As we mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, it's a good time to revisit the history and founding documents that continue to shape our country today. These books help refresh our knowledge, explore enduring myths, and shed light on misconceptions. Knowing our history positions us better for imagining how and what our future could be.

Do you find yourself stuck in a cycle of all work and no play? Check out these titles. A lot of these picks are satirical because when you’re going through the daily grind, sometimes it helps to laugh (instead of cry). At the very least, many of these stories will help you know you're not alone. If you're starting to question whether the career you've been chasing is worth the cost, these books can offer a sense of solidarity and perhaps some insight on what to do next.

These writers tell stories rooted in history and the land, recovering memory, confronting erasure, and asserting Indigenous presence in today’s world.