This is a message sent to me by a politically liberal acquaintance after reading How Contempt Destroys Democracy. She lives in an area surrounded by Trump voters.
Wanted to let you know how much I have gotten out of reading your book. There has been a gentle shift in my thinking. It did take me some time to finish it. I would read small bites of it and let it settle.
My [long time friend] flew in to visit last week. She and her [relatives] have been strong republicans since I have known them. [She] and I pretty much stay away from talking politics. Some of our past conversations, though always civil, have left the hair standing up on the back of my neck. This time was different and I attribute it to the wise words and ideas found while reading your book. It is as though I had a game plan. I anticipated pot holes and was more equipped to maneuver around them in an honest but simple way.
[During her visit] we talked every day about all the issues. It was fascinating. The three of us watched the debate together.
This morning my sister called. I had given her the book. She has just finished reading it. She also feels as though it has changed her perspective. She now feels as I do that this may be the only way forward. She knows who she is passing her book on to.
I know I still have much to learn on this subject but it gives me hope that there is some path to follow that feels almost unburdening.
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