NEWS

“History is hereditary only in this way: we, all of us, inherit everything, and then we choose what to cherish, what to disavow, and what to do next, which is why it's worth trying to know where things come from.”
-Jill Lepore, American historian & journalist

Dear Reader,

If you're anything like us at Main Street Books, you'll be celebrating the Fourth of July holiday with a book in one hand and a fan to beat the heat in the other.

There are many ways to observe Independence Day, especially as we mark 250 years, and the holiday means different things to many people. One thing we can agree on is that it is a time to celebrate history and the many diverse communities that have formed the unique tapestry of the U.S. It's a time for reflection in this great melting pot of ours.

There's no greater place to start that reflection than with a book. Below you will find a curated list of recommended U.S. history books, many of which are recent 2026 releases. We encourage you to pick up a book that shares lesser known histories, stretches your perspective, and highlights underrepresented voices.

Books help us step back and consider our own inherited perspectives. These are no exception.

• "America, U.S.A.: How Race Shadows the Nation's Anniversaries" by Eddie S Glaude, Jr. interrogates America's legacy and reassesses race, freedom, and the mythology often meant to disguise the truth.
• "All We Have to Say" by Ben Rhodes tells the story of fifteen speeches—some iconic, others long forgotten—which have both shaped and reflected the argument Americans have been having from our founding to the intense divisions of our time.
• Main Street Books also has revised paperback copies of "A Queer History" of the United States by Michael Bronski. The revised and expanded edition of the first book covers the entirety of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender history, from pre-1492 to the present.

Looking for a nonfiction book detailing a specific era of U.S. history? Stop by the store for a recommendation from one of our many booksellers. Main Street Books has a rich section of both local and national history for you to browse. We hope to see you soon!

With hope,
The Main Street Books team

P.S. Good news, Main Street Books will be open on Saturday, July 4th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please come see us!

P.P.S. "Where's Waldo?" Davidson kicks off today! Pick up (or print) your "Where's Waldo?" passport at Main Street Books and search for Waldo in participating locations. When you collect 15 stamps, return to "Where's Waldo?" HQ (Main Street Books) to select a special prize. When you collect 28+ stamps, enter to win our Grand Prize, a collection of Martin Handford's "Where's Waldo?" books.