The Reference Shelf: Representative American Speeches, 2021–2022

This laudable compilation of 39 influential speeches, press conferences, and commencement remarks over the past two years from politicians, policymakers, and newsmakers reflects the divergent philosophies of contemporary United States politics. President Biden and his administration are heavily represented, accounting for nearly half of the content. Speeches by Lindsey Graham, Brian Kemp, and several high-ranking House Republicans are also included. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s remarks about her historic nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court and Liz Cheney’s comments about her efforts to oppose former President Trump offer a sense of the range included here. All speeches are printed in their entirety with brief introductions and citations in Chicago, MLA, and APA styles. More explication about a speech’s impact would be welcomed, but that does not detract from the book’s usefulness as a quick reference for student reports and a representative sample of current events.