After lengthy and careful consideration, I’d like to suggest that there are three books which should be mandatory reading before anyone, at any level, would be allowed to run for an elected office.
Those three books are:
1984 by George Orwell
Animal Farm (also by Orwell)
and finally
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
Alright, that probably requires some explanation. Basically, I can summarize my thoughts this way: Orwell builds a good case against big government and tyrants – whereas Ayn Rand builds the case against social leaches. IMHO, both are valid considerations that are needed in our society today.
Vernon Pope 
I am going to watch the movie versions of Animal Farm. There is one version from 1954 and one from 1999. This should be interesting.
I don’t find the reviews of the 1999 version to be encouraging. “Loose adaptation” could mean anything – including that it throws in some totally original message that is in keeping with the director’s or producer’s political agenda. You might want to re-read the book after watching it.
Don’t forget reading them with true understanding and also applying the knowledge …. 😀