This Is Not Who We Are: Confessions Of An Election Official

by David Maeda

After the chaos of 2020, many of us came away looking for meaning and authentic connection. David Maeda’s This Is Not Who We Are could not be more timely or more relevant. In his memoir, David connects his own personal struggles—with finding purpose, romantic connections, and deep depression—to the greater struggles of average Americans during a pandemic and an intense election season.

David’s honest assessment of his own life, both the highs and lows, is entertaining and relatable. He regales us with stories that present what it looks like to orient toward the truth of oneself amidst the expectations and pressures of the world.

If you appreciate memoirs like Lost & Found by Kathryn Schulz or A Way Out of No A Memoir of Truth, Transformation, and the New American Story by Raphael G. Warnoc, This is Not Who We Are is for you.

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2024

Reviews

[Jon Fure · Rating 4 out of 5]

The word “confessions” in the title threw me off a little, because I associate that with wrongdoing, like confessions at church or whatever. This is a good book about someone who started working in government, eventually advanced his career in elections administration, and about his struggles with mental health. I hope more people read about this, because it’s unfortunately very common for some people to push a narrative that government workers are unethical, without any evidence. Election administrators in particular are being targeted with threats of violence, based on lies. The author points out the absurdity of the claims of elections being stolen. For example, he points out that you really wouldn’t know how many votes you need to add or change in order the outcome until you already have the data from precincts and counties. A mild criticism is that he explains that there is no evidence that the results were changed in 2020, but I think he could have added a little more detail about how there absolutely would be evidence of votes being added or changed. Hopefully some people will read this book and decide to actually work in a polling place or get a job in elections administration and actually figure out how to keep elections free and fair.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Maeda's "This is Not Who We Are: Confessions of an Election Official" is the kind of memoir that makes you question everything you thought you knew about democracy, personal crisis, and the haunting sadness of a pet’s death. Maeda blends his journey from Macalester College to his role as the Director of Elections for Minnesota with the intensity of someone trying to keep their mental health in check while overseeing the future of the free world. His tales of romantic mishaps and the not-so-glamorous days at Cheapo Records are as heartwarming as they are relatable, but what really shines is how he navigates the drama of election logistics like it’s his personal therapy session.

And just when you think it’s all about voter fraud and absentee ballots, Maeda effortlessly shifts to musing on the healing nature of losing a pet. It’s like if you combined the intensity of "The West Wing" with the emotional depth of a beloved cat's farewell. This is Not Who We Are is a masterclass in blending bureaucratic stress with heartwarming personal anecdotes.

[Wyatt Easton · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the strongest aspects of your book is the level of honesty you bring to your personal experiences. Your willingness to discuss difficult topics like depression, identity, and purpose makes the narrative feel authentic and relatable. Readers who have gone through similar internal struggles will likely find comfort in seeing those emotions articulated so openly. That said, there are moments where expanding further on specific emotional turning points would make the impact even stronger, allowing readers to fully sit with those experiences rather than moving past them too quickly.

[Merrill S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceptional personal insight into the lifetime experiences of a public servant dedicated to protecting our democracy, a Japanese American/Minnesotan, and an intellectual who has weathered the challenges of the pandemic and depression. David’s thoughts on music, the importance of our pets (particularly the feline kind), and the passing of one’s parents are both relatable and helpful in working through one’s own winding life roads.

[Sophia Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tying your personal journey to the events surrounding the 2020 election and the pandemic gives the book a strong sense of relevance. It helps position your story as part of a larger national conversation rather than just an individual memoir. However, in some sections, the connection between your personal experiences and the broader societal issues could be more deeply explored. Strengthening that bridge would make the narrative feel more cohesive and impactful.

[Amber Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your role as an elections official is a compelling angle that sets your story apart. Readers are naturally curious about what happens behind the scenes during such a pivotal time in history. Expanding more on this perspective, with specific anecdotes or insights, could significantly enhance the uniqueness of the book and give readers something they cannot easily find elsewhere.

[Roman Luca · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book does a good job of reflecting on personal struggles, but in some areas, the reflections feel surface-level. Readers often look for deeper insight into how and why certain changes occurred. Expanding on your thought processes and internal conflicts during key moments would provide greater depth and make your growth more compelling.

[Jenna Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The overall structure is understandable, but at times the flow can feel slightly uneven. Some sections move quickly through important experiences, while others linger on less critical moments. A more balanced pacing would help maintain reader engagement and ensure that the most impactful parts of your story receive the attention they deserve.

[Harriet Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book has a strong foundation and meaningful themes, but there is room to push it further. By adding more detailed storytelling, deeper reflection, and clearer connections between personal and societal elements, the overall impact could be significantly enhanced. The core message is there, it just needs to be sharpened.

[Hugo Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thoughtful and relevant memoir that tackles important personal and societal themes. It offers honesty, relatability, and a perspective shaped by a unique moment in time. With more depth, specificity, and narrative refinement, it has the potential to resonate even more strongly with readers and leave a lasting impression.