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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!

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.

I first sent this email to my Substack list. I use Substack to send longer
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Happy reading!
Katie Porter

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