Best Cultural Policy Books of 2026

Battle for the American Mind: Uprooting a Century of Miseducation, by Pete Hegseth and David Goodwin, is a #1 New York Times Bestseller that takes on the leftist indoctrination that has permeated the American education system. The authors argue that the progressive plan to neutralize the basis of our Republic by removing the one ingredient that had sustained Western Civilization for thousands of years is succeeding, and that we must radically reorient our children's education to recover a lost philosophy of education grounded in virtue and excellence. This book provides a field guide for remaking schools in the United States and gives patriotic parents a way to take back their children's minds from the left.

Discrimination and Disparities by Thomas Sowell examines the origins of economic disparities and challenges the idea that different economic outcomes can be explained by any one factor, be it discrimination, exploitation, or genetics. The book analyzes the human consequences of prevailing social visions of these disparities and the policies based on that vision. The author presents a well-researched and thought-provoking argument that is both accessible and relevant. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex issues surrounding economic disparities.

Dark Agenda: The War to Destroy Christian America by David Horowitz is a thought-provoking read that delves into the calculated efforts of the left to create a godless American society. Horowitz argues that the attacks on Christianity and its values threaten all Americans, including Jews like himself, and how the elimination of Judeo-Christian values could lead to the loss of our freedoms. The book traces the history of religious liberty from the Founding Fathers to the present day and reveals how the secular Left's disdain for Christianity has increased over time. Overall, Dark Agenda is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the current political climate and the role of religion in society.

Woke Jesus by Lucas Miles is a thought-provoking book that exposes the dangers of progressive or woke Christianity. Miles provides a compelling argument that the leftist agenda has infiltrated the church and is using Jesus to promote their anti-religious views. He challenges Christians to resist the siren song of social justice and instead grow in the truth of God's word. The book is well-written and offers a call to action for Christians to embrace solid orthodox theology. Overall, Woke Jesus is a must-read for those who want to understand the real dangers of woke Christianity and how it is destroying Christianity from within.

The Madness of Crowds: Gender, Race and Identity, published by Bloomsbury Continuum, is a Sunday Times bestseller that explores the dangers of 'woke' culture and the rise of identity politics. Douglas Murray presents a well-written and thought-provoking analysis of the most controversial issues of our time, including sexuality, gender, technology, and race. He challenges the prevailing views and questions the dramatic changes in our society, providing a path of sanity through the fog of our modern predicament. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in political conservatism and liberalism.

Tell Your Children by Alex Berenson is a meticulously researched book that explodes the myths surrounding marijuana use. Berenson, a former New York Times reporter, reveals the link between teenage marijuana use and mental illness, as well as a hidden epidemic of violence caused by the drug. He argues that THC, the chemical in marijuana responsible for the drug's high, can cause psychotic episodes. While recreational marijuana is legal in nine states, Berenson takes a sledgehammer to the promised benefits of marijuana legalization, revealing the devastating facts. Overall, this well-written treatise takes a unique, hard-hitting approach to the topic of marijuana use and its impact on mental health.

Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity by Katherine Boo is a gripping and poignant work of narrative non-fiction that sheds light on the lives of the impoverished residents of Annawadi, a slum situated in the shadow of luxury hotels near the Mumbai airport. Boo's writing is both masterful and captivating, bringing to life the hopes, dreams, and struggles of the people she writes about. The book is a powerful indictment of the systemic poverty and inequality that exists in modern-day India, and a testament to the resilience and humanity of those who find themselves living in the most desperate circumstances. This is a book that will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page.

Gradual: The Case for Incremental Change in a Radical Age, by Greg Berman and Aubrey Fox, is a call to action for a more common-sense approach to change in a time that demands radical shifts in thinking and policymaking. The authors argue that incremental reform is the best path forward, as any effort to advance radical change will inevitably engender significant backlash. The book provides portraits of "heroic incrementalists" who have produced meaningful reforms in a variety of areas, from the expansion of Social Security to more recent efforts to reduce crime and incarceration. Overall, Gradual is a bracing call for a "radical realism" that prioritizes honesty, humility, nuance, and respect in an effort to transcend political polarization and reduce the conflict produced by social media.

A Brief History of Equality by Thomas Piketty is a concise and surprisingly optimistic history of human progress toward equality, despite crises, disasters, and backsliding. Piketty guides readers through the great movements that have shaped the modern world, from the growth of capitalism to the building of the welfare state. Through it all, he shows how human societies have moved fitfully toward a more just distribution of income and assets, reducing racial and gender inequalities and increasing access to healthcare, education, and the rights of citizenship. Overall, this book is an insightful and thought-provoking read that offers hope for a more equal future.