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reading_rachel's review
4.0
I look forward to the Pantsuit Politics podcast episodes each week, and I took my time working through Sarah and Beth’s book because I wanted to stop and think about each thing they had to say. I like how they guide and provide a chance for reflection without telling readers and listeners, “this is what you need to do.” I plan on coming back to this in the audio form, because I just love hearing Sarah and Beth talk about everything. Read this, then buy a copy for someone you know. Or give your rep a copy.
jenni_r's review
4.0
The mark of a good work of Non fiction with action steps and things to think about is that once I’m done, it’a loaded with highlights and post it tabs!
This is one of those books!
This is one of those books!
deecreatenola's review
4.0
I'm a huge fan of Pantsuit Politics and never miss an episode, so I feared that this would just be repetitive for me. I couldn't have been more wrong. Although the themes are similar to the work they do every day, this book really goes beyond the show, taking a topic in every chapter and showing how we can discuss hard things with grace and nuance to find common ground. This should be required reading for office - any office.
My only quibble is with the ham-fisted religious content. I won't say that the podcast never includes religion, but when it does it's very natural. It's Sarah or Beth talking about their lives and history, and how religion plays into that related to the topic at hand. It's minimal - not part of every podcast. Since this book was published by a publisher of Bibles and other religious books, I believe they were encouraged to include Scripture in almost all of their chapters and for me, it just doesn't flow naturally here. I'm not at all saying that they don't each have a real spiritual/religious connection - they do - but their natural presentation is not so overt and that felt false here.
That, however, was minor in the grand scheme of things. This book would be great in classroom or small group discussions. We need to stop saying we don't discuss politics. The problem is that we don't know how to talk politics and we need to. Our legislators need to and they're the worst. Let's learn how to talk to each other and cross that divide.
My only quibble is with the ham-fisted religious content. I won't say that the podcast never includes religion, but when it does it's very natural. It's Sarah or Beth talking about their lives and history, and how religion plays into that related to the topic at hand. It's minimal - not part of every podcast. Since this book was published by a publisher of Bibles and other religious books, I believe they were encouraged to include Scripture in almost all of their chapters and for me, it just doesn't flow naturally here. I'm not at all saying that they don't each have a real spiritual/religious connection - they do - but their natural presentation is not so overt and that felt false here.
That, however, was minor in the grand scheme of things. This book would be great in classroom or small group discussions. We need to stop saying we don't discuss politics. The problem is that we don't know how to talk politics and we need to. Our legislators need to and they're the worst. Let's learn how to talk to each other and cross that divide.
cammielawton's review
5.0
I love Beth and Sarah and their approach to managing the necessary nuance involved in life, relationships and politics.
jazzsonnet's review against another edition
3.0
There was much to applaud here, especially the parts about embracing discomfort, leaving silos, and seeking nuance. However, as much as the authors did discuss their Christian faith, they stopped shy of discussing a true biblical theology of political engagement or how a biblical perspective might steer Christians toward particular political views but not others -- I found this a bit disappointing. I also felt like the book could have benefited from some more editing: the concept of primers was introduced twice, each time as if it hadn't been mentioned before, and overall the book read more like a behind-the-scenes story of the authors' podcast than a standalone book. Even though this book is only a few years old, it already feels a bit dated -- I'd be curious to hear what the authors would have to say about the politicization of the pandemic, election denialism, January 6 and the rise of Christian nationalism, etc. -- maybe I should check out their podcast!
twhittie's review
5.0
Really enjoyed their down to earth perspectives. Great reminder that empathy is what will really bring about change.
violettwilight's review
5.0
I love the Pantsuit Politics podcast and I was so happy when I heard they were writing a book. I love the nuance they bring to all subjects, politics and personal. This book is a wonderful guide to help you navigate the tricky waters of political debate. We need to talk about politics and we need to do it with our minds and hearts open. We need to remember that every one is coming from their own place and we can't just yell to get our point across. Thank you for this guide to help all of us talk to the other side. Note: I preordered this book and the publisher allowed me to read the book early.
jlynncarter1514's review
3.0
The title of this book drew me in since political conversations can be tricky. I did take away some meaningful applications from this book, but the book was not exactly what I hoped it would be.
emilyholladay's review
5.0
I can’t believe it took me so long to finally read this book, but I also feel like it came around for me at the perfect time. I have learned so much from Sarah and Beth, and this book is no exception. I can’t wait for Now What?
daniellearider's review
5.0
I underlined half of the book, if that is any indication of how important and relevant I think this is. Written by two moms who are both trained as lawyers, each sitting on the opposite sides of many political issues, this book teaches how to bring grace to political discussions and how to lead with vulnerable "why"s instead of showing up to any political conversation armed for battle.
disclaimer:
This is written from the POV of white, Christian women. As such, the writing is absolutely influenced with that perspective, which they own from the outset. If reading about that perspective is not something you find constructive or helpful, you will not enjoy this book. If your faith does, however, help inform your worldview, you will really appreciate how they infuse that into each chapter.
disclaimer:
This is written from the POV of white, Christian women. As such, the writing is absolutely influenced with that perspective, which they own from the outset. If reading about that perspective is not something you find constructive or helpful, you will not enjoy this book. If your faith does, however, help inform your worldview, you will really appreciate how they infuse that into each chapter.