The Second Bill of Rights: FDR’s Unfinished Revolution and Why We Need It More Than Ever,  by Cass R. Sunstein
Explores the history of this important speech, how FDR developed the ideas for the Second Bill, and how they have evolved in the second half of the 20th century.

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A World Made New: Eleanor Roosevelt and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, by Mary Ann Glendon
A moving recounting of Eleanor Roosevelt’s leadership in heading the United Nations effort at crafting a universal bill of rights.  A most compelling history of her work and the unique contributions of the talented and gifted members of the commission she led.

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The Financial Crisis Inquiry Report: Final Report of the National Commission on the Causes of the Financial and Economic Crisis of the United States –  In the wake of the most significant financial crisis since the Great Depression, the President signed into law on May 20, 2009, the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009, creating the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission.   This is the final report of the commission’s work.

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Aftershock: The Next Economy & America’s Future, by Robert Reich
This book outlines the structural changes to the U.S. economy over the last 30 years, especially the concentration of the wealth to the top 1 percent of the U.S. population and how it catalyzes cycles of ever greater booms and deeper busts.

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FDR: The First One Hundred Days, by Anthony Badger
A readable history of the first fifteen weeks of FDR’s presidency.

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So Many Enemies, So Little Time by Elinor Burkett
The importance of a free press can’t be underestimated.   Elinor Burkett’s memoir of teaching journalism to students in post-Soviet controlled Kyrgyzistan (where re-publishing official press releases from the central government constituted journalistic practice).   Her travels across Central Asia in 2001 told with humor and insight.
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Give Us This Ballot by Ari Berman
An important history of voting rights in America, providing insight into the continued struggle for universal franchisement for American citizens.   Published in 2015, it brings us up to date with recent tactics to limit access via Voter ID laws.   A 2015 Terri Gross – Fresh Air interview with the author is a good introduction to the sweep of the book.   Block the Vote: A Journalist Discusses Voting Rights and Restrictions.