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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
This book wasn’t on my 2025 reading list, but it caught my eye while browsing the shelves at my local library for Constitutional literature. Out of habit, I flipped to a random section in the middle—something I often do—and ten minutes later, I was still standing there, absorbed. That little sample was all it took to bring it to the checkout counter.
Honestly, I didn’t realize just how much I needed this book right now.
Growing up, Dan Rather was a steady, balanced voice of reason—one I recall seeing and hearing often as he reported on the world unfolding around me. Comparing that age to the chaotic present is both comforting and unnerving. Today, we live in a time flooded with misinformation and disinformation. I long for the kind of measured, vetted journalism that Rather represents. While modern tools have expanded access to information, they’ve also made the task of discerning truth from falsehood far more difficult.
In this book, Rather reflects on his own life—his childhood during the Great Depression, his coverage of defining moments like the Civil Rights Movement, WWII, the Moon landing, Korea, and Vietnam. He writes with nostalgic clarity, honesty, and a deeply patriotic tone. Through these personal stories, he paints a broader picture of America: who we’ve been, who we are, and who we could be.
I consider What Unites Us a modern patriotic classic. It’s a must-read for anyone willing to take an honest look at American history—acknowledging our failings, celebrating our achievements, and seeking a way forward that embraces the whole story.
We live in a wild, divisive time, where tribalism and vitriol often rule the day. But Rather reminds us that we’ve been here before. And if history is any guide, we’ll be here again. Still, from these bitter moments, a spirit can rise—one that strives to build something better beyond the present pain.
This book struck a personal chord. In an era where our leaders often seem to fail their oaths—or worse, actively work to undo our progress—I needed this perspective. It renewed my resolve to see these hard times through. And maybe, just maybe, my children will someday look back on this era not just as a time when we fell—but as one when we rose again to preserve and expand liberty for the generations to come.
The American story should be one of diversity, equality, and inclusion. If we embrace that truth together, we’ll be a stronger, wiser, and more united people.
Honestly, I didn’t realize just how much I needed this book right now.
Growing up, Dan Rather was a steady, balanced voice of reason—one I recall seeing and hearing often as he reported on the world unfolding around me. Comparing that age to the chaotic present is both comforting and unnerving. Today, we live in a time flooded with misinformation and disinformation. I long for the kind of measured, vetted journalism that Rather represents. While modern tools have expanded access to information, they’ve also made the task of discerning truth from falsehood far more difficult.
In this book, Rather reflects on his own life—his childhood during the Great Depression, his coverage of defining moments like the Civil Rights Movement, WWII, the Moon landing, Korea, and Vietnam. He writes with nostalgic clarity, honesty, and a deeply patriotic tone. Through these personal stories, he paints a broader picture of America: who we’ve been, who we are, and who we could be.
I consider What Unites Us a modern patriotic classic. It’s a must-read for anyone willing to take an honest look at American history—acknowledging our failings, celebrating our achievements, and seeking a way forward that embraces the whole story.
We live in a wild, divisive time, where tribalism and vitriol often rule the day. But Rather reminds us that we’ve been here before. And if history is any guide, we’ll be here again. Still, from these bitter moments, a spirit can rise—one that strives to build something better beyond the present pain.
This book struck a personal chord. In an era where our leaders often seem to fail their oaths—or worse, actively work to undo our progress—I needed this perspective. It renewed my resolve to see these hard times through. And maybe, just maybe, my children will someday look back on this era not just as a time when we fell—but as one when we rose again to preserve and expand liberty for the generations to come.
The American story should be one of diversity, equality, and inclusion. If we embrace that truth together, we’ll be a stronger, wiser, and more united people.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
informative
slow-paced
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
A hopeful reminder of shared American values and the ways they have moved us through challenging times in the past.
Inoffensive book. If you like basically lists of reasons to love America, but expanded, this is a nice feel-good book. However, I don't think he hit on anything profound, at least that left an impression on me.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
slow-paced
Felt very detached from current reality, and as though it probably would have felt like that even in the first Trump administration. Good different viewpoint, but not my favorite