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Jonathan Cohn

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Jonathan Cohn is an American author and journalist who writes mainly on United States public policy and political issues. Formerly the executive editor of The American Prospect and a senior editor at The New Republic, Cohn is now a senior national correspondent at The Huffington Post.
14 books on the list
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Lady Justice book cover
Lady Justice
Women, the Law, and the Battle to Save America
Dahlia Lithwick - 2022-09-20
Goodreads Rating
Discover the heroic story of women lawyers who fought and won against the racism, sexism, and xenophobia of Donald Trump's presidency in Lady Justice. Dahlia Lithwick, Slate Senior Editor, tells thrilling tales of women like Sally Yates, Becca Heller, Roberta Kaplan, and Stacy Abrams who marched, ran for office, sued neo-Nazis, protected voting rights, and opposed the Muslim travel ban. With unparalleled access to her subjects, Lithwick writes a luminous book about the heroes of the Trump years, a celebration of tireless efforts, legal ingenuity, and indefatigable spirit. Lady Justice is a must-read for all optimistic and hopeful Americans.
Jonathan Cohn
2022-09-21T01:20:44.000Z
Next: Lady Justice by @Dahlialithwick Gonna be honest here: I’d buy anything Dahlia wrote about law and the courts. In awe of her ability to write about such complex subjects with such clarity and wit — and humanity. And the book sounds great 2/x      source
Jesus and John Wayne book cover
Jesus and John Wayne
How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation
Kristin Kobes Du Mez - 2020-06-23
Goodreads Rating
Explore the relationship between white evangelicalism and Donald Trump in Jesus and John Wayne. Historian Kristin Kobes Du Mez reveals how culture and popular media have shaped the beliefs of millions of evangelical Americans, replacing Jesus of the Gospels with a mythical warrior idol of rugged masculinity and Christian nationalism. From Ronald Reagan to John Wayne, these muscular heroes have instilled patriarchal, authoritarian, and aggressive values within white evangelicalism that have become deeply rooted within the community. This thought-provoking book challenges the assumption that evangelicals supported Trump purely for pragmatic reasons, instead showing how his values align with their own, and how it will have an enduring impact on the nation long after he's gone.
Jonathan Cohn
2022-07-10T12:34:38.000Z
TIL John Wayne never served in the military. Just assumed he had. Learned it from one of my vacation books, Jesus and John Wayne by @kkdumez. Skimmed for a recent article but reading carefully now. Super interesting — and timely.      source
Recommended by
Katharine Hayhoe
Burning Down the House book cover
Burning Down the House
Newt Gingrich, the Fall of a Speaker, and the Rise of the New Republican Party
Julian E. Zelizer - 2020-04-28
Goodreads Rating
Discover how the rhetoric and tactics of Newt Gingrich and his allies launched an era of brutal partisan politics that still haunts America today. In Burning Down the House, author Julian Zelizer traces the story of how Gingrich's calculated campaign of attacks against his political opponents set the stage for decades of ruthless Republican tactics. From weaponizing good government reforms to plotting the destruction of the political career of Speaker Wright, Gingrich introduced the methods that shaped modern Congress and the Republican Party. His legacy extended beyond his own tenure in office, creating a new normal in Washington that is still felt today.
Jonathan Cohn
2022-05-26T22:15:38.000Z
@grudging1 @HaroldMeyerson @TheProspect Or -- as the article notes -- that it coincides with Gingrich's rise to power in the House Relatedly, this is a really good book      source
Recommended by
Jason Stanley
Crawling Behind book cover
Crawling Behind
America’s Child Care Crisis and How to Fix It
Elliot Haspel - 2019-11-12
Goodreads Rating
"Breaking the Cost Barrier: Providing Affordable Childcare for America's Middle Class. This book exposes the heartbreaking reality of hard-working parents struggling to afford high-quality childcare. The middle class is hit hard, and the next generation suffers as a result. The author proposes a bold solution: free childcare. Don't miss out on this important call for change in America's policies."
Jonathan Cohn
2021-10-14T03:01:36.000Z
More on @ehaspel — and his book, which I recommend — here      source
Empire of Pain book cover
Empire of Pain
The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty
Patrick Radden Keefe - 2021-04-13
Goodreads Rating
Explore the scandalous history of the wealthy and powerful Sackler family, known for their philanthropic contributions to prestigious institutions worldwide. Uncover the truth behind their fortune, as author Patrick Radden Keefe reveals their controversial role as the creators of OxyContin, a painkiller which played a major role in the opioid crisis. With compelling storytelling and extensive research, Empire of Pain is a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of this complex family dynasty.
Jonathan Cohn
2021-06-29T13:38:48.000Z
@ryan_levi @praddenkeefe @DusetzinaS Thank you! (And agree on Empire of Pain. Such a great book.)      source
The Very Hungry Caterpillar book cover
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Eric Carle - 1994-01-01 (first published in 1969)
Goodreads Rating
Follow the transformation of a hungry caterpillar as he munches his way through apples, plums, and more in this beloved classic children's book. From his tiny egg to his stunning transformation into a butterfly, experience the wonder of nature with stunning illustrations and a delightful story that has been passed down from generation to generation. Perfect for sharing with the little ones in your life, this audiobook will both delight and educate even the youngest listener.
Jonathan Cohn
2021-05-27T13:11:33.000Z
We read The Very Hungry Caterpillar to our kids more times than I can remember. That book is a treasure. RIP Eric Carle      source
The $800 Million Pill book cover
The $800 Million Pill
The Truth Behind the Cost of New Drugs
Merrill Goozner - 2005-10-10 (first published in 2004)
Goodreads Rating
This exposé sheds light on why life-saving prescription drugs are so expensive. Merrill Goozner argues that American taxpayers are actually funding drug research twice, once through government funding and again through high drug prices. Goozner shows that most of the important new drugs are developed through taxpayer-funded research, but pharmaceutical companies profit from the work. He highlights dedicated scientists who drive medical breakthroughs, and suggests ways the government could expand its role in testing new medicines to eliminate private sector waste. This book is a must-read for all concerned with drug pricing, healthcare, and the role of pharmaceutical companies.
Jonathan Cohn
2021-04-29T13:23:09.000Z
Also @_GoozNews wrote one of the best books I’ve read on the pharma industry. He knows what he is talking about.      source
Economic Dignity book cover
Economic Dignity
Gene Sperling - 2020-04-28
Goodreads Rating
Discover a new vision for America's economic future in "Economic Dignity" by Gene Sperling. As a former director of the National Economic Council, Sperling explores the importance of promoting economic dignity as the ultimate end goal for our country's economic policy. With a focus on three pillars - caring for family, pursuing potential and purpose, and economic participation with respect - Sperling presents a roadmap for policymakers and citizens to follow towards a more fulfilling and equitable economic future. Join Sperling on a thoughtful and compelling exploration of America's economic challenges and opportunities.
Jonathan Cohn
2021-03-15T14:39:44.000Z
On a more serious note, Sperling's political evolution since the Clinton era tracks that of the Democratic Party more generally. His book, Economic Dignity, is a progressive take on the economy and work that impressed some skeptics on the left. (3)      source
Fighting for Our Health book cover
Fighting for Our Health
The Epic Battle to Make Health Care a Right in the United States (Rockefeller Institute Press)
Richard Kirsch - 2012-02-01
Goodreads Rating
Discover the inspiring story of how grassroots organizers played a crucial role in President Obama's signing of historic health reform legislation. Insider Richard Kirsch takes readers inside the Beltway and across the United States, recounting the fight against powerful opponents like the health insurance industry and the US Chamber of Commerce. This vivid first-person account of the biggest issue campaign in American history is a must-read for anyone interested in the power of grassroots organizing.
Jonathan Cohn
2021-02-23T15:56:15.000Z
@slandersonwdc @aewright @_RichardKirsch Great book, cited in mine! (More than once.)      source
Albion's Seed by David Hackett Fischer
The Teacher Wars by Dana Goldstein
Moo, Baa, La La La! by Boynton
A Bright Shining Lie by Neil Sheehan
But Not the Hippopotamusby Sandra Boynton[Boardbook] by Sandra Boynton