THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

With everything going on in our country during election season, I decided to dive into some books written by former first family members, as well as read some fiction books about our government. If you’re new, I a started #MacysMustReads during the summer of 2019 and it has quickly become a blog favorite. Each season I share my favorite books, along with a quick synopsis and rating. You can find my previous lists here:

Summer 2019 Fall 2019 Winter 2019 Spring 2020 Summer 2020

• Everything is Beautiful in Its Time - Jenna Bush Hager

  • This book had me in tears from start finish. As someone who cherished time with my grandparents, I found every single chapter relatable (despite that my dad and grandfather were not the most powerful men in the world). I loved this book so much I have already bought it for two friends and recommended it to three others. Not political, just personal.

    10/10 stars

• Becoming - Michelle Obama

  • I’ve heard wonderful things about this book and election season seemed like the perfect time to buy it. There were a lot of parts I really like - such as learning that Barack was Michelle’s intern - but there were other parts I felt dragged on a bit too long - such as Michelle’s childhood. I was really wanting to learn more about life as the First Lady and her time in the White House, but it is more about her life story and how she got to the White House. Political and personal.

    8/10 stars

• Cleo McDougal Regrets Nothing - Allison Winn Scotch

  • Cleo is a mother, friend and senator who has compiled a list of 233 regrets throughout her life. In this easy, coming-to-age novel, Cleo tackles her regrets one by one and becomes more empowered than ever to truly chase her dreams.

    7.5/10 stars

• Welcome to the United States of Anxiety - Jen Lancaster

  • The most perfect book to describe our society today. Jen is witty and hilarious as she explores the many reasons why the United States is less satisfied, less fulfilled and more anxious than any other country in the world.

    8/10 stars

• You are the Key - Caitlin Crosby

  • Caitlin Crosby is the CEO of The Giving Keys, which is a jewelry brand that facilitates social change by employing homeless people to help get them off the streets. I received my first Giving Key in high school and I’ve always been intrigued behind the brand. Now that I, too, am a business owner and advocate for social change, I couldn’t wait to finish this one!

    8.5/10 stars

• The Short Bus - Jonathan Mooney

  • Ugh. I wanted to love this book. I really, really wanted to. It’s about the author’s experience with the public special education system as a self proclaimed “short bus rider.” I thought I would gain valuable insight to help me continue to advocate for children with disabilities, and although there were some beautiful stories, it is riddled with profanity, self-depreciating humor and extreme criticism of the federal education system.

    7/10 stars

There are several other books I read this fall, including Expecting Adam, Life and Other Near Death Experiences and Where We Belong and have already knocked two books off my Winter 2020 list, but winter is definitely my favorite time to read, so I would love to hear your suggestions!

…mg