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danacoledares's review against another edition
4.0
This, like McAlevey's other books, has been very helpful as I begin taking a more active role in my professional organization.
I found myself unclear on why/how gutting union power in WI led to the state going to Trump in 2016, and likewise, why/how reducing the power of labor organizations in the UK led to Brexit. It seems reasonable to me to suppose that workers who saw their rights being threatened or reduced would vote AGAINST those trying to do that more. And it wasn't explained in a way that I understood. It felt like it was taken as a given.
I really like the quote from Poor People's Movements at the start of ch 7: Moreover, at most times and in most places, and especially in the United States, the poor are led to believe that their destitution is deserved, and that the riches and power that others command are also deserved (199).
On the next page, McAlevey states, "Americans have come to trust business leaders far more than politicians, corporations more than government, and the individual more than the collective." I find myself reflecting on her choice of verb tense. Is this more true than it used to be? I'm really not certain. The American ethos and mythos has always been highly individualistic, and the nation was formed in resistance to a government perceived as oppressive.
Anyway, it was a book that encouraged me to think about what matters, and how to continue working toward what I care about. And I always like that.
I found myself unclear on why/how gutting union power in WI led to the state going to Trump in 2016, and likewise, why/how reducing the power of labor organizations in the UK led to Brexit. It seems reasonable to me to suppose that workers who saw their rights being threatened or reduced would vote AGAINST those trying to do that more. And it wasn't explained in a way that I understood. It felt like it was taken as a given.
I really like the quote from Poor People's Movements at the start of ch 7: Moreover, at most times and in most places, and especially in the United States, the poor are led to believe that their destitution is deserved, and that the riches and power that others command are also deserved (199).
On the next page, McAlevey states, "Americans have come to trust business leaders far more than politicians, corporations more than government, and the individual more than the collective." I find myself reflecting on her choice of verb tense. Is this more true than it used to be? I'm really not certain. The American ethos and mythos has always been highly individualistic, and the nation was formed in resistance to a government perceived as oppressive.
Anyway, it was a book that encouraged me to think about what matters, and how to continue working toward what I care about. And I always like that.
lrc52's review against another edition
4.0
Learned a ton about recent history of unions, picked up some thoughts on organizing, and gathered some tiny strands of hope for the future.
jellegraaf's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
dawsonthehughes's review against another edition
5.0
This book was fantastic, I would give it more stars if I could. It is a book all about organizing and I feel now like I understand the best path forward for the progressive movement. I recommend for anyone curious about unions, organizing work, leftist politics, or what to do when elections have let you down. I will definitely read this book again in the future.
Also shoutout to Young Democratic Socialists of America for hosting a book club around this book. I wouldn’t have found it otherwise
Also shoutout to Young Democratic Socialists of America for hosting a book club around this book. I wouldn’t have found it otherwise
dashtaisen's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
5.0
meggiemine's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
2.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death
Minor: Cancer and Terminal illness