Best Books (mostly) on politics and business

by Brody Mullins
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7 books
I am a bit of a nerd when it comes to reading. In high school and college I got addicted to books on presidential campaigns, like Theodore White's Making of the President 1960 (and so on). I also loved presidential biographies. These days I tend to consume books about how businesses operate, the legal industry and -- on occasion -- a deep dive on a small-town double murder that became big-time national news... I like to read books that teach me something new about politics, business, government or how the world works.  I hope you enjoy some of these selections.
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The Wolves of K Street

The Secret History of How Big Money Took Over Big Government
Brody Mullins, Luke Mullins, 2024
Two veteran investigative journalists (including me!) trace the rise of the modern lobbying industry through the three dynasties—one Republican, two Democratic—that have enabled corporate interests to infiltrate American politics and undermine democracy.

What It Takes

The Way to the White House
Richard Ben Cramer, 2011
This is the best book of all time about presidential elections. (Maybe a tie with Teddy White’s “The Making of The President: 1960.”) An absolute blockbuster, thoroughly reported and beautifully written. It introduces the reader to the group of Republican and Democratic candidates in the 1988 presidential election – complete with all of their flaws and foibles. If you love politics – you will LOVE this book.

Lost Son

An American Family Trapped Inside the FBI's Secret Wars
Brett Forrest, 2023
An amazing story about an American boy who goes lost on Russia during the war with Ukraine. A fascinating and heart-pounding read that you will not be able to put down. And you won’t believe the ending.

Elon Musk

Walter Isaacson, 2023
This is the single best and most thorough book ever written about Elon Musk. Starting with his upbringing and follow all the trial and tribulations of his career (and marriages), this book takes readers inside the head of the one of the world’s most successful and fascinating businessmen.

Tired of Winning

Donald Trump and the End of the Grand Old Party
Jonathan Karl, 2023
Jonathan Karl’s amazing book about how Donald Trump’s rise has destroyed the traditional Republican Party.

Servants of the Damned

Giant Law Firms, Donald Trump, and the Corruption of Justice
David Enrich, 2022
Enrich explains the rise of the modern corporate law firms through a deeply reported (and sometimes scary) tale of the rise of one powerful firm: Jones Day, the law firm that handles much of the legal work for Donald Trump.

The Devil at His Elbow

Alex Murdaugh and the Fall of a Southern Dynasty
Valerie Bauerlein, 2024
This was my favorite book of the summer by far. A gripping tale of the South Carolina double murders that captured the nation’s attention – but also a tale of how one family’s power and wealth dominated a small southern town for a century. Impossible to believe that family’s like this still exist in America today.