Michael Gerson served as a speechwriter and policy adviser to George W. Bush. He joined the Washington Post as a columnist after leaving the White House. Defiant Hope is an enviable legacy of his gift for the written word. It consists mostly of Post columns, but the first two extended essays are riveting lessons in American history that trace the tension between Calvinism and Methodism to the political dissatisfaction of the American colonists with their British brethren.

Gerson left us too early, aged only 58 years, having succumbed to the cancer whose diagnosis he discussed in one of the book’s columns. A self-described evangelical Christian, he was concerned about the adverse effects that modern politics had on the role of religion in American life. His political stances can fairly be characterized as Bulwarkian. I disagreed with much of what he wrote, but Gerson’s implacable love for humanity (and dogs), a thing increasingly rarely seen in reference to political antagonists, was rewarding to witness all the same.

This collection of essays from Michael Gerson about life, faith, and freedom is really valuable and you should get your time to enjoy this epic book. No wonder that Gerson is the chief speech writer for George W. Bush.

Overall, this is a collection of interesting and even inspiring essays. At times, the topics felt disjointed from each other, even within essays, and not everything in the book was "hopeful." Generally, however, the essays suited the title. I don't agree with Gerson on everything (which had no impact on my rating), but readers who can put politics aside will, I hope, appreciate his courage to defy the party line for what he believes is right and true. I would love to see more compassion and true Christian living from American conservatives. I'm planning to buy this book for others because there were some great quotes I highlighted in my Kindle.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced review copy. I post this review with my honest opinions. It will be published on Amazon closer to the book's publication.

3.5 ⭐️’s

This book is a collection of speeches and essays written by the late Michael Gerson. Perfect for history buffs who follow early Christian thought leaders that shaped the Protestant faith. Not being familiar with the author’s previous work, I was sold by the title and premise. In my view, the essays on hope were buried in the historical essays - but once I found them about halfway in, I appreciated the how the author pointed us to Christ as our beacon of hope. I related most to the essays on faith, family, and the author’s heroes.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review an ARC.