The Ultimate Conservative Reading List

This ultimate conservative reading list contains everything from classics to history and fiction. 

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Classics

The following classic books are essential elements of the conservative reading list. They contain both fiction and non-fiction book recommendations.

The Conservative Mind by Russel Kirk – A major contribution to the intellectual side of the conservative movement.

God and Man at Yale by William F. Buckley, Jr. – According to many, Buckley’s work is the cornerstone of modern conservativism.

The Quest for Cosmic Justice by Thomas Sowell – Sowell exposes the confusion created by blind allegiance to social justice.

A Conflict of Visions  by Thomas Sowell – Professor Sowell’s analysis two opposing views on human nature and how that impacts our politics.

The Conscience of a Conservative by Barry Goldwater – Goldwater’s book remains a mega influence on conservatives since it was published in 1964 – and in these pages grew the roots of the Reagan Revolution.

The Road to Serfdom by F.A. Hayek – Writing at the close of WWII, Hayek predicts the ills that have befallen the west and what we must battle against to save western civilization.

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand – The best argument ever penned against socialism and government schemes. Watch our review here.

Anthem by Ayn Rand – Rand takes us to the extreme to show us the fate of socialism.

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand – Few people communicate human nature and authoritarian dangers like Rand.

Capitalism and Freedom by Milton Friedman – Friedman proves why capitalism leads to individual freedom.

1984  by George Orwell – This classic fiction demonstrates the threat of authoritarianism and government control.

Foundations of the American Republic 

These books showcase the essential books every citizens should read to understand our government.

The Federalist Papers by John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison – The essential guide to understanding the U.S. Constitution from the men who wrote it.

Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville – Tocqueville’s astute observations about American democracy remain relevant today.

The United States Constitution – Understanding the laws that govern our nation is essential to knowing our political and cultural life.

The Declaration of Independence – The mission statement of our great nation.

The Bible – The word of God, as written in the Bible, is the most important book in the world.

History 

Understanding our nation’s history is the best way to understand who we are as a nation. This list is not exhaustive, but these books are a great starter to any conservative reading list.

1776 by David McCullough – This is the story of America’s founding and it reminds us who we are.

John Adams by David McCullough – Adams’ impact on America is unparalleled, and this book proves it.

Mornings on Horseback by David McCullough – McCullough showsTheodore Roosevelt’s early life and how impacted everything he did after.

Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin – Her book on Abe Lincoln stands as one of the best ever written.

Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land by Mark David Hall – Hall makes the case that Christians have fostered freedom and equality in America more than any other group.

The Radicalism of the American Revolution by Gordon Wood – This remains the single best account of the significance of the American founding – here and around the world.

The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw – Brokaw demenstrates why the men and women who peresrvered through the great depression, World War II, and created the strongest economy in world history are in fact the Greatest Generation.

Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis- A riveting review of the men who made America.

Killing the Rising Sun by Bill O’Reilly – O’Reilly writes the grim details of defeating the Japanese during World War II.

Killing Lincoln by Bill O’Reilly – The assassination of Lincoln devastated the nation, O’Reilly delivers a play by play account of the circumstances leading to the tragic result.

Killing Jesus by Bill O’Reilly – The crucifixion of Jesus is the single most significant event in world history, this book gives the details and why they matter.

Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose – The storied journey west by Lewis and Clark is best told by Ambrose who loves the story more than anyone.

Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose – Ambrose penned an amazing account of the European theater during WWII when he wrote “Band of Brothers.”

American Lion by Jon Meacham – Meacham captures the life and times of Andrew Jackson his book “American Lion.”

Destiny and Power by Jon Meacham – “Destiny and Power” is about the life and presidency of George H.W. Bush.

Land of Hope by Wilfred McClay – One of the best history books written on our wonderful country.

Contemporary 

Our contemporary books focus on what’s happening in contemporary American politics and culture.

Blackout by Candace Owens – Owens takes down diversity politics and sets the record straight in her hard hitting book, “Blackout.”

You’re Not Enough (and that’s okay) by Allie Beth Stuckey – In her book, “You’re Not Enough” Stuckey takes aim at the self-love culture and guides young women to combat elements of our selfish, toxic culture.

Fortitude by Dan Crenshaw – Crenshaw uses his experience as a Navy Seal, and now as a member of congress, to pontificate on contemporary politics.

Live Free or Die by Sean Hannity – Hannity sums up his political views in this hard hitting political commentary.

Woke, Inc. by Vivek Ramaswamy – Few people take woke culture to the woodshed like Ramaswamy. Read the review here or watch on YouTube.

When Character Was King by Peggy Noonan – Noonan reminded Americans of what character means in her book on President Reagan.

What I Saw at the Revolution by Peggy Noonan – Reagan’s presidency is brought into full light in Noonan’s memoir from working as a White House speech written.

The Democrat Party Hates America by Mark Levin – Levin hammers the Democrat Party for tearing our fine nation apart.

Christian 

No conservative reading list would be complete without the following Christian books.

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis 

The Reason for God by Tim Keller 

A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken 

Confronting Christianity by McLaughlin

Fiction 

Fiction books have the ability to widen our optic. They can warn of future damage, dream big dreams, invent, and in some ways reveal truth in ways reality cannot. These are some of the books we find interesting.

Open Season by C.J. Box – The first Joe Pickett book is packed with adventure.

Beneath A Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan – The setting is Italy during the Second World War. Against that backdrop, the characters balance good and evil every step of the way.

The Last Green Valley by Mark Sullivan – What if you had to make a decision to side with either Hitler or Stalin? That is just one of the many tough decision made on the path to freedom.

The King Makers Series by Ari Mendelson – This book mirror many of the contemporary problems facing America, wrapped in a riveting story.

For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway – The best Hemingway book written. Check out our Old Man and the Sea review as well.

Family, Marriage, & Raising Children 

Books on family, marriage, and raising children are more necessary now than at any time in America’s past. The art of the family is not longer passed from generation to generation, so it is important to learn necessary skills from leading authors.

The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller 

Saving Your Marriage Before it Starts by Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott 

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Meg Meeker

Boys Should Be Boys by Meg Meeker

The War Against Boys by Christina Hoff Sommers

Wild at Heart by John Eldredge 

The Recovery of Family Life by Scott Yenor 

Business, Self-Improvement, & Health 

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie 

7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephan Covey – Watch our review here.

Beyond Order by Jordan Peterson 

Children’s

Otto’s Tales by PragerU

The Tuttle Twins by Connor Boyack – Read the review here.

Berenstain Bears by Jan and Stan Berenstain 

This conservative reading list aims to provide readers with many of the books conservative enjoy. Follow along on our Youtube and Instagram each week for more.