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Gerry Conway
5.0 out of 5 stars Short and sweet, a non-partisan reality check
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2014
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One of the more frustrating arguments in political discussions is an argument about the terms and definitions being used in the argument. Kennedy's book acts like a political Scrabble dictionary -- it offers clear, non-partisan, fact based definitions of the basic elements involved in most political conversations: what's in the Constitution, how the economy works, what is science, and so forth. Before we can disagree about policy, we need to agree about the facts and our definitions. Kennedy's brief book goes a long way toward accomplishing that purpose.
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William L. Wilson
5.0 out of 5 stars An owner's manual for U.S. government
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2014
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Disclosure: the author is a colleague of mine.

As a citizen who is increasingly concerned about the lack of civic knowledge in this nation, I hope everyone reads this short book. When more people can name the Three Stooges than can correctly identify the three branches of government, our democracy and free society are at risk. We cannot, as a people, have a productive discussion about how to make our nation better is we do not understand how it works. Debate today is quite like circus clowns debating issues in particle physics. Unless the clowns happen to hold degrees in physics, their discussion is full of nonsense--they don't know what they are talking about.

Sadly, people who *should* know what they are talking about--politicians and pundits--often don't know. It is up to us as citizens to educate ourselves so that we know and we can hold our politicians accountable. We cannot rely on the media (left or right) to do it. It is up to us, and the first thing we must do is learn the basic lessons in this book.

Lest anyone think I feel this book is perfect, I do not. At times, the sentences get a little long. At other times, some explanations seem a bit too simple. It is hard to strike the right balance.

Still, this book will serve citizens well--if they read it. The short length and non-academic/legal writing that clogs other books is absent. Give this book to yourself and pass it around to as many people as you can. Whether you are a Tea Party member, an Occupy Wall Street member, or anyone in between, you will find a lot of useful information in this book--information that will make you a better debater and advocate for your cause.
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Sugar & Spice
5.0 out of 5 stars Kennedy's blog and enjoy reading her educated 'take' on our world nationally and ...
Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2016
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I subscribe to Ms. Kennedy's blog and enjoy reading her educated 'take' on our world nationally and locally. Talking Politics is a terrific foundational book, and I would so love to read a more in-depth analysis of each chapter by Ms. Kennedy.
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Jim Anderson
4.0 out of 5 stars Good very quick read
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2014
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I thought the book was well written and a good very brief introduction. I realize this may be slightly unfair as it is billed as a short introduction to the topic, but I thought just a little more would be better. Not dramatically more in depth, but this is so short as to leave important concepts touched on in literally a sentence or two. If nothing else, maybe a few more links or further reading section would be beneficial.
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PJ
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book--extremely well written by a long-time college professor who ...
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2017
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Excellent book--extremely well written by a long-time college professor who teaches about the Constitution in her classes. I've read the book, my husband has read it, and I sent a copy to my fifteen-year-old grandson.
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IndyDina
5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read that is easy to read!
Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2015
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Kennedy breaks down politics into understandable and useful information that everyone of voting age needs to know. Put aside your opinions based on misinformation and read this book. You'll learn a lot and be a better citizen!
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Crazybasenji
5.0 out of 5 stars Read this. Vote smart.
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2016
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There is a lot of sense in this short read. It should be required reading for introductory political science classes, and everyone else.
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rasras727
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2016
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This is a great little read that every one should read
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