"The Earl of Louisiana" is a political biography that intricately details the life and career of a charismatic and controversial Louisiana governor. The book delves into his ambitious political maneuvers, colorful personality, and the impact he had on the state's politics and culture. The narrative also explores the complexities of Louisiana's political landscape, highlighting the influence of race, religion, and class on the state's politics.

The book provides an in-depth investigation into the crisis at a New Orleans hospital in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. It delves into the harrowing five days where staff, patients, and their families were trapped in the hospital without power or a functioning evacuation plan. The narrative explores the ethical dilemmas faced by the medical staff, including alleged euthanasia of critically ill patients, and the subsequent legal battles, raising profound questions about end-of-life care and disaster management.

The book is a non-fiction account of a Syrian-American contractor named Zeitoun who decides to stay in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. Despite the chaos, he paddles around the city in a canoe, helping those he can. However, he is arrested and accused of looting, leading to a harrowing experience in prison. The narrative explores themes of family, survival, and the breakdown of civil liberties in times of crisis.

"The Yellow House" is a memoir that tells the story of a hundred years of the author's family and their relationship to home in a neglected area of one of America's most mythologized cities, New Orleans. The narrative follows the author's journey from growing up in the titular house in New Orleans East, a largely ignored part of the city, to her pursuit of education and a career as a journalist, and her eventual return to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. The book explores themes of race, poverty, and inequity in America, while also being a deeply personal exploration of family, identity, and place.

"Grant" is a comprehensive biography of the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow, the book explores Grant's early life, military career, presidency, and post-presidential years. Chernow portrays Grant as a complex and often misunderstood figure, highlighting his military genius and leadership during the Civil War, as well as his struggles with alcoholism and financial ruin later in life. The book also delves into Grant's relationships with his wife, Julia, and political figures such as Abraham Lincoln and William Tecumseh Sherman. Overall, "Grant" offers a detailed and nuanced portrait of one of America's most significant historical figures.

In "American Prison: A Reporter's Undercover Journey Into The Business Of Punishment," Shane Bauer goes undercover as a correctional officer at a private prison in Louisiana to expose the inhumane conditions and profit-driven motives of the American prison system. Through his experiences, Bauer reveals the corrupt and exploitative nature of the for-profit prison industry, as well as the systemic racism and abuse of power that permeates the entire criminal justice system.

"Strangers In Their Own Land" is a captivating exploration of the political divide in America, focusing on the state of Louisiana. The author, through her immersive research and interviews with residents, delves into the lives of conservative individuals who feel marginalized and overlooked by the liberal elite. Hochschild uncovers the deep-rooted emotions and beliefs that shape their perspectives, shedding light on the complex factors that have contributed to the rise of right-wing politics in the country.

This biography provides an in-depth look at the life and political career of Huey Long, a charismatic and controversial figure who served as the Governor of Louisiana and a U.S. Senator during the early 20th century. The book explores Long's populist policies, his dictatorial tendencies, and the corruption scandals that marked his time in office. Despite his controversial reign, Long remains a significant figure in American history for his efforts to uplift the poor and challenge the wealthy elites.