Unthinkable

Trauma, Truth, and the Trials of American Democracy

De: Jamie Raskin

Narrado por: Jamie Raskin

A #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER.

In this searing memoir, Congressman Jamie Raskin tells the story of the forty-five days at the start of 2021 that permanently changed his life—and his family’s—as he confronted the painful loss of his son to suicide, lived through the violent insurrection in our nation’s Capitol, and led the impeachment effort to hold President Trump accountable for inciting the political violence.

On December 31, 2020, Tommy Raskin, the only son of Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin, tragically took his own life after a long struggle with depression. Seven days later on January 6, Congressman Raskin returned to Congress to help certify the 2020 Presidential election results, when violent insurrectionists led by right wing extremist groups stormed the U.S. Capitol hoping to hand four more years of power to President Donald Trump. As our reeling nation mourned the deaths of numerous people and lamented the injuries of more than 140 police officers hurt in the attack, Congressman Raskin, a Constitutional law professor, was called upon to put aside his overwhelming grief—both personal and professional—and lead the impeachment effort against President Trump for inciting the violence. Together this nine-member team of House impeachment managers riveted a nation still in anguish, putting on an unprecedented Senate trial that produced the most bipartisan Presidential impeachment vote in American history.

Now for the first time, Congressman Raskin discusses this unimaginable convergence of personal and public trauma, detailing how the painful loss of his son and the power of Tommy’s convictions fueled the Congressman’s work in the aftermath of modern democracy’s darkest day. Going inside Congress on January 6, he recounts the horror of that day, a day that he and other Democrats had spent months preparing for under the correct assumption that they would encounter an attempted electoral coup—not against a President but for one. And yet, on January 6, he faced the one thing he had failed to anticipate: mass political violence designed to block Biden’s election. With an inside account of leading the team prosecuting President Trump in the Senate, Congressman Raskin shares never before told stories of just how close we came to losing our democracy that fateful day and lays out the methodical prosecution that convinced Democrats and Republicans alike of Trump’s responsibility for inciting insurrectionary violence against our government.

Through it all, he reckons with the loss of his brilliant, remarkable son, a Harvard Law student whose values and memory continually inspired the Congressman to confront the dark impulses unleashed by Donald Trump. At turns, a moving story of a father coping with his pain and a revealing examination of holding President Trump accountable for the violence he fomented, this book is a vital reminder of the ongoing struggle for the soul of American democracy and the perseverance that our Constitution demands from us all.

Unforgetttable

It was a true privilege to catch a glimpse of the emotions, the grief, the love for family and friends, his brilliance and his loyalty to this country. A truly remarkable man. His narration kept me hanging onto every word.
What an amazing President he would make!

Excellent Tribute to Tommy & American History

I am blown away by the incredible writing talent of Jamie Raskin who weaved a historical account of the darkest period in our American history and the darkest days of his life when he lost his precious Tommy, It was an honor and privilege to read about Tommy's spirit and his everlasting contribution to our society and the world. His goodness and humor touched all those who knew him and now to all readers who are fortunate enough to read this book. Excellent story of mourning and loss on a personal a societal level.

Wonderful on so many levels

Jamie Raskin‘s willingness to share the anguish of losing his beloved, incredible son followed by the horrible January 6 debacle less than a week later is just the beginning of the journey. Listening to his voice brought everything to life. Love of family, love of country, authentic care for those around him and more. I highly recommend reading (or listening!) from start to finish.

So inspiring

I decided to listen to this during my winter break from law school. It was easy to become immersed in Congressman Raskin’s story.
I cried several times and feel like I completed a Constitutional Law course.

Superb!

A fantastic book that speaks to the heart in ways that you would not expect when dealing with the politics of our times. Plus, Raskins command of the English language is off the chart!! His vocabulary is filled with adjectives that had me in stitches. By the time I finished the first chapter, I was wishing I had met Tommy. Well Done Jaime.