When I received a press release about Elizabeth Rusch's You Call This Democracy?, I knew I had to read it. It was right before the election, and it seemed like the perfect book for these times.
Now, I didn't read it before the election, but I did read it, and I'm so glad I did, even though this book is actually geared toward high schoolers and college-age voters. I was a little surprised at that when I actually received the book in the mail just because I had been expecting a traditional non-fiction book. Instead, Rusch and her publisher have crafted a book full of colorful pages and infographics that engage readers at every step.
Each chapter takes a look at a different issue impacting our government's ability to function effectively. From the electoral college (and abolishing it) to gerrymandering (and abolishing it) and electing leaders who represent the actual diversity of America, Rusch explains how democracy is supposed to work, what America's current leaders are doing to prevent that, and how today's generation can get involved to enact change.
That's probably the best part of this book: its resources! After each chapter, Rusch lists websites and organizations for readers to check out, encouraging them to join, write letters to the editor, volunteer, etc.
This is definitely an inspiring and empowering book, even for adults! I learned so much, had my eyes opened to things I didn't realize were going on, and, of course, felt spurred by anger to do something about it!
Hopefully, you will, too.
You Call This Democracy? is published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and is on bookstore shelves now. I received a free review copy.
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