BookShelf: In Beyond the Politics of Contempt
We can change the way we talk about politics. We can build a country where people treat each other with kindness and respect.
Learn real ways to talk better, listen better, and make things better—one conversation at a time.
Buy on Amazon →
Why This Book Can Help
Many people worry about our country's future. But there are real things you can do to make a difference.
What we're dealing with:
- Politics is causing fights between family members and friends
- People are afraid to talk about important topics
- Many feel like their voice doesn't matter
- It's hard to have calm conversations about difficult subjects
Good news: You have the power to change how politics affects your life. This book shows you how to start with yourself and the people around you.
What Makes This Book Different
This book gives you real tools you can use right away. It helps you understand what's happening AND gives you ways to make things better.
📚 Easy to Read
Short chapters and simple ideas you can understand and use quickly
🔍 Clear Explanations
Learn how we got here without anyone getting blamed
💭 Real Stories
The authors share times when they changed their minds or learned something new
✍️ Things to Try
Activities you can do to understand yourself and others better
You'll learn how to:
- Really listen when someone is talking (not just wait for your turn)
- Talk about hard topics without fighting
- Notice your own biases (things you believe without thinking)
- Find things you agree on, even with people who think differently
- Help your community become kinder
How to Use This Book
You can use this book by yourself or with other people. There's no wrong way to do it.
Read By Yourself
Go at your own speed. Think about the questions. Try the activities when you're ready.
Read with Others
Great for book clubs, church groups, or friends who want to talk together
Talk with Different People
Bring together people who don't agree on everything for real conversations
Fix Relationships
Help family or friends who stopped talking because of politics
This book works well for:
- Coworkers: Build better understanding at work
- Family members: Make family gatherings less stressful
- Neighbors: Build a stronger community where you live
- People you just met: Start new friendships
- Old friends: Make your friendships stronger
The authors want you to practice what they teach. Try the exercises. Talk with people who see things differently than you do.
Who Wrote This Book
Three people who work to bring different groups together wrote this book. They have different backgrounds and different political views.
Doug Teschner
Doug ran the Peace Corps in Ukraine and helped stop an epidemic in Guinea. He was a Republican state legislator in New Hampshire. Now he helps people from different political parties work together through Braver Angels.
Beth Malow
Beth is a doctor who works in public health and climate change. She gave a TEDx talk about talking to people about science. She helps run workshops where people with different views talk and listen to each other.
Becky Robinson
Becky runs a company that helps authors share their books. She wrote a book called Reach about getting your message to more people. When she saw how important this work is, she decided to help write this book.
Why it matters that they're different: The authors don't all think the same way about politics. But they worked together to write this book. They show that people who disagree can still respect each other and work together.
More Ways to Learn
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🤝 Join Braver Angels
A group bringing Americans together to have better conversations about politics
What is Braver Angels?
Braver Angels is a group that helps Americans talk to each other instead of fighting. They believe in respect, honesty, and listening. Their goal is not to change what you think about issues. Their goal is to change what you think about people who disagree with you.
- Workshops all over the country
- Trained leaders to help people have hard conversations
- Brings together people from both major political parties
- Focuses on respect and honest talk
