Kim Carr's new book on Labor before poll FORMER federal government minister Kim Carr is joining fellow Kevin Rudd backer Chris Bowen in releasing a book on the Labor Party before the September 14 election. Senator Carr's book, A Letter to Generation Next - why Labor?, will focus on those in generations X and Y who have left the party and believe it does not represent social justice, reform and equality. The Victorian Left senator's book is set to be released in August, while Mr Bowen's on how modern Labor must govern is due out in July. Senator Carr says there is growing hostility to progressive parties and politics generally but that should not deter the current generation of social democrats. "This book is an attempt to explain why we should still give a damn," Senator Carr said in a statement on Tuesday. It's an argument to stick with Labor and believe in the progressive cause, no matter how tough the conditions may now seem. His book will make the case to reinvigorate the Australian Labor Party. The senator stood down from his human services ministry in March after Mr Rudd failed to challenge Prime Minister Julia Gillard after former Arts Minister Simon Crean called for a leadership spill. Senator Carr was also a former minister of innovation, industry, science and research who was dumped from cabinet in December 2011. Both books will be released by Melbourne University Publishing.