Best Reference 2020

The reference titles honored as the best of 2020 speak to today's issues—no mean feat, considering that the world looks remarkably different now than it did when these texts were published. As a nation, we're still grappling with what unfolded at the Capitol on January 6; readers may find some context in Violence in American Society. While the 2020 elections are behind us, issues such as gerrymandering and voter suppression aren't, and Voting and Political Representation in America will equip patrons eager to inform themselves in anticipation of future elections. And those heartened to see Kamala Harris become the first woman, first Black person, and first person of South Asian descent to be a U.S. vice president will appreciate learning about the achievements of those who came before her in Deborah G. Felder's The American Women's Almanac; though Harris's historic moment isn't captured in this book, as it went to press before the November election, readers can look forward to the next edition, which will hopefully include a profile of her.