by Ben Fountain
First published 2018
Ben Fountain chronicles the turbulent 2016 political season from Iowa's early caucuses through the national conventions to the aftermath of election night. The New York Times bestselling author argues that America confronts its third existential crisis, comparable to the Civil War and Great Depression. Previous crises forced national reinvention. The slavery conflict led to civil war. Economic collapse brought Roosevelt's New Deal and social democracy. Now another transformation may be required. Fountain examines how historical forces shaped the present moment. He traces the erosion of the American Dream, Nixon's southern strategy, weaponized exceptionalism, and celebrity culture that enabled Trump's rise. Through reportage and historical analysis, Fountain connects past watershed moments to current political upheaval. The book offers readers a critical examination of how America reached this crossroads and considers potential paths forward.
Genres: american, political-science, non-fiction, 21st-century, current-affairs, american-history
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: critical-examination, historical-analysis
Setting: America, Iowa
Period: 2016
445 pages · Kindle Edition · Ecco