We are Indivisible: A Blueprint for Democracy After Trump is all politics. Authors Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin started a grassroots movement in the wake of the 2016 election results. In this book, they explain what led to those results, and what the potential repercussions are. More importantly, they lay out a six-point agenda to help restore democracy. As they say, “small d” democracy.

The book balances idealism and practical strategies, including examples of how Indivisible groups around the country started holding their elected officials accountable. Reading it, I felt inspired again to get involved. And that’s Greenberg and Levin’s point, I think. First they want to document what’s been successful in the past 3 ½ years, and historically before that. Second, they want people to reach out and do more as we approach the 2020 election and its results.

My conclusions
Their agenda is ambitious, and the authors know it. Indivisible can’t be accused of playing small. The items on their list start by eliminating the fillibuster. Then they move on to democratizing both House and Senate. And more. Not playing small, right? But understand, this agenda isn’t the book’s opener. Greenberg and Levin offer plenty of explanatory lead-in information.

And none of it will happen if the White House, Senate, or House remain controlled but the GOP. So, my main takeaway from this book is to get involved in every race that affects me. House, Senate, and Presidential.

One major additional topic is voter suppression, and Indivisible groups already fight hard against this. Greenberg and Levin offer plenty of reasons why making sure everyone votes is a positive thing.

My final comment is that these authors mention many political and history books. I can’t find a list in the ARC I have, nor on their web site. It’s so substantive that I’m considering developing my own bibliography, even if no on sees it but me. I love when a book sends me to 10 more good books!

I recommend this book if the political process this year or any other year interests you. It’s highly informational and inspiring.

Acknowledgements
Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria / One Signal Publishers, and the authors for the opportunity to read a digital ARC in exchange for this honest review.

WE ARE INDIVISIBLE is written by former Congressional staffers Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin. They are the co-founders and co-executive directors of Indivisible whose guide ("a short civic textbook with a snarky edge") you have no doubt heard about, perhaps read or even acted upon. According to the authors, this new book is "part movement memoir, part civics how-to guide, and part blueprint for doing away with Trump and building a real representative democracy after he's gone."Even if you do not agree with all of their views, you will likely still find WE ARE INDIVISIBLE to be a fascinating read. It is basically split into three sections:
• the first discusses structural flaws (e.g., gerrymandering) and the growth of "dog whistle politics" as well as the need for building and harnessing constituent power;
• the second focuses on winning and includes nineteen Indivisible lessons (e.g., people have opinions, groups have power or mobilizing versus organizing); and
• the third section is called "A Blueprint for Democracy," offering suggestions for a Day One Democracy Agenda.
Greenberg and Levin include many, many details and real life examples of Indivisible activists around the country. They also refer to historical figures and events. For example, did you know that more than 40 years ago, President Carter proposed political reforms to allow universal same-day voter registration, public financing of elections, election security provisions and a Constitutional Amendment to eliminate the Electoral College? And I loved the repeated references to Shirley Chisolm's comment: "If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." As the authors admit, "our focus is on federal-level reforms" and even though many policies could be adopted at a state or local level, there is not as much specific guidance for doing so. They do include over twenty pages of notes and sprinkle numerous "conversational" footnotes throughout the book. There is much to think about here and perhaps perspective or facts which are new for you. Another example is that "in 2040, half the population will live in just eight states. That means half the population will have sixteen senators and the other half will have eighty-four senators." Here's another look and some graphics on those statistics from The Washington Post. WE ARE INDIVISIBLE is an inspiring take on civic engagement.
Links in live post:
https://indivisible.org/guide
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/politics/wp/2018/07/12/in-about-20-years-half-the-population-will-live-in-eight-states/

This was such a thoughtful and informative book. We are Indivisible was well written and thought-provoking and even though I don't agree with every idea, I loved learning more about their points and what they stand for.

Their observations were insightful and I learned a lot about how to start and power a grassroots movement. I especially enjoyed the section on problems and potential solutions to our current democracy. If you are looking to get more informed in politics during this important year ahead, I highly recommend this.

Thank you to Atria Books for an advanced copy.

This is one of the dopiest books that I have ever encountered. The authors, husband, and wife, all very well matched. They are both loons.