Democracy in Retrograde

How to Make Changes Big and Small in Our Country and in Our Lives

By: Sami Sage, Emily Amick

Narrated by: Nikki Massoud

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

A whip-smart combo of self-help and political manifesto that is perfect for anyone who wants to save our democracy but doesn’t know where to start.

In today’s political climate, it’s hard not to get discouraged. Isolated, doom scrolling, lacking a sense of purpose or community...it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the dire state of American democracy and do nothing, because why try when the odds are never in our favor?

At this fragile moment in history, Emily Amick, lawyer and former counsel to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, alongside New York Times bestselling author and Betches Media cofounder Sami Sage, want to reframe civic engagement as a form of self-care: an assertion of one’s values and self-respect. This book is not just about voting, but about claiming your singular place in your country and community.

Including real stories of regular people who have made a difference along with helpful exercises and quizzes, Democracy in Retrograde is a choose-your-own-adventure map to civic engagement that will help you:

*Define your values and passions
*Understand how the system works, so it’s easier to know how to change it
*Match your personality, skills, resources, and interests, to meaningful actions within your community
*Implement changes (big and small) that matter
*Build a civic life that’s sustainable and authentic to you, whether you have only a few minutes to spare or are ready to make a lifetime commitment

Democracy in Retrograde will help you learn about much more than just political action. This book will provide a new lens through which to see yourself: a new and powerful light which bridges the personal and the political. In the words of Joan Baez, action is the antidote to despair, and with this helpful guide, even if Mercury is in retrograde, our democracy doesn’t have to be.

Don’t skip the end

Don’t skip the “additional resources” section at the end. The lessons on how the government works are great.

How to Democracy a realistic take!

Thank you for making this book. I am so inspired to start talking about it with my family and friends. It makes me both hopeful and a little angry, but I guess that’s the point if I want to see change.

So many resources

Such good information on how to get involved and (make friends) become a contributing member of a democratic society. So many good and practical ideas.
I have the hardcover to go along with the audio and that was really helpful.

Politics for beginners!

A great book for people interested in making change in the world even if they are not an elected official.

Take action in your political landscape- one step at a time

This is a must read for anyone who thinks “ugh what’s the point of voting or fighting for what I believe in? The other party is louder and my action doesn’t matter” this book gives you actionable plans that you can cater to how you would naturally get involved. I learned a lot in this book and I believe a lot of people would gain a ton from reading this book and doing something!