RJ Young's memoir recounts how he tried to endear himself to his white in-laws by learning how to shoot. Both love affairs eventually fell apart.

• By Peter C. Baker

A new book argues that we can't overcome racism unless white people are willing to be a little uncomfortable.

• By Peter C. Baker

A new book with an imperfect narrator demonstrates the benefits—and limits—of taking right-wing extremists at their word.

• By Peter C. Baker

A new book argues that America uses digital tools to sequester and punish its poorest citizens. But can we really blame technology?

• By Peter C. Baker

Political writer Liza Featherstone uses focus groups as a lens on the past, present, and future of the American project.

• By Peter C. Baker

In her new book, journalist Jessica Bruder argues that, in post-2008 America, the nostalgic vision of RVs and other "wheel estate" is incomplete.

• By Peter C. Baker

In her new book, Vanessa Panfil offers a detailed and nuanced portrayal of homosexual life among gangs in Ohio.

• By Peter C. Baker

Richard Rothstein's magisterial new book tracks how the government segregated America—and how new policy, and new education, could save us.

• By Peter C. Baker

In his latest book, Chris Hayes urges white Americans to take black suffering seriously.

• By Peter C. Baker

A new book traces the legal history of self-defense in America—and shows how laws for self-protection have been generally reserved for whites.

• By Peter C. Baker