Whether it’s via their tone, topic, or tenor, certain works just say “America.” Here is one such title, suggested by Michael B. Poliakoff, president of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni:

“Finale: A Novel of the Reagan Years“ by Thomas Mallon. “Especially in this time of identity politics and partisan selfishness, [this story] has an urgent message,” says Poliakoff. The New York Times Book Review called Finale “sly and penetrating … Mallon’s most audacious and important work yet.”

Patriotic Picks is a monthly feature in partnership with the Washington Independent Review of Books.