Author: Heather Cox Richardson
Publication Information: Viking. 2023. 304 pages.
ISBN: 0593652967 / 978-0593652961
Rating: ★★★★★
Book Source: I received this book through NetGalley free of cost in exchange for an honest review.
Opening Sentence: "America is at a crossroads."
Favorite Quote: "Democracies die more often through the ballot box than at gunpoint."
In 2019, Heather Cox Richardson, a professor of history at Boston College started a daily newsletter titled Letters from an American, "a newsletter about the history behind today's politics." The newsletter speaks on current events of the day/week through the lens of American history. Currently, the newsletter has over 1.4 million subscribers.
This book is a curated collection of both the news and the history that has led our nation to this point in history. Through history, the book presents a definitive political point of view. My guess is that if that does not agree to your world view, you are not likely to read to this book. If you do read it, you may not agree with much that is presented.
I read the Dr. Richardson's newsletters and this book as a student, looking to be educated. The newsletters and the book present a lot of information compacted into a small space. A lot! Both the newsletters and the book come with copious notes as to the research sources used. About 20% of this book in fact is the "Notes" or bibliography for those wishing to take an even deeper dive into the history.
That being said, this is not an academic tome. Rather it is for the public lay person interested in history and politics. The book looks and feels like and reads very much like the daily newsletters. It is likely a compendium of the information presented in the newsletter. Different method of presentation, perhaps reaching a different audience. The book is in fact dedicated "to the people who have joined me in exploring the complex relationship between history, humanity, and modern politics - this book is yours as much as it is mine."
The book is set up in three main sections: Undermining Democracy, The Authoritarian Experiment, and Reclaiming America. Within each section are ten chapters presenting history and connecting the dots to the current day politics. This book is her explanation of how the nation got here not necessarily where the nation goes from here. That should be and hopefully will be decided at the ballot box.
Based on the references and notes presented in the newsletters and the book, I am reminded daily of how much of the history of our nation I do not know. At times, I wish I had the knowledge to analyze what I am reading to determine if I too would reach the same conclusion. To me, a healthy skepticism is necessary to any view on history and politics. That being said, I am grateful for the knowledge Dr. Richardson shares in this book and on a daily basis.
Please share your thoughts and leave a comment. I would love to "talk" to you.
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