Democracy Awakening

Notes on the State of America

De: Heather Cox Richardson

Narrado por: Heather Cox Richardson

A New York Times Bestseller

A vital and urgent call to action about the precarious state of American democracy, charting its historical challenges and current threats, from one of our era’s most important and insightful historians, with a new afterword by the author.

“Magisterial.”–The Washington Post

“An excellent primer for anyone who needs the important facts of the last 150 years of American history–and how they got us to the sorry place we inhabit today.”–Guardian

At a time when the very foundations of American democracy seem under threat, the lessons of the past offer a road map for navigating a moment of political crisis. In Democracy Awakening, acclaimed historian Heather Cox Richardson delves into the tumultuous journey of American democracy, tracing the roots of Donald Trump’s “authoritarian experiment” to the earliest days of the republic. She examines the historical forces that have led to the current political climate, showing how modern conservatism has preyed upon a disaffected population, weaponizing language and promoting false history to consolidate power.

With remarkable clarity and the same accessible voice that brings millions to her newsletter, Letters from an American, Richardson wrangles a chaotic news feed into a story that pivots effortlessly from the Founders to the abolitionists to Nixon to the January 6 insurrection. An essential listen for anyone concerned about the state of America, Democracy Awakening is more than a history book; it’s a call to action. Richardson reminds us that democracy requires constant vigilance and participation from all of us, showing how we, as a nation, can take the lessons of the past to secure a more just and equitable future.

©2023 Heather Cox Richardson (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

The Washington Post's "50 Best NonFiction Books of 2023"

Kirkus Review's "2023 Best NonFiction Books of the Year"

“[Democracy Awakening] is the most lucid just-so story for Trump’s rise I’ve ever heard. It’s magisterial.”–Virginia Heffernan, Washington Post

“Necessary U.S. history ... an excellent primer for anyone who needs the important facts of the last 150 years of American history–and how they got us to the sorry place we inhabit today.”–Guardian US

“Heather Cox Richardson’s Democracy Awakening is an important addition to the burgeoning literature and scholarship on what I have characterized as America’s Third Reconstruction…she is at her best simply telling us the story of how we came to be living on the brink of ending our nearly 250-year democratic experiment.”–Peniel Joseph, Democracy

Provides much-needed context

Heather Cox Richardson is a first class historian/communicator. This is the second of her books that I have read and it was well worth the time. Some of it was recent events (though even those details fade fast in our 24/7 news cycle) but the real value is her dives into our history, always providing context. There is much caution, but real hope here. To paraphrase Franklin, we have a republic, if we can keep it. Here we are reminded that the self-interested forces arrayed against it have always been powerful, but not invincible.

The constitution gave us a great start, the realization depends upon us.

Heather didn't rewrite history with his book, what she did was to add dimension, texture, and detail that was left out of our sterile history books. Thank you once again for articulating the issues that keep us from being the greatest country in the world.

Excellent book for our time

She excellently weaves our history into our current political turmoil. This is a fantastic book to gain perspective on our current political and economic situation. History repeats itself multiple times. WOW!

Insightful and concise review of American political history

Outstanding book. Excellent performance as well. Essential reading to provide context for the dysfunctional state of us politics today.

A must read for every American.

I challenge, no, I dare every American of voting age to read Democracy Awakening before you cast your next ballot.

So enlightening!

Very concise and informative, covering our nation’s search of true democracy. I learned a lot about our history and those who played a part in it.

A warning

I read HCR’s letters everyday. She has brought an important historical context to where we are today. It may have been quite a while since many people studied American History and the founding of our Democracy. I urge people to read this book as a refresher and to educate themselves before they vote in the next election.

Clear, powerful

This should be read by every American of every age. HCR is a rare treasure, as she tells our story with clarity and compassion

HCR is my hero

I’m wish this book could be included in every civics course. She explains what Democracy is and why the party of Lincoln no longer honors his vision. It is sad. But with understanding, there is hope.

A fast and furious, narrow, track of America

Beginning to now, the American story with the Left vs Right public attitudes as central perspective. No unexplained deviations.