Books most popular in the United States●Public Administration

Release date: 2023-02-21 $13.99

Release date: 2021-11-02 $12.99

Release date: 2019-07-02 $9.99

Release date: 2019-03-06 $6.99

Release date: 2023-03-23 $11.99

Release date: 2021-01-05 $9.99

Release date: 2020-04-21 $11.99

Comments

1. America is not Sparta - The author could concerns himself only with China overwhelming the USA. A civilization must have a balance of many parts to survive. A working republic is messy. In the long term, it outperformed dictatorships. To limit its argument only conventional warfare is frustrating. If bushwhacked, we have always assumed total war. That power, at present day, is unstoppable. The military is gaining newer weapons. Of course, will match us. Go for good walk.
2022-08-15

2. From a military officer - A very sobering read. As a military officer, this book began as vindication for the struggles we face day-to-day. Unnecessary problems and roadblocks that serve as “no” so often that many requests aren’t even asked for. We know it would just be a waste of time. After the thrill of my sense of vindication wore off, the book became very hard to read. I see this book. I feel it every time I go to work. It’s heavy, unpleasant, many times painful. I wonder how future generations will remember us, those who have failed this country. Have all but foundered it. There is a a sliver of hope to right the course, but it would take cooperative action. Mr. Brose finished this book towards the end of Trump’s presidency, and noted the political divide in this country. Does anyone think it has gotten better? This book should be a mandatory read for every student, leader, person of power, but it’s not. I hope that it is well known enough to influence real change, but the realist in me says isn’t. China won’t give us a Pearl Harbor moment. They’re too smart for that. They will continue to erode our society until we are so sick of each other we just hand over the keys. We’ve already given them access to so much, I could laugh about it. If I was Chinese.
2022-05-11

3. Kill Chain - Absolutely mind bending, captivating and thought provoking work until Chapter . Then the writing style changes the too frequent use of words like “indeed”, “Military Internet of Things” and a couple others. The following chapters bury the reader in never ending rancor of the military/industrial etc. complex. One oddity is the use of the term Chinese Communist Party defining China while we are America. If our adversary is defined by its social system shouldn’t we be called “American Capitalist Party”? Sadly, much of this important book devolves in the end to hope.
2020-05-25

Release date: 2017-07-28 $0.99

Release date: 2010-09-07 $17.99

Release date: 2008-02-01 $21.99

Release date: 2021-03-09 $16.99

Release date: 2022-09-05 $16.99

Release date: 2022-02-26 $4.99

Release date: 2021-08-18 $97.99

Release date: 2018-07-10 $11.99

Release date: 2013-11-05 $2.99

Release date: 2021-03-23 $9.99

Release date: 2020-09-15 $5.99

Release date: 2014-09-02 $14.99

Release date: 1996-04-11 $16.99

Release date: 2020-07-21 $17.99

Release date: 2015-03-03 $1.99

Release date: 2020-07-28 $13.99

Release date: 2020-04-21 $15.99

Comments

1. A Bit Tone Deaf - Glosses Over Essential/Related Facts - A lot of bashing of the ACA with no actual direction on how to fix it until the end of the book. An also somewhat trivial understanding of economics and the behavior of people. For example, the author very strongly believes that people should be punished for making poor health choices and should have to bear the brunt of the costs of those choices (reasonable), but then completely glosses over the fact that sugar has been proven to be more addictive than cocaine - and that manufacturers have been lobbied congress, medical associations, and even doctors to rig the system so people consume mountains of sugar. As an economist this is a clear example of the free market failing and a necessary government intervention to protect consumers. Another oversimplification is that the ACA does not exist in the form it was passed - it was hamstrung by republican governors choosing not to implement it and a somewhat silly SCOTUS decision. The book is filled with these oversimplification or glossing over of relevant facts but I’m giving it two stars because there are some strong ideas for improving the healthcare system like eliminating regulations on HSAs and an overall refocusing on personal responsibility on personal health. Many of these ideas are already being explored by Medicaid Part Waivers which I think the author should explore in the future.
2020-05-26

Release date: 2022-03-01 $3.99

Release date: 2016-01-12 $9.99

Release date: 2019-02-27 $11.99

Release date: 2021-09-14 $20.99

Release date: 2020-09-15 $79.99

Release date: 2021-08-03 $38.99

Release date: 2013-11-12 $11.99

Release date: 2019-01-29 $9.99

Release date: 2012-03-27 $13.99

Comments

1. Thorough investigation - She dug deeply to investigate and reveal a dangerous situation that imperils our country, what is left of our democracy, and our world. But she doesn't just tell the bad news; she tells us a way out. A fantastic book, written like she's talking to you, totally readable and interesting.
2016-08-15

2. Rachel Maddow is no Barbara Tuchman! - Her book makes virtually NO mention of the United States' involvement in World War One under Woodrow Wilson, which is actually THE defining event of our extensive intervention in military matters beyond our borders. Maddow's book is lazy, snarky, amateurish and irrelevant. (Yes, I have read it - to the degree I could suffer it.)
2012-12-16

3. Fair and balanced... - ...it really is. Unlike, well...you know. A scholarly, rational, thoroughly readable and relentlessly entertaining book. Her conversational style draws you in and holds your attention. Agree or disagree, this book should be required reading for everyone in government. It will provoke discussion.
2012-05-27

4. Nothing wrong with it - I'm a big fan of the authors commentary and opinions. In large part because she thoroughly researches her information, is well versed on the topics and infuses just the right amount of humor to compliment her superior intellectualism. This volume is certainly no different, however, I found most of the content a bit dry and actually over analyzed. Although there are fascinating sections such as the defense budget numbers, nuclear industry status, and executive branch overreach these are brief. I feel the book lacked a certain cohesiveness and compelling appeal. Worth the read, but hard pressed to recommend it.
2012-05-21

5. America aDrift! - Thank you Ms. Maddow for your research. Unfortunately, the people who need to read this book will not read it. The idiots in the South are too busy bashing your personal life, rather than focusing on what the corporate warlords are doing to them and their livelihood. The fact that all media is owned by just companies in this country is the number reason why we have reached a pathetic state. I'm afraid it's too late to convince the stupid.
2012-05-12

6. Must Read - In "Drift", Ms. Maddow brings her usual wit, humor and formidable intelligence to bear on the state of our military, our government and private contractors and their place in the modern world. If you enjoy her fresh perspectives and intelligent insights nightly on her MSNBC show, this book will most definitely not disappoint. Fair warning: Ms. Maddow, quite rightly, serves up some bitter (albeit necessary) medicine: you will learn more about Ronald Reagan than you ever would have liked to, even if (like me) you're a political junkie and lived through the disaster that was his administration.
2012-05-11

7. Well done - Insightful. Somewhat alarming as you read it. Facts are facts,though. "Drift" points out a cultural shift in Washington that has occurred in the US over the last years. It illustrates one more example of how Congress has been marginalized over the last half century. And this marginalization, along with big donor influence, has forced Congress into partisan fox holes and debates I am sure cause the framers to roll over. Not just defense debates, either.
2012-05-08

8. Great book, but pages missing from this version - Maddow's book offers a sharp analysis of the process by which successive administrations have cut America free from carefully constructed constitutional provisions intended to hamper war-making. She describes how presidents and their advisors, and politically minded congresses, have allowed (encouraged?) the consolidation the USA's potent military power in the hands of the commander in chief, and isolated the public from the process of war by turning the dirty work over to shady contractors. Very good book, written in Rachel's witty and timely voice. But there are several pages missing in this version from itunes, which is a real bummer! I give it five stars because the book is worth reading. I give iTunes no stars for leaving out pages.
2012-05-05

9. A must-read - Drift's main premise is that of the expanded Executive power to "declare war" that has been happening since LBJ. Maddow has researched extensively and gets her facts straight, but the book reads like a novel. It doesn't matter whether your political leanings are left, right or centrist, this book aims spears at all Presidents, taking the time to detail just how America drifted off the course set for us by our Constitution beginning in the latter half of the th century. Read this book, then go vote.
2012-04-29

10. Exceptional - I cannot put into words how essential information like this is to the people of the United States. We have truly lost our way and have become complacent, largely due to cheap food and products from Wal-Mart. Products that are enriching other countries but not our own. Our government is a commodity for the rich to buy and control for their own profits. The privatization of the armed services and secret services are probably the most dangerous and damaging elements of our democracy. Thank you, Rachel, for having the guts to publish such a book. I hope everyone reads it. Dr. Maurice Cayem
2012-04-29

11. A true genius - Maddow's genius, brilliance and wit have the capability to change the world. This book of hers provides the platform to do so. When asked who I would want to meet whether s/he is living or dead, I always say, "Rachel Maddow." She is a one-of-a-kind person and an immense gift to the world.
2012-04-28

12. Myth busting - Maddow does a superb job of revealing how far we have drifted from the dreams of the country's founders: Constituional protections against the imperial presidency have been eroded by those who pretend to be staunch constitutionalists. Ronald Regan's presidency is revealed for what it was. And outsourcing has been used to hide the pain and price of war. If you didn't know how destructive today's republican party has been before you read this book, you will after finishing it. Maddox is a huge talent.
2012-04-23

13. Smart and insightful - I highly recommend this well written, thoughtful book. Maddow's research was evident as you read/listen. She brings up many great points that we shoud be debating. The reviewers who came here just to attack Ms. Maddow without reading the book need to be ignored. This is not an anti-military book. This is about restoring our ideals to what the founders had in mind....which was not perpetual war.
2012-04-22

14. Good book - I don't understand how some or one person thinks that facts and truth are disgraceful? I must have missed the part of the book that wanted the U.S. to bail out the financial system. I thought it was about the power to wage war. I don't think moldybread would just make something like that up.
2012-04-20

15. Drift: The Unmooring of American Military Power - I am a bit disapointed in this book so far. I was expecting this book to start a much needed discussion on how the country, for the most part, has not been in support of the men & women of the military. Rachel Madow puts out plenty of good factoids in the book that any soldier could use in any good academic paper or civilian to open their eyes to the percentages of the population at any time that has served in the military. Also she shows how the country has changed the way it wages it's wars. I will give her that. I am a two time combat veteran & I see the indifferance in my own family. Sad to say!! In my eyes the common person is more concerned with their own needs & they forget that if it wasn't for the people in the military that give their blood, sweat, tears to give the common person their rights, freedoms & liberties that this country was founded on that they may be living a very different life. I myself have lost brothers in arms since / for they are family to me & know the price of freedom firsthand. War or armed conflict should always be the last resort for life is far to dam precious. The old adage is so true "War is hell & people die". To me that is what this book should have been about.
2012-04-19

16. Cast Away - Drift is a meticulously written account of how America's military power has slowly moved away from where it had once rested, and where it ought to rest. Maddow's argument leans neither left nor right, uses witty analogies to bring light to the obscurities of policies, and convinces the reader that the decision to go to war has become too easy. Drift is a pearl in a vast ocean of partisan, argumentative books. Maddow's tone and iconic style reflect not only her place as "The Wonk Who Won Primetime", but as a thoughtful and astute citizen with real concerns for the future of America. -- Jehna Devraj
2012-04-17

17. Brings faith in our country back into perspective. - At and having been actively involved in trying to be a responsible citizen,I have been getting discouraged about our future as a respectable country. You can begin to think that the only good decisions made by our leaders must always be based on greed. It's refreshing to see that someone else is also noticing and identifying the errors in following misguided political goals of a country that used to be such a good example of how a free society could cohabit ate on this earth. Excellent work young lady. You've been doing a lot of very commendable work for some time now. Keep it up. Thanks from Chuck.
2012-04-16

18. Excellent as usual from Rachel - Great reading. Unfortunately, the eBook is missing pages at the end of a few chapters, which was extremely frustrating. I really wanted to know what came after. Other than that, the book is well-written and definitely in her voice. She has shown to be as exacting a researcher for her book as she is for her TV show. She doesn't really say too much that I wasn't aware of, either literally, or instinctually, however, she gives the backstory so that I know more of WHY it happened as it has. She has this capacity to explain even the most complex arguments in a very clear, concise way. She also pulls no punches. We need that now more than ever. Keep up the good work girl!
2012-04-14

19. Insightful - Rachel is one of the smartest political stars of our time. She is insightful and funny. She does her homework and presents this snippet in History with facts which puts our Military complex in perspective. The people pulling the strings have been with us for years and it's time for a new order. Thank you Rachel for a Real History Lesson. A must read!
2012-04-14

Release date: 2011-11-08 $6.99

Comments

1. Will not waste my time or money - Bill Clinton know little about this country or the people he claims to represent. He has been caught in a number of lies and women. Why would anyone want to read more lies by Bill Clinton is a mystery. Bill Clinton is a disgrace to this country. My concerned about having oral sex in the Oval Office then running the country. He is one step away from a sexual predator.
2013-06-14

2. If you haven't read the book, you shouldn't have a review. - This book has great ideas and a good read. Read for yourself and make a firm decision based in fact. President Clinton has a deep understanding of what's policies are effective and responsible for the future of this country. He's not perfect, who is, but at least he has real ideas that are good for the many and not the few. Can't say that about our current congress or the few running for president today.
2011-11-14

3. Back to Work - I first of all appreciate former President Clinton effort to pen pages that are by design, intended to be understood. A book that not only includes an ordinary citizen, but highlights the value of one like me.He basically states, that intellect has the capacity to locate the address of 'smart', where man's capacity is usually relative to his goal.That we would redirect our attention to the NORTH, together it will take us through...Leadership is not a rank, it is a position, it takes the first bullet. We follow wisdom, composure, knowledge of self, and are underwritten by GOD, and a United Nation
2011-11-11

Release date: 2012-01-05 $13.99

Comments

1. Check Hastings out on YouTube - I refuse to believe that McChrystal, his wife, and his aides were dumb enough to be ambushed by this amateur. Do you think star generals get to that level without a brain? This guy was a tool used by McChrystal as a means to an end. In other words, "get me the F outta here." It's very inaccurate to say the military doesn't get along with its senior civilian bosses. This is only a fact when we have contemporary democrats in office that cause things like Mogadishu, Benghazi, not letting the unit pounce on UBL in the mountains of Tora Bora where they had him cornered, and other various situations where the guys on the ground ask for, and need, air support, additional troops, etc, and get denied causing the unnecessary deaths of their brothers. I wouldn't read this if someone paid me to.
2017-05-12

2. Koolaid in all flavors - A waste of time. No matter what your political orientation might be, this book has no credibility because it becomes clear, very early, that despite his Rolling Stone credentials, he is not the independent voice one would hope from even an average reporter. He does seem to show disdain for everyone but himself, which lends a certain unbiased quality, in that none of what he says is, in the end, believable. He so transparently admired the military entourage he was "reporting" on that it discounts even his critical comments about that entourage. Koolaid is Koolaid, no matter what the flavor, and the author drank it heavily, as an apparent military groupie. His relationship with his subject is that of an angry adolescent boy, who scorns his General father while yearning to earn his macho approval. The extent of his inclusion of his own story in this account speaks to its immature self-indulgence.
2012-08-19

3. Awesome - Normally a slower reader, I blazed through this in little over a week. An extremely engaging, entertaining, humorous and at the same time terrifying account of our involvement in Afghanistan. A poignant look at how ego, politics and false bravado lead us astray and diminished our focus and original intent. Politicians wars are never successful, when will we learn and start coming together as a country, electing real leaders and holding them accountable? This fascinating inside look by Mr. Hastings should jar us out of our stupor, we can only hope.
2012-03-16

4. the Operators - I recognize way too much of this as repeats of the lies, the hubris, the paranoia and mistakes of Vietnam. The letters I got from all my family and friends in Vietnam with basically the same words...both from the guys in the jungle and from the generals. even the soldier's comments about the Afghan soldiers were the same as the one's I got about the ARVN. Great job. Someone must speak the truth
2012-02-13

5. Read this book! - What an amazing piece of journalism. Hastings gets inside the military and politics of the afghan war like I never imagined. The accounts of meeting with McCrystal and his staff are eye opening. You need to read this book and get a better understanding of what a tragedy this war and all wars truly are.
2012-02-06

6. COIN is not CI - COINdinista is in reference to those enamored with COIN, or Counter Insurgency, doctrine and not counterintelligence. Counterintelligence is referred to as CI. If you don't know what you are talking about don't write a synopsis or at least find someone that does know what they are talking about to help out. Sick of all these growth industry post / national security "experts" that don't even know level acronyms. As far as the book goes I haven't read it yet. Hopefully it's not as bush league as the summary.
2012-01-05

Release date: 2016-09-06 $13.99

Comments

1. Engaging and informative - This book was filled with examples of weapons of math destruction in a variety of fields, which made it accessible and interesting. It also explained things without using much jargon, which made it an easy read. It’s premises were backed by facts and statistics, and it’s argument was persuasive.
2020-07-27

2. Peaking Behind the Curtain of Data Science - Cathy O’Neils work illuminates all of the problems with poorly thought out Algorithms and Models (Weapons of Math Destruction), when unleashed on an unsuspecting public, can deepen divides, falsely reaffirm prejudices, and compound social ills in the pursuit of efficacy. In clear and well written language, O’Neil spells out for the layman and experienced Data Scientist alike, the definition of a Weapon of Math Destruction and its key traits. She also does a great job of providing clear and actionable ways we can spot, prevent, and hold these models accountable. I believe this book is essential reading for everyone in our modern data driven culture. Reminding the builders of their fiduciary responsibility to uphold fairness in their modeling design; and teaching the Everyman how to spot the models and data gathering being applied to them. Wonderfully written and commanding.
2020-06-07

Release date: 2010-09-14 $13.99

Comments

1. A must read - The authors of this book couldn't explain the problems with governance in America any more clearly. Citizens have a choice, i.e., to live under royalty or to live in a democracy ... Yes, that is the choice we face ... And they provide a roadmap to democracy, which just might be worth following!
2012-03-19

2. Exceptional - This is a treasure trove of information. At times daunting, occasionally mundane but more often than not a fascinating glimpse into the machinery of American politics. Authored by what can only be described as experts with an astute knowledge of the of the political and economic process in America.
2010-12-04

3. Winner take all politics - While we all have heard the rich are getting richer and the poor poorer, few could say just how skewed economic rewards have been from the late 's until now in the US. After reading this book you will know, and unless you are in the top percent income, you won't be pleased. But you will know the facts and the role played by politics in creating the outsized economic rewards enjoyed by the few at the expense of nearly everyone else. This fine deep fact-based study, presented as a whodunit, is a gripping read.
2010-11-25

Release date: 2009-11-24 $12.99

Release date: 2015-03-10 $14.99

Release date: 2009-09-16 $9.99

Comments

1. Fantastic! - Ron Paul is a true hero to the cause of liberty and free markets. It's a shame we can't find somebody like him for the White House. The Fed is unconstitutional and corrupt, but most of all it robs us all of our personal freedoms. I wish there were more people on major news networks who advocated ending the Fed; Judge Napolitano and John Stossel are the only ones I know of. Fox News got rid of the Judges show recently, so it seems that the more libertarian you become, the more networks will pull the plug on you. It's a shame. The people must realize how much the elites in Washington and Wall Street Banks are destroying this country while only benefiting themselves at our expense. And it is all because of the Federal Reserve. Thank you, Dr. Paul! END THE FED!!
2012-11-26

2. The truth in raw form - I hope it is now time people are rudely awakening from the govnmnt scam and can vote with their minds in a logical way for Ron Paul in . My father has mindlessly pulled the Democratic handle for years and he will vote Republican for first time in . Mass sent a message with Scott Brown and all states need to send a clear as a 'Liberty' bell message in for a real candidate of fiscal change like Ron.
2011-02-23

Release date: 2012-09-11 $14.99

Comments

1. Days - The material is presented in a concise and easy to read way. It is clearly well researched. But it's focus on the failures, errors and shortcomings of those involved in the War on Terror makes one wonder how other attacks were ever prevented. The fact is, many plots were successfully foiled and a great number of truly bad people were prevented from killing more innocents. A few success stories, along with details of the work and sacrifice of the people involved would have made this book much more balanced. Instead, the book comes across is a biased attack with hindsight as its roadmap.
2012-10-20

Release date: 2018-04-03 $2.99

Release date: 2021-03-16 $11.99

Release date: 2010-09-28 $12.99

Comments

1. Never Too Late - This is a great book. It demonstrates that it is never too late to return to the principals and values that forged the greatest country on earth. The last true bastion of freedom. We as a nation must take decisive corrective action now in an effort to recapture the attitude of self reliance not victimization! It's a shame it took a British national to write this book as a warning to the American people, but I am thankful he made the effort.
2010-10-20

2. A Brit's Critique of "Obamaism" - A well reasoned and impassioned case for America to come to her political and economic senses. Written from a euro-centric perspective, the book compares and contrasts the classical US democratic electoral system with the emerging European Union form of collectivized government. No serious student of political science should miss this rousing defense of individual freedom and liberty.
2010-10-02

Release date: 2012-08-14 $12.99

Comments

1. An excellent history of an underreported program - Grunwald makes an excellent case that the stimulus, perhaps because it lacked any marquee items and was poorly sold to the American people, was actually a resounding success. His book is especially valuable because the stimulus has been underreported (or poorly reported) and he brings to light a lot of details and analysis that even someone who follows politics closely probably missed. Highly recommended.
2012-09-15

Release date: 2018-05-29 $7.99

Release date: 2012-04-14 $1.99

Release date: 2021-06-29 $12.99

Comments

1. Insightful - Powerful indictment of the infighting, backstabbing, and generally chaotic atmosphere of a White House and federal agencies in total disarray and completely unprepared to rise to the challenges of responding to the worst health crisis in a century. Engaging and well-written - and utterly infuriating at times.
2021-07-17

Release date: 2012-02-21 $13.99

Comments

1. Simply amazing - This book is well-written and engaging. Ms. McMillan brings you on a journey though the American food chain that you won't forget. I almost couldn't put it down. It is a cliche to call it Michael Pollan meets Barbara Ehrenreich - but a true one. Download the sample or buy this today. You won't be disappointed.
2012-02-25

Release date: 2014-04-08 $11.99