Regnery Publishing president Marji Ross
by Kara Bell
Losing yourself within the pages of a book is a special moment. You imagine yourself there with the author as they guide you across the pages of one of the best stories yet. However, many of the most popular books we see in stores or are even forced to read in school push a liberal agenda – oftentimes without you even realizing it until the end. And while it’s good to read books from different perspectives than your own, it’s also important to read the books that have set the groundwork for the values you hold today. Beginning with the incredible stories of our founding fathers to modern-day narrations about the most controversial issues of the year, it’s important to reaffirm your own values – and what better way than through the pages of just a few of the greatest conservative novels yet.
Marji Ross, president and publisher for Regnery Publishing, has spent countless hours flipping the pages of hundreds of freedom-inspired books – ranging from America’s exceptionalism, conspiracies about the presidency, uncovering hidden truths about legislation and even giving quick and dirty guides to some of the most complex but remarkable moments in American history. However, there are several books close to her heart that have helped her fully understand the importance of conservatism and preserving the very stories that built America today. Scroll through her list of favorites to find the perfect one for you. Which one will you take off the bookshelf?
History Just Got Fun.
Citizen Washington – William Martin
Dying to discover more about our nation’s original hero? Martin’s Citizen Washington dives into the untold stories of George Washington’s legacy and his jaw-dropping secrets that paint a totally new portrait of the man you thought you knew. Intertwined with a little fiction and a lot of fact, you’ll end the book with a new understanding of our nation’s hero, the internal struggle for freedom and stories your friends will hardly believe. Learning history just got fun.
Rise to Rebellion and The Glorious Cause – Jeff Shara
Immerse yourself into the American Revolution as you join alongside the many ordinary men who carved out the destiny of the United States. From bakers to farmers to philosophers, America’s earliest heroes risked their lives every day for the promise of freedom, opportunity and the pursuit of happiness. As these books swallow you into their stories, you’ll find it harder and harder to set it down.
The Last Lion – William Manchester
During a time of complete darkness, an economy beginning to plunge, and the weight of lost hope and confusion in Imperial Britain, one of the greatest figures of the twentieth century uplifted a movement to spark the path of a new future. Stand beside Winston Churchill as Manchester characterizes how a single flame of hope can light a future of adventure, success and courage in the heart of an unforgotten hero.
A World Undone – G.J. Meyer
You’ll never forget the ambition, deceit, fear, jealousy, missed opportunities and miscalculation of WWI as G.J. Meyer pours exhaustive research into the pages of this remarkable account of our first global battle. As you turn the page, you witness how an immense war knocked down Europe’s strongest empires while unknowingly laying the foundation to another global war between the Allies and the Axis.
Politically Incorrect Guide to American History – Tom E. Woods, Jr.
Take your education into your own hands and ditch the edited and revised version of history your teachers have taught you. Sit down and soak up the truth as Woods reveals facts behind some of the greatest myths in history we still face today, such as flipping the lie that the New Deal sparked great prosperity and sent America’s economy flying for years after. Get the facts and get prepared to raise your hand in class and say, “That’s not true.”
Politically Incorrect Guide to the Civil War – H. W. Crocker
Your history textbook only gives a taste of what happened during the Civil War – and a biased one at that. This period of American history has become so distorted to meet the political agenda of the Left, that most students couldn’t even tell you that it was the Republican Party that opposed the extension of slavery into Western territories and fought to protect the rights of African Americans after the Civil War. Overturn the Left’s painfully inaccurate version of history with the truth – the whole truth.
The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States
You can’t call yourself a conservative until you’ve read the founding documents of the United States that protect individual freedom, pack power into the hands of the citizens and establish the system of checks and balances that have undoubtedly preserved the uniqueness of our country. These cornerstone documents have developed the nation and protected it against the Left’s pivotal and destructive attempts to undermine our freedoms. Both are short reads – but arguably the most important ones you’ll read.
Freedom isn’t the only Conservative Principle?
Atlas Shrugged – Ayn Rand
Who is John Galt? Dive into one of the greatest minds of the 20th century as this action thriller shows you a dystopian United States in which private businesses suffer under extreme government regulation and intervention, and characters are swept away by an unknown John Galt. View a new side of philosophy of reason and individualism as you watch a capitalist economy crumble under government coercion – a utopia of the Left.
Liberty and Tyranny – Mark Levin
Everyone knows the name Mark Levin, but many do not know about his New York Times bestseller released during the start of the Obama presidency. Filled with provocative, well-reasoned and capturing stories, Levin harps on the importance of patriotism and preserving the original vision of our founders. Also known as the Conservative Manifesto, this book is a must-read for freedom-lovers.
The Road to Serfdom – F.A. Hayek
Don’t let its size intimidate you. This classic conservative must-read digs into political philosophy, intellectual and culture history to stress the perpetual doom of excessive government control over an economy. First published in 1944, Hayek used the fear of Nazi Germany to plant in the minds of his readers the scare of a steam-rolling government. Influencing politicians, scholars and interested readers one page at a time, over 400,000 copies have been sold in the U.S. alone and has been translated into more than twenty languages, ultimately becoming one of the most influential books.
Russell Kirk’s Concise Guide to Conservatism – Russell Kirk
Originally published as The Intelligent Women’s Guide to Conservatism, Kirk shares a funny perspective on conservative political thought. Defining a conservative as “a person who believes there is something in our life worth saving,” traces of faith, love of country and individualism glue his ideas into one of the best conservative masterpieces today.
Become an out-of-closet conservative – and own it.
The Millionaire Next Door – Thomas Stanley
Not all millionaires walk the red carpet. In fact, most big money-makers keep it on the down-low, exercising next to you at the gym, shopping at the same grocery store as you and even using drug-store hygiene products. In this book, Stanley points out seven common trends and spending habits we’ve seen with some of America’s wealthiest average-Joes.
Building a StoryBrand – Donald Miller
Drop everything you’ve ever known about marketing and branding and read Miller’s insightful and simple guide to help you grow your organization, product or even yourself from an idea to something people want. Mainly intended for organizations and businesses, this book could also help the aspiring TV personality or author. Biggest lesson to learn within these pages: stories matter – so start reading.
Platform – Michael Hyatt
Now, anyone can become famous. Follow the words of one of the top business bloggers in the world as he provides down-to-earth how-to’s for grabbing a chunk of today’s crowded marketplace. Use social media, print writing and public speaking to make people want to hear your opinions – not just scroll past them.
The Richest Man in Babylon – George S. Clason
Believe it or not, the Babylonians were the first people to discover the universal laws of prosperity – success, wealth and affluence. Travel back in time with stories of merchants, tradesmen and herdsmen as you learn their secrets to staying out of debt, living within your means, stumbling upon good luck spells and finding happiness within yourself – not things.
Good to Great – James C. Collins
With over three million copies sold, this book explains why some companies take a chance to become the next big thing, and why others stay seated and never improve. Follow a research study as it jumps into virtually every area of management strategy and practice, and concludes with the key determinants of greatness. Although intended for businesses, many of the same concepts can be shaped to determine your personal success. Do you have what it takes to be great?
Now that you’ve picked your favorite, just remember one of the best lessons from Marji Ross: give yourself permission to not finish a book. While some books seem to go on and on forever, and others say everything they need to say in the first chapter, there are plenty of incredible books out there – so don’t waste your time hating what you’re reading. Instead, dive deep into whatever story grabs your attention, keeps you turning the page, and brightens the spark of conservatism within you.