Politics and society have felt like a rollercoaster ride in recent years—unexpected twists, deep-seated inequalities surfacing, and movements redefining power structures. But what if you could step back and see the bigger picture?
Some books do just that, offering razor-sharp insights into how power works, why movements succeed or fail, and what keeps inequality so deeply ingrained in our systems.
If you’re looking for compelling, eye-opening reads, here are the top three books on politics and society published since 2020 that you should absolutely dive into.
(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you sign up for a free Audible trial or make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my work and allows me to keep providing book recommendations. Thank you for your support!)
1. Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
Why You Need to Read It
You know about racism. You know about class struggles. But have you ever considered that America operates under an invisible caste system? That’s the argument Isabel Wilkerson makes in Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, and she delivers it with jaw-dropping clarity.
This isn’t just a book about race—it’s about how societies create rigid hierarchies that define who has power and who doesn’t. Wilkerson compares America’s racial caste system to India’s caste system and Nazi Germany’s racial hierarchy, revealing disturbing similarities.
What Makes It Stand Out?
• Narrative-driven analysis – Wilkerson tells real-life stories that make historical injustices feel personal.
• Deep historical research – From Civil War-era oppression to modern disparities, the book connects the dots like few others.
• Urgency and relevance – If you want to understand the structural forces driving inequality in America today, this is a must-read.
Criticism
Some critics argue that the book doesn’t fully differentiate between caste and race. Others believe that comparing the U.S. to Nazi Germany is an oversimplification. Still, Wilkerson’s thesis remains a powerful lens for understanding systemic oppression.
Final Verdict
If you want to understand why racism persists even when people reject overt prejudice, Caste will change how you see the world. It’s a must-read for anyone serious about social justice and history.
📖 Grab a copy or listen on Audible: Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
2. If We Burn: The Mass Protest Decade and the Missing Revolution by Vincent Bevins
Why You Need to Read It
The 2010s were a decade of mass protests—Occupy Wall Street, the Arab Spring, Black Lives Matter, and beyond. And yet, despite millions taking to the streets, very few of these movements led to lasting change. Why?
That’s the question If We Burn tackles head-on. Vincent Bevins, an experienced journalist, traveled the world to interview protest leaders, activists, and political analysts, searching for answers.
What Makes It Stand Out?
• On-the-ground reporting – Bevins was there, covering revolutions firsthand. His writing brings intensity and rawness to each event.
• Brutal honesty – Instead of romanticizing protests, If We Burn asks why so many mass movements fail—and what that means for the future.
• A global perspective – This isn’t just about the U.S. It connects dots across Brazil, Hong Kong, Egypt, and other hotbeds of unrest.
Criticism
Some readers might find the book pessimistic—it’s not a feel-good activist story. It’s a hard look at why movements collapse. However, if you’re interested in how power really works, this book is essential.
Final Verdict
If you’ve ever wondered why protests don’t always lead to revolutions, If We Burn provides an unsettling but necessary answer.
📖 Get the book or listen on Audible: If We Burn
3. It’s OK to Be Angry About Capitalism by Bernie Sanders
Why You Need to Read It
Love him or hate him, Bernie Sanders has changed the conversation around wealth inequality and corporate power. In It’s OK to Be Angry About Capitalism, he lays out a blistering critique of modern capitalism and how it’s rigged against the average person.
What Makes It Stand Out?
• A political insider’s view – Sanders doesn’t just rant about injustice—he explains how power works inside the U.S. government.
• Calls out corporate greed – The book names names when it comes to billionaires, healthcare corporations, and political corruption.
• A vision for change – Unlike many books that just highlight problems, Sanders outlines what can actually be done to create a fairer system.
Criticism
If you’re already a Sanders supporter, this book won’t shock you—it reinforces what he’s been saying for years. Critics argue that it’s heavy on outrage but light on solutions. However, it’s still a powerful call to action for those frustrated by economic inequality.
Final Verdict
If you want a no-holds-barred takedown of corporate capitalism, this book will fire you up.
📖 Check it out or listen on Audible: It’s OK to Be Angry About Capitalism
Which One Should You Read First?
• Want to understand how systemic inequality works? → Caste
• Curious about why protests fail? → If We Burn
• Looking for a fiery critique of capitalism? → It’s OK to Be Angry About Capitalism
Each of these books offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping our world. If you’re someone who loves politics, history, or activism, these are essential reads.
Which one are you most excited to read? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you sign up for a free Audible trial or make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my work and allows me to keep providing book recommendations. Thank you for your support!)
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