and I’ll spend New Years Day curled up with my Burmese kitten and Basset Hound puppy reading this gem.
Happy reading!
Katie Porter
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