Just a book. Not a screed. Let's not fight. Geez.

Where We Go from Here: Two Years in the Resistance by Bernie Sanders
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this book, and not just because I like Bernie Sanders. I also like his breezy writing style, his cadence; it's impossible not to hear his voice when you read. In fact, that may be one of his gifts--sounding like himself!

Those who hate the man will no doubt hate the book, so I don't recommend this for those who get triggered. Supporters will probably react like me--this is good, though there's not a lot of new stuff here. I liked the way it comes across mostly as a journal, a real-time look at the resistance under Trump, and his speeches, reproduced here verbatim, are fine, but mostly repeat what we already know he stands for. It reads quick, though, and there are some details that come out about his interactions with other big names that are interesting.

I will say that those who despise him or mistrust his motivations or think he is self-aggrandizing rather than sincere, if they WERE to read it, would have to work really hard to still convince themselves he's not being entirely genuine. It's not just that the issues he supports are all those that help people and not corporations or the already-wealthy. In addition, he talks up other people who have a similar message, amplifying their voices.

He spends a lot of time talking about the public servants he supports who are doing the job, or public figures or candidates who represent the movement, people like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Michael Moore, Linda Sarsour, Andrew Gillum, Raul Grijalva, Ben Jealous, Stacey Abrams, John Fetterman, Reverend Barber, and many others. The way he fights for the middle class and working class, and the way he supports others who do the same, looks suspiciously genuine. (I mean, seriously, it totally does.)

Others may disagree. I get it. Except I don't get it. Not really.

Anyway, this is a good read for those looking to be encouraged in the fight. Maybe a way to learn a few more names of like-minded politicians to support and watch out for, too. Those who should read this already know who they are.

View all my reviews