Books We Loved in 2023

Some dirty, some moderate, all stellar

As we come to the close of another turbulent, bonkers, whirlwind year, our political landscape yet again leaves us with more questions than answers. 

As we enter 2024, which will be American democracy’s ultimate stress test, I offer up my favorite political reads of the year by authors who represent the best of the front line fight against the twin threats of illiberalism and autocracy. More doorstops than stocking stuffers, these books nonetheless make wonderful gifts and necessary reminders about what is at stake next year. 

Thank you from all of us at Dirty Moderate for your loyalty and unending support. We wish you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season!

This list is in no particular order:

1. The Conspiracy to End America: Five Ways My Old Party is Driving Our Democracy to Autocracy by Stuart Stevens

2. Left is Not Woke by Susan Neiman

3. Renegade: Defending Democracy and Liberty in Our Divided Country by Adam Kinzinger 

4. Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning by Liz Cheney

5. An Ordinary Man: The Surprising Life and Historic Presidency of Gerald R. Ford by Richard Norton Smith

6. The Identity Trap: A Story of Ideas and Power in Our Time by Yascha Mounk

7. Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America by Steve Inskeep

8. Road to Surrender: Three Men and the Countdown to the End of World War II by Evan Thomas

9. Birchers: How the John Birch Society Radicalized the American Right by Matthew Dallek

10. Why Not Moderation: Letters to Young Radicals by Aurelian Craiutu