See the best books recommended by Steve Schmidt

A great way to find book recommendations is to check out what prominent political minds are reading. They can introduce you to genres and authors you’d never consider reading otherwise. One such figure is Steve Schmidt.

This article will list some of the best books recommended by Steve Schmidt.

Who is Steve Schmidt?

Steve Schmidt is a public affairs and communication strategist who’s worked for several Republican politicians, spearheading the campaigns of Arnold Schwarzenegger, John McCain, and George W. Bush.

Schmidt was also vice chairman of public relations company Edelman. During his tenure, he advised senior decision-makers and CEOs of Fortune 500 organizations. He held this position until 2018, when he became an MSNBC political analyst.

His career as a campaign strategist is especially notable. Many media professionals regard him as a damage control expert, as he helped turn around many failing campaigns.

Additionally, he consistently offers valuable commentary on the American political climate. Millions of people plug in to listen to his takes on various topics.

Schmidt is also a vocal critic of Donald Trump and his GOP supporters. He even founded The Lincoln Project, a group that campaigns against the former president.

Steve Schmidt’s favorite books

Here are the books recommended by Steve Schmidt.

Citizens of London by Lynne Olson

Lynne Olson tells the story of how the U.S. formed a WWII alliance with Great Britain. Three individuals provide their perspectives in this book:

• Edward R. Murrow—The chairman of CBS News in Europe
• John Gilbert Winant—America’s idealistic ambassador in Great Britain
• Averell Harriman—The millionaire who espoused London’s Lend-Lease program

This is a great read because it recounts their dramatic journeys and influence on the outcome of the war.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sing by Maya Angelou

Another exceptional book Steve Schmidt recommends is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

It follows Maya and Bailey, two siblings abandoned by their mother and sent to live with their self-sufficient grandmother. The two have a hard time fitting into the new environment. They face prejudice from the locals, which makes their daily lives uncomfortable.

This coming-of-age story is fantastic, as it shows how a strong character can trump trauma and racism. The author, Maya Angelou, grew from a victim of harassment with an inferiority complex to an accomplished young lady powerful enough to tackle the obstacle of prejudice.

In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson

Erik Larson, the New York Times bestselling author, describes William Dodd’s time as the U.S. ambassador to Nazi Germany. Dodd lived with his daughter in Berlin and initially hoped the Nazi government would be more humane to the Jewish population.

However, he couldn’t be more wrong. As he realizes the full extent of the persecution in real time, Dodd protests against Germany’s actions. While President Roosevelt praised his fearless attitude, not everyone shared his views.

Check out this title if you want to learn how the ambassador faced adversity in such a harsh environment.

Churchill and Orwell: The Fight for Freedom by Thomas E. Ricks

This is a biography of two of the most influential men in history—George Orwell and Winston Churchill.

On the one hand, Churchill was integral to the success of the Allied Forces in the 1940s. He made several momentous decisions that helped deliver decisive victories over the Axis.

On the other hand, Orwell laid out the perils of authoritarian rule in 1984 and Animal Farm and defined what was at stake in the Cold War. Even though these books were written nearly 80 years ago, their insights hold true today.

Thomas E. Ricks beautifully describes the lives of these two figures. Once you’re done reading, you’ll understand the importance of staying true to your convictions in the face of adversity.

The Gathering Storm by Winston Churchill

The Gathering Storm is the first book in Churchill’s six-volume account of the conflict between the Axis and Allied Powers. You get a unique perspective that shows what the legendary prime minister had to do to keep tyranny at bay. It’s compelling and full of vivid descriptions.

War and Peace by Nigel Hamilton

Using previously unpublished interviews and documents, Nigel Hamilton revisits Churchill’s famous WWII strategies. More specifically, this book takes you back to the time of the 1944 Normandy invasion and why Eisenhower was at the forefront of the mission.

It’s an inspiring read that depicts well-established history figures in a new light.

The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday

Some of the world’s greatest minds, including Ralph Waldo Emerson and George Washington, have adopted the insights of the ancient Stoics. They understood the importance of their practices, as they play a key role in living a better life.

You should read The Daily Stoic if you want to take a closer look at these pearls of wisdom. It teaches you about the resilience and serenity necessary for a better life.

John Adams by David McCullough

John Adams was a brilliant and honest patriot who didn’t mind risking his own life for American freedom. He was essential in the American Revolution and went on to become the second U.S. president.

In this book, David McCullough recounts his journey. It’s a fantastic read if you’re interested in many values that hold true today, like virtue, love, and friendship.

Discover a huge library on Speechify Audiobooks

Steve Schmidt recommends the above books as they offer invaluable insights and key lessons in history.

If you want to check any of them out in audio format, head to Speechify Audiobooks. You’ll find many of Schmidt’s favorite titles, including War and Peace and John Adams.

The library contains numerous other books, such as those dealing with the Civil War, Ancient Rome, and warfare in general.

Visit Speechify Audiobooks and absorb all the knowledge.

FAQ

What is the name of Steve Schmidt’s favorite author?

Steve Schmidt’s favorite author is probably Thomas E. Ricks. You can find his books on Speechify Audiobooks, Amazon, and Goodreads.

Has Steve Schmidt written any books?

Steve Schmidt has written a book titled Utah’s Green River: A Fly Fisher’s Guide to the Flaming Gorge Tailwater.

Is Steve Schmidt married?

As of today, Steve Schmidt is not married.

Which presidents did Steve Schmidt work with?

Steve Schmidt worked with George W. Bush. He was also the White House strategist when John Roberts and Samuel Alito were elected to the Supreme Court. He has not worked for President Joe Biden or any other Democratic president.