9 Nonfiction Books About Issues That Plague America

Keeping up with the news can be difficult, and even depressing at times. But if you live in a democracy, it's important for you to stay on top of the issues so that you know who and what to vote for on election day. So if you're an American citizen, or just have an interest in US affairs, the nine books on this list can help you dive deep into important problems, like the opioid epidemic and institutional racism. When you click links from this website, we may receive advertising revenue to support our research. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.

9 Nonfiction Books About Issues That Plague America

Title Author Subject More by the Author
1. Dreamland Sam Quinones The opioid epidemic True Tales from Another Mexico
2. Hidden America Jeanne Marie Laskas Working class struggles Concussion
3. Locking Up Our Own James Forman Jr. Racial profiling & criminal justice
4. Another Day in the Death of America Gary Younge Gun violence The Speech
5. Asking for It Kate Harding Rape culture Nasty Women
6. Nomadland Jessica Bruder The aftermath of the Great Recession Burning Book
7. Tears We Cannot Stop Michael Eric Dyson Racism What Truth Sounds Like
8. American Girls Nancy Jo Sales Teenagers and social media Sex and the Single Mom
9. Trumpocracy David Frum The Trump administration The Right Man

5 Ways to Get the News

Articles your friends share on social media aren't always reliable, so it's important to go to trusted sources that will actually give you the facts. Here are a few that can help you stay informed:

  1. NPR: Radio programs, podcasts, and online articles
  2. The New York Times: Print & online journalism
  3. BBC: Good source for international news
  4. The Wall Street Journal: Breaking news and economic coverage
  5. Associated Press: Investigative reporting and trusted facts

Rising Poverty in the American Suburbs

In Depth

The United States has a proud population and a strong economy, but it's no secret that the country has faced a number of issues over the years. From partisan gridlock to police brutality, there are plenty of things that need to be addressed, and it's important for voters to stay informed about these problems, so they can elect representatives who will face them head on. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of nine nonfiction books about issues that plague America. Take note that this list is done in no particular order.

First up, at #1, we have "Dreamland" by Sam Quinones. This book is mainly about the sudden surge of opiates in rural America and how it has affected communities around the country. More specifically, it looks into the unfettered distribution of addictive painkillers in Portsmouth, Ohio. It also covers the story of how drug dealers capitalized on the influx of addicts by selling cheap black tar heroin all across the United States.

Next, at #2, is "Hidden America" by Jeanne Marie Laskas. This book shines a spotlight on the blue collar workers of America, who are largely taken for granted by the general populace. It features several stories about the daily lives of the working class, and aims to help readers appreciate the laborers who keep the country running on a day-to-day basis.

This book shines a spotlight on the blue collar workers of America, who are largely taken for granted by the general populace.

Next, at #3, is "Locking Up Our Own" by James Forman Jr. It delves into the issue of mass incarceration in the United States and how it has disproportionately affected people of color. The author looks at how, over the years, people with good intentions have fought for harsher punishment for criminals, which led to unintended consequences that hurt the very communities they sought to protect.

Next up, at #4, we have "Another Day in the Death of America" by Gary Younge. Gun control is one of the most controversial topics in the US, and this book talks about firearm-related violence in the country. It focuses on the stories of ten different children and teenagers who were all fatally shot on the same day in completely unrelated incidences.

At #5 is "Asking for It." Written by Kate Harding, it explores the sensitive topic of rape culture in the US. It takes a close look at how the legal system generally favors the accused over the victim, and how the burden of proof is heavy on the latter. The author also offers some suggestions on how to fix this problem while keeping things fair for all parties.

It takes a close look at how the legal system generally favors the accused over the victim, and how the burden of proof is heavy on the latter.

Next, at #6, is "Nomadland" by Jessica Bruder. It follows the author as she tags along with a group of nomads, mostly senior citizens, who travel around the country and make a living by working minimum wage seasonal jobs. It shows readers some of the harsh effects of the 2008 financial crisis and the Great Recession that can still be felt today.

At #7 is "Tears We Cannot Stop" by Michael Eric Dyson. It deals with the issue of racial inequality in the US. More specifically, it talks about how people have to acknowledge the past and present grievances of the African American community in order to bring about meaningful change. In the book, Dyson explains what it's like to be a black person in America and how institutional racism is still an enormous problem today.

Next up, at #8, we have "American Girls" by Nancy Jo Sales. It explores the effects of social media and the internet in general on the impressionable youth of the country. By interviewing a couple hundred girls around the states, Sales presents eye-opening stories of how teenagers' perceptions of what is and isn't acceptable behavior are shaped by internet culture.

It explores the effects of social media and the internet in general on the impressionable youth of the country.

Finally, at #9, we have "Trumpocracy." Written by former White House speechwriter David Frum, it takes a closer look at Donald Trump's rise to power. The book describes how the current administration affects the people of America and how partisanship influences the political climate.