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 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

Critic reviews

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

What happened and why it matters

HCR will tell you she is not a journalist but rather a historian. In that spirit it is her job to tell us not simply what happened, but why it matters. She provides, in a compelling & comprehensive context, a stark view of the state of Democracy.

Her writing style is enthralling.

This is one of those books where you may want to gift it to some of your more conservative-minded friends and family that have been duped by the nefarious actors who have hijacked the Republican Party of our time.

A call to action

What a great summary of our history of almost failed democracy. Not quite reaching full equality. Multiple times since the founding of America the beautiful. Here we are again on the brink. We need to wake up and find the courage to fight for our democracy, for our freedom. Vote BLUE!!

Incredible - a must read

I’ve never been much of a history buff and have not enjoyed political discussions. But as I’ve questioned how this country got to the state it’s in, I have found this book to be so clear and informative. I believe it’s a vital read for all who are able to vote. The author is extremely knowledgeable and has a way of making history come alive. I even felt a glimmer of hope at the end. Definitely recommend it!

Making sense of American History

If I were to have one American history book in my library, this would be it. HCR presents a well researched, narrative of American history explaining how and why America is the country it is today.

What a great book!

There was so much information in this book that I bought the hard cover version too!

A book for Patriots

A fantastic book. Noting how we got here and pointing out the fight is never over for an American vision to become better. The evil of some will always be trying to kill equality for all Americans and we should never let our guard down too long.
There is so much information in the early chapters that you will realize you must listen to the book more than once to really grasp all the facts in it.

Required Reading for Every American

For those of us so troubled by the state of our nation, Heather Cox Richardson helps make sense, step by step, of how we got to this head-shaking place in history. This book should be the basis for a national conversation to educate and inspire the principles of democracy we hold dear.

Listened straight through in one sitting

This book written and read by the author of Letters From an American, Heather Cox Richardson, gives an invaluable perspective of the events throughout American history and our quest for democracy that is both concise and highly organized. God bless America, and HCR.

An incisive look at American democracy

Dr. Richardson’s clear narrative of the history of American democracy takes the reader on a journey from before the US’s founding to the present. Her work tells not only of those who sought to turn the US into an autocracy, but more importantly, she explains how regular Americans fought for the rights of all. A powerful and engrossing listen. Once you start, you’ll have a hard time stopping.

Fascinating!!!!

I strongly recommend this book. Heather is incredibly smart and has a way of putting all the pieces of history together in a beautiful way.