Looking for the perfect page-turner to gift this holiday season, or add to your own wishlist? We asked Cronkite School faculty to share their top book recommendations. From thought-provoking nonfiction to can’t-put-‘em-down novels, these picks are guaranteed to impress even the pickiest readers (and media buffs!) on your list.
Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here
By Jonathan Blitzer / Buy it
Adriana Zebrauskas, Buffett Foundation Visiting Professor of Visual Journalism, says of her friend and New Yorker staff writer Jon Blitzer’s book, “We spent two weeks together reporting the first migrant caravan in the south of Mexico in 2018 (one of the photos is in the book). It is really essential reading to understand migration and the humanitarian crisis at the southern border—and a writing and reporting masterclass.”
The Demon of Unrest
by Erik Larson / Buy it
Instructor Bill Hill calls this historical novel chronicling the suspenseful five months between Abraham Lincoln’s election and the start of the Civil War one of his favorite reads of the year.
The Siege
By Ben MacIntyre / Buy it
Professor of Practice Andres Martinez calls Macintyre the John LeCarré of nonfiction. “His books all read like thrillers, and for anyone aspiring to tell compelling, deeply reported stories that never lose sight of the human element, MacIntyre is a terrific role model,” he says. “‘The Siege’ is about the takeover by gunmen and ensuing hostage saga at the Iranian Embassy in London in 1980; it’s riveting and an astonishing piece of historical journalism.”
Weathering: The Extraordinary Stress of Ordinary Life in an Unjust Society
by Dr. Arline T Geronimus / Buy it
Robert Wood Johnson professor of practice Regina Revazova says Geronimus’ blend between science and social injustice “was recommended to me as part of health disparities literature, but it’s about much more.”
Writing for Story
By Jon Franklin / Buy it
Professor of Practice Pauline Arrillaga says this is the book for anyone who dreams of becoming a narrative writer. “I’ve read it myself over and over again to absorb Franklin’s techniques and tips anew,” she says.
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
By Robert Cialdini / Buy it
Associate Professor Dave Keating says the update on this classic dive into persuasion (authored by ASU colleague and renowned psychologist Robert Cialdini) is rooted in research while being easy to read.
The Power Broker
By Robert Caro / Buy it
Professor of Practice Jeffrey Timmermans calls this classic—celebrating its 50th anniversary—a fascinating exploration of how power really works. “I just finished re-reading it and it was even better the second time,” he says. “There’s also a Power Broker book club series on the podcast ‘99% Invisible,’ so you can listen along with the hosts as they read through Caro’s book and interview him.”
Smart Brevity
By Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen and Roy Schwartz / Buy it
Professor of Practice John Nicoletti recommends this essential primer for efficient, effective communication from Axios’ cofounders.
“The Girl in the Window” and Other True Tales: An Anthology with Tips for Finding, Reporting, and Writing Nonfiction Narratives
By Lane DeGregory / Buy it
Professor of Practice Rachel Kane recommends this book for storytellers at any level. It features 24 of Pulitzer Prize-winner DeGregory’s stories with notes on how she built them.
The Best Advice I Ever Got: Lessons from Extraordinary Lives
By Katie Couric / Buy it
Assistant Teaching Professor and Cronkite alumna Abby Zufelt calls this compilation of short stories from journalist Katie Couric’s past interviewees one of her favorite books, and an ideal gift for any young professional. “I read this during my first semester at ASU back in the day,” she says, “and hearing stories from so many notable people in a variety of different fields inspired me to dream big and try new things at Cronkite.”
All About the Story: News, Power, Politics and The Washington Post
By Leonard Downie, Jr. / Buy it
Professor of Practice Len Downie began as an intern at the Washington Post before succeeding the legendary Ben Bradlee as executive editor; was one of the editors on the historic Watergate story and drove coverage of the impeachment of President Bill Clinton. He recounts his historic journalism career in this memoir.
Goodwill’s Secrets
by Christopher Mele / Buy it
Associate Professor Leslie Jean Thorton suggests this mystery novel by New York Times journalist Mele about a reporter covering a teenage girl’s disappearance.
Naked Statistics
Charles Wheelan / Buy it
Professor of Practice Mark Greenblatt says Wheelan’s entertaining writing makes learning about stats fun and approachable.
The Bright Sword
By Lev Grossman / Buy it
Professor Steve Doig raves about this story chronicling a post-King Arthur Camelot, and the Knights of the Round Table’s quest to reclaim Excalibur and explain Arthur’s death.
There’s No Crying in Newsrooms
By Julia Wallace / Buy it
Professor of Practice Julia Wallace suggests the book she coauthored with professor emeritus Kristin Grady Gilger, which highlights women who broke through barriers at media organizations, and their stories of struggle and success.
Beartown
By Fredrik Backman / Buy it
Assistant Teaching Professor and hockey fan Celeste Sepessy, recommends this novel about a junior hockey team, an act of violence and how their connection ripples throughout a small town.
The Associated Press Stylebook: 2024-2026
By the Associated Press / Buy it
We wouldn’t recommend a list of reads without this essential deskside writing reference. The 57th edition makes a great gift for students and media professionals alike.