CHECK IT OUT:

Election fever has taken hold of the country.

Want to discover more about the highly visible candidates from their own mouths?

Let them speak to you directly through books in regular and large print or listen on compact discs. Political pundits also abound this season.

Discussing ideas is productive in a strong democracy and combats collective ignorance.

The library strives to offer various points of view for an engaged, intelligent populace.

Here are some offerings:

“Hard Call: Great Decisions and the Extraordinary People Who Made Them” by John McCain with Mark Salter: A Republican senator from Arizona and war hero, McCain gives his choices of courageous people who made difficult decisions. Discover examples of lives lived to the fullest and why these individuals matter. The title is available in regular and large print or on CD.

“Living History” by Hillary Rodham Clinton: A senator from New York State, former first lady and Democratic presidential hopeful, Clinton chronicles the challenges she faced during the eight years of her husband’s administration and her own political work. Enjoy it as a book in regular and large print and listen on CD.

“Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders and How They Changed America, 1789-1989” by Michael R. Beschloss: Historical perspective is captured through the lens of 200 years detailing important presidential decisions. Case studies and anecdotes strengthen the stories of wisdom and intellect in the face of momentous, national events.

“Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance” by Barack Obama: Also available in regular or large print and CD, Democratic Illinois Sen. Obama details the emotional story about his Kenyan father, the discovery of his African heritage and his encounters with an extended family from another continent.

“Power To the People” by Laura Ingraham: Available in book and CD format, conservative, nationally-syndicated radio host, television journalist and bestselling author Ingraham outlines her views, offers solutions and challenges citizens to become involved in local activism.

“Untitled” by James Carville:

As of this writing, the Democrat’s most famous political consultant, media pundit and strategist’s new book does not have a title, but the reserve list is growing.

Read what the “Ragin’ Cajun” considers to be the compelling aspects of liberal hopes amid comments on current politics.

Not to be left behind, young adults can find inspiration in:

“Ana’s Story: A Journey of Hope” by Jenna Bush:

Based on her internship work with UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Relief organization, President Bush’s daughter reveals the life of an HIV-positive young woman whose family died of AIDS yet looks forward to a better life.

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at www.newportbeachlibrary.org. For more information on the Central Library or any of the branches, please contact the Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.