What You Need to Read: The Mitt Romney Summer Book List

July 18, 2012 -- intro: Bookstore shelves may be loaded with books on President Obama, but there's no shortage of material on GOP candidate Mitt Romney. Books on the former Massachusetts governor can be found with topics ranging from his Mormon faith to policy. Since there's nothing on TV but summer reruns and negative campaign ads, here are some books on Mitt to get to know the candidate better.

Check Out Obama's Summer Reading List HERE

quicklist: 1title: In His Own Words: Written By Mitttext: Mitt has two books he authored: "No Apology: Believe in America" and "Turnaround: Crisis, Leadership, and the Olympic Games" co-authored by Mitt Romney and Timothy Robinson. Both books detail Romney's vision for America and what he has done or intends to do to fulfill that vision. The first part of the title of "No Apology" (released in 2010) and is a play off of Romney's contention that President Obama had apologized for past American actions during trips abroad, while the back half suggests Romney's unfaltering belief in American exceptionalism.

The second book, "Turnaround: Crisis, Leadership, and the Olympic Games," is co-authored by Romney and delves into his successes as CEO of the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. His turnaround of the disorganized and debt-plagued games is something Romney mentions frequently in his campaign.

No Apology: Believe in America (2011)

Turnaround: Crisis, Leadership, and the Olympic Games (2007)

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quicklist: 2title: Biographiestext: Who is Mitt Romney? His pristine appearance, even temper and relatively private personal life constantly may have some Americans asking: Who is this guy? Authors Ron Scott, Michael Kranish and Scott Helman have written two books to shed some light upon our potential next president. Scott's "Mitt Romney: An Inside Look at the Man and his Politics" delves into the character, convictions, successes and downfalls of the GOP presumptive nominee.

In their bio, Boston Globe reporters Kranish and Helman hope to discover the "Real Romney" by digging up personal stories of his past (including the well-publicized time at Cranbrook prep school in Michigan) as well as the components of his professional life.

Mitt Romney: An Inside Look at the Man and His Politics (2011)

The Real Romney (2012)

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quicklist: 3title:The Mormon Questiontext: Mitt Romney is a Mormon presidential contender who has mostly avoided talking directly about his faith. Multiple books have been released criticizing Romney's ability to lead as a Mormon practitioner. "A Mormon in the White House?: 10 Things Every American Should Know about Mitt Romney" was authored by radio personality Hugh Hewitt and released in 2007. It offers a theory that a Mormon cannot serve as president. In his book, Hewitt analyzes Romney's vows of conservatism as well as him credentials as a leader to support this theory.

Tricia Erickson's "Can Mitt Serve The Two Masters?: The Mormon Church Vs. The Office of the Presidency of the United States of America" delves into the practices of Mormonism while comparing those values with those of Romney which she believes to be socially and fiscally liberal.

Not all authors reject the idea of Mormons serving in the Oval Office, but they do recognize its challenges. "The Mormon Faith of Mitt Romney: What Latter-Day Saints Teach and Practice" written by non-Mormon pastor and author Andrew Jackson presents an inside look into Romney's faith providing its history as well as potential implications Romney will face if elected president.

"The Mormon Quest for the Presidency: From Joseph Smith to Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman" written by co authors Newell G. Bringhurst and Craig L. Foster analyzes the quest of politicians running for the presidency and struggling to defend their Mormon faith through their journey. Some of the 11 American politicians who ran for the highest office include: Joseph Smith, Morris "Mo" Udall, Orrin Hatch, Jon Huntsman Jr., and father of GOP candidate George Romney.

A Mormon in the White House?: 10 Things Every American Should Know about Mitt Romney (2007)

Can Mitt Serve The Two Masters?: The Mormon Church Vs. The Office of the Presidency of the United States of America (2011)

The Mormon Faith of Mitt Romney: What Latter-Day Saints Teach and Practice (2012)

The Mormon Quest for the Presidency: From Joseph Smith to Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman (2011)

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quicklist: 4title: Pro-Romney-as-Presidenttext: Though there is a wealth of books criticizing politicians, supporters of these candidates voice their opinions too. "Political Power: Mitt Romney" sees Romney as "The Great White Hope in the 2012 Presidential Election," praising him as the front running presidential nominee.

Authors Lisa Ray Turner and Kimberly Field have also tried to dispel negative press surrounding Mitt Romney by shedding light on his successes at Bain Capital as well as those concerning the 2002 Olympics in "Mitt Romney: The Man, His Values, and His Vision." These writers examine Romney as a man of exceeding ability and will to lead.

Political Power: Mitt Romney (2011)

Mitt Romney: The Man, His Values, and His Vision (2007)

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quicklist: 5title:Romney's Policiestext: "Mitt Romney in His Own Words" by Philip Hines and released in 2012, gives an A-Z rundown on the stances of the GOP nominee. It covers Romney's take on everything from abortion to his quotes on the U.S. auto industry. It also delves into his domestic and social issues policies, national security, the economy, health care, and much more. This book includes quotes from Romney speeches, press releases, TV appearances and more to present himself as well as personal accounts of his life and how those experiences have potentially shaped the political views.

Mitt Romney in His Own Words (2012)

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