Reader recommendation: Cicero

Monitor readers share their favorite book picks.

January 7, 2011

Cicero: The Life and Times of Rome's Greatest Politician by Anthony Everitt demonstrates that our politicians – both Democrats and Republicans – are very much like the senators of Rome. What has really stuck with me is how the Roman leaders lied, used gang members to stage and stir up public sentiment, and were basically out for themselves. As for both today's liberals and conservatives, I wish I could leave the country while both sides duke it out and come back when America gets an Augustus as its leader.