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In celebration of inauguration day, we’ve compiled a diverse list of books to read if you want to discover more about the team that’s headed for the White House. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris take center stage in these books as they take center stage on Capitol Hill this morning. From touching memoirs to in-depth but entirely accessible biographies, inspiring children’s books, and even a thriller series in which Biden becomes an action hero (with his best bud Barack!), whichever you choose will be timely, edifying and entertaining.

Today is definitely a historic day, and we expect you’ll all be leaning into reflection on the past, present and future of American politics; but nothing goes better with history than literature, so bring one of these books along for the ride.

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Promise Me, Dad
By Joe Biden

This deeply personal book is a memoir that chronicles the last year of Biden’s term as Vice President to Barack Obama. Biden copes with the unimaginable loss of his eldest son, Beau Biden, to a malignant brain tumor and makes the decision to not seek the Democratic nomination for president in 2016. (Read our review here.)

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The Truths We Hold
By Kamala Harris

In 2019, well before she knew she would become Biden’s running mate, Kamala Harris penned a stirring book that discusses and analyzes the nature of truth. She shares her own quest to determine what truths lie at the center of our government and our lives, and how best to approach the study of them. The subsequent puzzle piece is the implementation of that knowledge into the everyday, both within the individual and political spheres.

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Hope Never Dies and Hope Rides Again
By Andrew Shaffer

Andrew Shaffer’s highly inventive, laugh-out-loud fictional takes on Mr. Biden are action-packed mystery-thriller extraordinaires. Barack Obama also stars, as he and the then-VP do some dangerous detective work together. Does this series sound a little ridiculous? If so, you’re correct, and it wears that crown with pride. If you’re looking for a lighthearted take on politics, these will do the trick. (Read our reviews of Hope Never Dies and Hope Rides Again.)

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Bookshop

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Joe Biden: The Life, the Run, and What Matters Now
By Evan Osnos

A skilled editor at The New Yorker writes a comprehensive guide to Mr. Biden, from his past in politics to his direction going forward as President of the United States. Mr. Osnos has a wealth of knowledge and experience, as well as a sharp prose style, which draws the reader in while detailing the critical facts. It’s a non-intimidating and highly readable resource for anyone looking to brush up on Biden’s lengthy career and have a better context for the events to come over the next four years.

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Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea
By Meena Harris

This book is another lighter pick, but still has a great deal of meaning and empowerment. Author Meena Harris has quite the family tree; her grandmother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a cancer researcher and civil rights activist; her mother, Maya Harris, is a lawyer and policy expert; and her aunt, Kamala Harris, needs no introduction. This children’s book is based on a true story from the author’s childhood with these family members, and encourages big ideas and self-confidence in young girls.

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Promises to Keep: On Life and Politics
By Joe Biden

Here we have Joe Biden’s other, earlier memoir, published in 2007 and a New York Times bestseller, still entirely relevant today. In it, Biden writes “I remain captivated by the possibilities of politics and public service. In fact, I believe that my chosen profession is a noble calling,” a declaration that today comes to full fruition; he certainly managed to keep his promise to himself.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Bookshop

Genre: Potpourri
BookTrib

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