Healing Politics

A Doctor’s Journey into the Heart of Our Political Epidemic

By: Abdul El-Sayed

Narrated by: Abdul El-Sayed

Length: 10 hrs

Publisher's summary

A child of immigrants, Abdul El-Sayed grew up feeling a responsibility to help others. He threw himself into the study of medicine and excelled - winning a Rhodes Scholarship, earning two advanced degrees, and landing a tenure-track position at Columbia University. At age 30, he became the youngest city health official in America, tasked with rebuilding Detroit’s health department after years of austerity policies.

But El-Sayed found himself disillusioned. He could heal the sick - even build healthier and safer communities - but that wouldn’t address the social and economic conditions causing illness in the first place. So he left health for politics, running for governor of Michigan and earning the support of progressive champions like Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders.

In Healing Politics, El-Sayed traces the life of a young idealist, weaving together powerful personal stories and fascinating forays into history and science. Marrying his unique perspective with the science of epidemiology, El-Sayed diagnoses an underlying epidemic afflicting our country, an epidemic of insecurity. And to heal the rifts this epidemic has created, he lays out a new direction for the progressive movement. This is a bold, personal, and compellingly original book from a prominent young leader.

©2020 Abdul El-Sayed. Published in 2020 by Abrams Press, an imprint of ABRAMS, New York. All rights reserved (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing

Amazing

Truly an amazing book. It feels so good to hear the voice of truth and reason. Abdul will forever change the future of this country. This book is just the start.

Masha’Allah, you killed it bro! Allah yihmeek

From your fellow Muslim Palestinian sis, you truly killed it! I enjoyed every second of your book, Masha’Allah. Thank you for the work you do!

Eye-opening walk with Dr El-Sayed

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed gives a narrative of his personal and professional life draped against the backdrop of a political climate that is earning for a compass to provide direction. I enjoyed hitting “play” every time as I found a spare moment at work or on my drive. He provides the analysis of politics as only an epidemiologist could by relating contemporary political stances and issues to the figurative and literal health of our nation. Thought-provoking and insightful

A shift is coming~

This book came right on time, in the midist of an epidemic. When holes in the USA various systems are easily seen. Dr. Sayed shifts the focus on how politics are discussed by utilizing an empathetic lens. He makes each individual story so relatable. There is a shift in how we work and view politics and Dr. Sayed makes me so hopefully for the shift!

A bright star in the future of health and politics

This audiobook is read by Abdul El-Syed and it breaks down three major parts of his life.

We start with a glimpse of Abdul’s upbringing and struggles of trying to find his voice and place in the USA post 9-11. He pushed through the naive hatred and distain for people who “looked” like a terrorist and found his way into medical school. He met his wife, pushed his knowledge and continued to learn and see how the world was changing for the better only for those who controlled the power and finances.

The next phase follows his path in the health department. His struggles to make real change happen and treading through the mud to help throw a lifeline to underserved communities.

We then finish up with Abdul’s impressive run for Michigan’s Governor office with no prior political experience. Although his narrow lose in the primaries was heart breaking to his supporters, the lessons learned and bonds made with folks like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez solidified his vision that could be for the future generations.

Throughout the book, he paints a picture of his past experiences and world knowledge of how governments and regimes can and do stifle its citizens. He follows that with the proverbial “why aren’t we doing better” attitude in which he obviously doesn’t just sit around for the answer. Abdul finally paints us his picture of a state of the USA where equal rights shouldn’t need marches or to be fought for; instead we should elect leaders who know how to govern with their hearts and minds.

I highly recommend this book and the audio version is that much better just to hear Abdul’s voice!

Meh

If you've heard one speech by him, you've heard them all....and you've heard all of the material in this book, too.