Democracy Awakening

Notes on the State of America

By: Heather Cox Richardson

Narrated by: 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 read 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.

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!

A wonderfully informative and enlightening read.

You’ve lived through half the book, and the other half you mostly know. However, when you stack it all together, the through line is informative and enlightening. I recommend it for everyone. Plus H. C. Richardson has a wonderful voice for reading.

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.