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Now What?: How to Move Forward When We're Divided
From friendships to Facebook to far-off countries, what do we do when our lives seem mired in conflict? How do we find connection when our differences are constantly on display and even exacerbated by algorithms and echo chambers? How do we build a kinder society?
If you are tired of the anxiety, frustration, and fear that pervade your connections with other people, both online and in real life, Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers want you to know one thing--you are not alone. In this book they will help you understand the powerful connections you have with other people on a personal, community-based, national, and even international level. Then they show you how to
- engage your family with a spirit of curiosity
- listen closely to the anxieties and fears of your friends
- explore shared values within your community
- understand your work as a citizen in a diverse country
- hold lightly those things that are beyond your control around the world
The status quo isn't working. If you long to be a peacemaker and a positive influence in your spheres, Now What? is your door to a future that is characterized by hope, love, and connection despite our differences.
If you are tired of the anxiety, frustration, and fear that pervade your connections with other people, both online and in real life, Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers want you to know one thing--you are not alone. In this book they will help you understand the powerful connections you have with other people on a personal, community-based, national, and even international level. Then they show you how to
- engage your family with a spirit of curiosity
- listen closely to the anxieties and fears of your friends
- explore shared values within your community
- understand your work as a citizen in a diverse country
- hold lightly those things that are beyond your control around the world
The status quo isn't working. If you long to be a peacemaker and a positive influence in your spheres, Now What? is your door to a future that is characterized by hope, love, and connection despite our differences.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2022
132 people are currently reading
3277 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Stewart Holland
5 books283 followersBefore turning to the mic as the cohost of the political podcast Pantsuit Politics, Sarah wrote about parenting and politics on her blog bluegrass redhead. Her writing has also been published in the Atlantic, Huffington Post, Scary Mommy, and BlogHer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
April 26, 2022
As a longtime and loyal listener of Pantsuit Politics, I didn't find necessarily anything new in this book. After listening to Sarah and Beth multiple times per week for the past six years, this book was a way to reinforce their greatest hits in writing. I enjoyed reading it and spending more time with them, but I didn't necessarily feel like there were any new revelations. For those picking this book up without having that experience with them, this book will be revelatory. To me it was a nice visit with some ladies who have felt like friends for the past six years.
February 27, 2023
I love Sarah and Beth and pantsuit politics! Over the last 3ish years their podcast has helped me make sense of American politics (as much as that’s possible) but mostly just how to be gracious when we don’t agree with others politically. Echoing another review I read, this book was wonderful but for an avid listener of the podcast, it doesn’t necessarily feel like new information. Regardless I loved listening to it bc they read it and I was naturally teary at times. Always a good reminder to slow down, invest where you are, and care more about people and their stories than what their ballot says.
May 3, 2022
This is the second book co-authored by Beth Silvers and Sarah Stewart Holland, the hosts of my favorite podcast Pantsuit Politics. In this book, they talk about how we navigate difficult differences amongst ourselves and the relationships around us. Beginning with family of origin and working concentrically our to the family we create, friendships, work, to organizations we’re part of like church, clubs, schools; to local government, national politics and at the global level. In each area, the book walks through how Sarah and Beth have grappled with seeking connection over divide. With probing questions to ask ourselves and suggested conversation points, this book is both an easy read and thought-provoking. I am still mulling over the many sections that directly relate to my own life. Speaking from their own personal experiences and the feedback of their multifaceted audience, Sarah and Beth have created a warm and helpful book worth reading and passing along to loved ones.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book on kindle, but I’m thrilled to have it in hardback now to refer back to. I would recommend the audio version because they’re podcasters and this is them telling their stories, so as with their first book, I’m sure it’s great on audio. I gave this book a 5/5.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book on kindle, but I’m thrilled to have it in hardback now to refer back to. I would recommend the audio version because they’re podcasters and this is them telling their stories, so as with their first book, I’m sure it’s great on audio. I gave this book a 5/5.
January 6, 2023
Now What? is an attempt to work through differing levels of connection with people while having and political conflicts. How do we find connections when we are divided and when our differences feel so big? This book provides ways to engage family members with curiosity; listen closely to friends; explore shared values; how to help your community's understanding; and realize there are things you can't control. How can we focus on having discussions that help us learn more than change minds?
I devoured this book and thought the approach was fascinating. The authors make a bold assertion stating that loneliness appears to be at the center of political polarization. They discuss that we have political disagreements and that the context of that relationship is essential. They break down different categories of those we disagree with: coworkers, partners, children, and family members. This book gives people practical tips on how to deal with those relationships. We can be in relationships with people with opposite views if differences are handled with grace and respect.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
I devoured this book and thought the approach was fascinating. The authors make a bold assertion stating that loneliness appears to be at the center of political polarization. They discuss that we have political disagreements and that the context of that relationship is essential. They break down different categories of those we disagree with: coworkers, partners, children, and family members. This book gives people practical tips on how to deal with those relationships. We can be in relationships with people with opposite views if differences are handled with grace and respect.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
June 28, 2022
I have enjoyed Pantsuit Politics (the podcast) for many years. This book is a helpful organization of the principles that drive these women to engage in what feels unfixable. The chapters on friendship and community were revelatory.
May 21, 2022
Sarah and Beth, as always, show up with gentle insight, thoughtful challenge and incredible wisdom that all Americans could benefit from internalizing. So grateful for their partnership and mentorship!
May 1, 2022
This book!!! I came away with more empathy for the people in my life, more resolved to love people harder, and more determined to be engaged in my community. I loved their suggestions for conversations.
August 9, 2022
A pair of fairly successful podcasters write a book - woohoo. They do have some relevant comments to make about "just getting along," but when one is a Democrat and the other was a RINO (now a D) you can sense that most of the getting along comes from giving up liberty to the federal state. Although I must admit that from time to time they spoke about keep many political views local, but then waffled by mostly spouting the national progressive line.
November 15, 2024
I am a regular listener to Sarah & Beth on their Pantsuit Politics podcast. This was a great deep dive on what we bring to our disagreements - political or otherwise. Some of my favorite takeaways: how families of origin impact us, leaving our consumer mindset at the door of our churches, schools, and non-profits. The importance of local community and how to deal with overwhelm.
July 31, 2024
This book should be required reading for everyone in our country, world and families. Basically everyone who interacts with any other person ever. This was an A+ book on relationships and life in general with real life scenarios, personal anecdotes, and such a calming manner to address contrary opinions within your relationships whether they are intimate partners or family members or casual coworkers and neighbors. The second chapter on marriage/partnerships was just lovely and I plan to listen with my husband to have a meaningful conversation. Sarah and Beth read it themselves and are podcasters so they are great narrators. You can hear the passion in Sarah’s voice and the calmness in Beth’s and I was just sad when it was over and immediately wanted to listen again which is high praise from someone with a towering TBR pile. If you’re looking for a quality quick audiobook, do yourself a favor and pick this one up. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 17, 2023
This is a great book! I appreciate these women and their message about how to respect and communicate with those who believe differently than we do politically, religiously, socially, etc. Found great value in their ideas about what we can do to keep respect in our immediately relationships (family, friends, work) and what we can do on a larger scale in our communities, organizations, and beyond. I found the section on staying with the organizations (school, church, volunteer programs) we are part of to be so fascinating, as many people consider themselves more of a consumer rather than a contributor. This was a great book to read on the heels of Berne Brown’s “Braving the Wilderness.”
May 5, 2022
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from NetGalley and the authors.
This book was incredibly thought-provoking. It is not a step-by-step fix it book, but Sarah and Beth do spend 10 chapters identifying and discussing areas of potential discord in our lives. They offer perspective, history, and ideas for addressing how better to live with conflict in each of theses sectors of life.
The chapters on friendship, the workplace, institutions, and social media really spoke to me. The chapter about global citizenship provide excellent food for thought and a good challenge.
I would recommend this book for anyone looking to make any relationship better.
This book was incredibly thought-provoking. It is not a step-by-step fix it book, but Sarah and Beth do spend 10 chapters identifying and discussing areas of potential discord in our lives. They offer perspective, history, and ideas for addressing how better to live with conflict in each of theses sectors of life.
The chapters on friendship, the workplace, institutions, and social media really spoke to me. The chapter about global citizenship provide excellent food for thought and a good challenge.
I would recommend this book for anyone looking to make any relationship better.
February 19, 2023
I’d listen to any book that Sarah and Beth decide to write. This felt like one of their podcasts episodes, albeit five times as long and more organized. They are wise, thoughtful, full hearted women who, as always, write and speak like a person who I’ll continue to strive to be.
June 12, 2022
How to navigate relationships with all the divisiveness of the last few years. In short, how to exist in the world without being in constant conflict. We all have similarities and differences. If you feel overwhelmed, this book provides nuance, grounding and refocus. The friendship bits were my favorite. Bonus points that I’ve been acquainted with one of the authors most of my life. Happy for, and proud of you, Sarah! #PansuitPolitics
June 30, 2022
This book was encouraging, challenging, healing. Everything we all need when thinking about how to move forward in our families, communities and nations right now.
September 1, 2022
Sarah and Beth have different political beliefs, but are still friends. And in a very politically polarized age, that’s somewhat incredible. As civically-minded people who have spent their lives engaged in politics and community organizing, Sarah and Beth have had the opportunity to explore their own political thoughts, argue it out with the other, and forge a path forward amid their differences. Now if only the rest of America could do that. Now What?: How to Move Forward When We’re Divided (About Basically Everything) is their blueprint, based on their friendship, for building conversations, friendships, and even political policies with people on the other side of the aisle.
One of the key purposes of this book is to address political differences within families and other close relationships. The first part of the book covers dealing with politics among family, friends, and in the workplace. A lot of it is simply about hearing the person, asking questions, and not catastrophizing the situation. They also acknowledge that some rifts won’t be healed. There won’t be compromise. In some cases, that shouldn’t affect the relationship. In other cases, it might mean having to set certain boundaries.
The most helpful aspects of the book were when it gave alternative ways for individuals to reply to certain political arguments, trying to help people get past the soundbites and media spin and really move into substantive conversations. It also offered opportunities for individuals to consider the perspective of the other side. It does truly provide a model for beneficial, helpful conversation about political differences.
The main problem I have with Now What? is that Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers are both rational, reasonable people who really aren’t that far from each other on the political spectrum. At one point in the book, they write that they used to introduce their podcast, Pantsuit Politics, with “I’m Sarah from the left” and “I’m Beth from the right” but have seen their views morph as their friendship has grown. From reading the book, I get the sense that Beth grew up Republican then found the party leaving her behind when it embraced Trumpism. Pre-Trump, this might have been a more impactful book because the divide didn’t seem quite so large. The authors are clear that they don’t have a magic formula to overcome rabid partisanship and extremism, a lot of their advice is very helpful, but I can’t help but feel it’ll be left unheeded or not be useful because it can’t bridge a gap that large. Now What? is able to bring together left-leaning moderates with right-leaning moderates…I’m not sure what it can do from election deniers, QANON supporters, and conspiracy theorists whose voices keep dominating the conversation.
In the end, Now What? is about two friends learning to talk about their political differences in a constructive and productive way. They offer a lot of good advice, but their work isn’t prepared to tackle the vitriol, extremism, and lack of listening that populates today’s politics. That’s not their fault. Maybe this book will make a dent. Maybe it’ll move the needle for some people. And maybe that’s all it needs to do. Now What? is a reminder to argue respectfully, discuss coherently, question deeply, and love greatly. It’s a call to move beyond unhelpful political culture war battles and into real and substantive conversations between people who care for each other. I’ll admit that I’m a bit jaded, but it’s worth a shot.
One of the key purposes of this book is to address political differences within families and other close relationships. The first part of the book covers dealing with politics among family, friends, and in the workplace. A lot of it is simply about hearing the person, asking questions, and not catastrophizing the situation. They also acknowledge that some rifts won’t be healed. There won’t be compromise. In some cases, that shouldn’t affect the relationship. In other cases, it might mean having to set certain boundaries.
The most helpful aspects of the book were when it gave alternative ways for individuals to reply to certain political arguments, trying to help people get past the soundbites and media spin and really move into substantive conversations. It also offered opportunities for individuals to consider the perspective of the other side. It does truly provide a model for beneficial, helpful conversation about political differences.
The main problem I have with Now What? is that Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers are both rational, reasonable people who really aren’t that far from each other on the political spectrum. At one point in the book, they write that they used to introduce their podcast, Pantsuit Politics, with “I’m Sarah from the left” and “I’m Beth from the right” but have seen their views morph as their friendship has grown. From reading the book, I get the sense that Beth grew up Republican then found the party leaving her behind when it embraced Trumpism. Pre-Trump, this might have been a more impactful book because the divide didn’t seem quite so large. The authors are clear that they don’t have a magic formula to overcome rabid partisanship and extremism, a lot of their advice is very helpful, but I can’t help but feel it’ll be left unheeded or not be useful because it can’t bridge a gap that large. Now What? is able to bring together left-leaning moderates with right-leaning moderates…I’m not sure what it can do from election deniers, QANON supporters, and conspiracy theorists whose voices keep dominating the conversation.
In the end, Now What? is about two friends learning to talk about their political differences in a constructive and productive way. They offer a lot of good advice, but their work isn’t prepared to tackle the vitriol, extremism, and lack of listening that populates today’s politics. That’s not their fault. Maybe this book will make a dent. Maybe it’ll move the needle for some people. And maybe that’s all it needs to do. Now What? is a reminder to argue respectfully, discuss coherently, question deeply, and love greatly. It’s a call to move beyond unhelpful political culture war battles and into real and substantive conversations between people who care for each other. I’ll admit that I’m a bit jaded, but it’s worth a shot.
May 27, 2022
Love these two as women, podcasters, and authors! If you don’t already listen to and follow Pantsuit Politics, you should. This book is a follow up to their first book “I Think You’re Wrong, But I’m Listening” and and extension of their wise and transparent conversations.
Must read!
Must read!
May 23, 2022
I have read and also listened to Now What? and wholeheartedly believe every human in a relationship could benefit from this book. It is thoughtful and introspective and tackles issues we all face being human. Being human is hard but we can all be better at how we approach relationship and community. This book is that tool for anyone who wants to improve or just better exist in those real relationships.
May 2, 2022
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
My first encounter with Sarah & Beth was through their first book, "I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening)." Their nuanced approach to news, politics, and relationships led me to check out their podcast and eventually become a devoted listener. So I was naturally excited to read their second book and was hoping for specific ideas on, well, "how to move forward" in a divided church community, town, county, and country.
Although the book started a little slow for me (perhaps because the relationships closest to me are not the ones in which I struggle most with division), by the time I got to the chapter on Friendships I was loving the reflection questions. My two favorite chapters came next -- on the Workplace and Community (churches, schools, and nonprofits). In these chapters, I absolutely loved the specific language they gave for approaching certain conflicts and challenges, again along with the fantastic reflection questions. As a leader of a community-based nonprofit organization, these chapters are at the intersection of my everyday life and Sarah & Beth gave me actionable ideas on how I can better reflect my values with my staff -- as well as increase my positive influence in a community where I think differently on many issues than the people I need to collaborate with. I can't wait to get my hard copy and mark those pages all up!
My husband has only tangentially heard Sarah & Beth's perspective on topics, but after hearing me talk about the chapter on Social Media, he said he's going to listen to the audiobook at his first opportunity. He's an extreme introvert who struggles with social interaction "in real life" but also sees that his social media conversations have not been serving him. He's taken to heart Sarah & Beth's advice that if you want to influence someone, you have to stay in relationship with them and it's made him reflect on who he can actually commit to being in relationship with, and thus enter those hard conversations.
While every chapter of this book may not strike a chord with everyone, I think there is something in these pages for almost anyone -- at the very least, a question that may prompt a new way to approach a relationship or setting where you feel frustrated or stuck.
My first encounter with Sarah & Beth was through their first book, "I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening)." Their nuanced approach to news, politics, and relationships led me to check out their podcast and eventually become a devoted listener. So I was naturally excited to read their second book and was hoping for specific ideas on, well, "how to move forward" in a divided church community, town, county, and country.
Although the book started a little slow for me (perhaps because the relationships closest to me are not the ones in which I struggle most with division), by the time I got to the chapter on Friendships I was loving the reflection questions. My two favorite chapters came next -- on the Workplace and Community (churches, schools, and nonprofits). In these chapters, I absolutely loved the specific language they gave for approaching certain conflicts and challenges, again along with the fantastic reflection questions. As a leader of a community-based nonprofit organization, these chapters are at the intersection of my everyday life and Sarah & Beth gave me actionable ideas on how I can better reflect my values with my staff -- as well as increase my positive influence in a community where I think differently on many issues than the people I need to collaborate with. I can't wait to get my hard copy and mark those pages all up!
My husband has only tangentially heard Sarah & Beth's perspective on topics, but after hearing me talk about the chapter on Social Media, he said he's going to listen to the audiobook at his first opportunity. He's an extreme introvert who struggles with social interaction "in real life" but also sees that his social media conversations have not been serving him. He's taken to heart Sarah & Beth's advice that if you want to influence someone, you have to stay in relationship with them and it's made him reflect on who he can actually commit to being in relationship with, and thus enter those hard conversations.
While every chapter of this book may not strike a chord with everyone, I think there is something in these pages for almost anyone -- at the very least, a question that may prompt a new way to approach a relationship or setting where you feel frustrated or stuck.
April 30, 2022
I have listened to Sarah and Beth’s podcast, Pantsuit Politics, for the past three years and really love their mantra of taking a nuanced approach to politics. Now, the two have added another aspect, which I’ll call “curiosity.” Their practical recommendations regarding how to approach differences of opinions among family, friends, colleagues and even strangers is such a relief in a world where the binary approach (right/wrong, good/bad) rules the day. If you want to learn how to win a debate with your stupid cousin, this is not the book for you. BUT, if you want to build a stronger relationship with said cousin and understand what drives their thinking, Beth and Sarah have some helpful approaches that may work for you. The authors have nicely consolidated the research of many specialists into this book. So while they are not breaking new ground, per se, they are making is much more accessible and easier to implement in one’s own life. One of my favorite parts of this book is the authors’ willingness — as in their podcast— to be vulnerable and share examples from their own lives where they also struggle with managing strained interactions and relationships. All in all, this is a wonderfully pragmatic guide that I believe most readers will find helpful and engaging.
April 21, 2022
“We strengthen connection not by agreeing or resolving tension. We strengthen connection by recognizing that our unique identities are what bring us together.”
Full disclosure, I have have been listening to Sarah Stewart Holland & Beth Silvers on their Pantsuit Politics Podcast since 2016, I read their 1st book "I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening)", and I was able to receive "Now What?" in advance of the release date for review.
"Now What?" is an excellent guide for furthering conversation, not just about politics, but anything in our lives that are sensitive to scrutiny. Sarah and Beth are gifted at demonstrating how to bring our full selves to hard conversations by holding empathy, seeing the bigger picture, and recognizing the our own biases.
I appreciate how this book is organized, from deep/difficult conversations with those closest to us, to how we interact/see/involve ourselves in our community (both locally and globally). Sarah & Beth even weave their own stories & experiences into each chapter in delightful yet vulnerable ways. Reading "Now What?" feels like a comforting conversation with good friends.
Nothing will be solved tomorrow, but together we can cut through the divisive narrative and find a path forward.
Full disclosure, I have have been listening to Sarah Stewart Holland & Beth Silvers on their Pantsuit Politics Podcast since 2016, I read their 1st book "I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening)", and I was able to receive "Now What?" in advance of the release date for review.
"Now What?" is an excellent guide for furthering conversation, not just about politics, but anything in our lives that are sensitive to scrutiny. Sarah and Beth are gifted at demonstrating how to bring our full selves to hard conversations by holding empathy, seeing the bigger picture, and recognizing the our own biases.
I appreciate how this book is organized, from deep/difficult conversations with those closest to us, to how we interact/see/involve ourselves in our community (both locally and globally). Sarah & Beth even weave their own stories & experiences into each chapter in delightful yet vulnerable ways. Reading "Now What?" feels like a comforting conversation with good friends.
Nothing will be solved tomorrow, but together we can cut through the divisive narrative and find a path forward.
April 23, 2022
Having spent well over a thousand hours since December 2016 listening to Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers process the news of the day through a lens of thoughtful reflection on their podcast, I jumped at the opportunity to read an advance copy of their book, Now What? How to Move Forward When We’re Divided (about basically everything) . It was no surprise to find that the book is imbued with those same authentic, steady voices upon which I and other devoted listeners have come to rely. Now What? Is a veritable citizen’s guide to effective engagement in all aspects of 21st century life, from our families of origin to friends, spouses, and children, to local, state, and national institutions to the global ecosystem. Rather than position themselves as all-knowing narrators with all of the answers, Sarah and Beth instead enlist their readers as companions on a journey of curiosity marked by the willingness to ask difficult questions and consider unflinchingly the complicated answers that trouble narratives that have guided us in the past as we seek to pen a more reliable story of the future for ourselves, our families, and our nation. A book I could scarcely put down and am confident I will return to again and again.
May 6, 2022
I'm so grateful for the timely and wise words of this book. The gracious way that Beth and Sarah encourage the reader to continue to love and engage with those who disagree, not for the sake of winning arguments, but for the sake of relationship, is both rare and inspiring. I'm grateful that as culture and politics get more divisive, that they continue to lead us in the way of connection over division.
July 29, 2022
Sarah & Beth are voices, thoughts, and perspectives I’ve held dear since 2017. 😍 I originally began listening to their podcast, Pantsuit Politics, because at that time (right after Trump office) I didn’t know that two people from different sides of the aisle who are BOTH passionate about politics could sit across a table from one another and discuss the news without the sky falling. 🤣 And these two have done that, week after week, continuing to show that none of us are monoliths and that we are better when we open the door to dialogue with those with different views.
This book is divided relationally, from close sphere relationships of family & friends to further afield relationships in churches, schools, nonprofits, and state & local governments. And then, then end with the furthest out spheres: global & national politics and social media. The argument they make is not to abandon the further out spheres, but to simply to hold them a bit more loosely. And which of us wouldn’t benefit from holding Facebook comments and Twitter feeds a bit more loosely? 🙌🏻
I loved what these women shared about the power of local politics and how our discourse has become so problematically nationalized over the last 50 years. What I read echoes what you’ve heard this MPA 🙋🏻♀️ say many times about the importance of local news coverage, voting in local elections, and being attentive to local issues. “If we want healthier national politics, we have to let some decisions exist outside it. That requires a greater connection to what’s happening at home.” 👏🏻👏🏻
Sarah & Beth really work hard in this book to get the bigger picture of what larger issues we are working through in our political conflicts. Aren’t we really working through a communication issue with our spouse as we fiercely discuss the role of the judiciary, or the loss of another friendship as we process a disagreement with a friend about abortion, or our own anxieties as we tell our children their school is safe amidst a world where school shootings are the norm? The authors advocate for participating in what they call a mining process, and ask these questions: “What’s underneath this conversation? How do we bring that into the light? How do we find something good in that light?” 💡
One of the best learnings from this book is to move away from being consumers and toward being contributors. When we are simply consuming on Sunday mornings, we forget that we have a role and a call as lay ministers. When we simply volunteer in the community to fulfill a need, we miss an opportunity to learn, build relationships, and be blessed ourselves. When we simply consume the news, we feel anxiety-ridden and helpless to work for change in our neighborhoods. But when we see ourselves as contributors, we have agency (which includes the privilege to disagree).
Highly recommend for anyone feeling stuck in political conversations with others, overwhelmed by the landscape of politics, and looking to contribute something to the conversation and the local community. And check out their podcast if you feel your news could use a bit more nuance!
This book is divided relationally, from close sphere relationships of family & friends to further afield relationships in churches, schools, nonprofits, and state & local governments. And then, then end with the furthest out spheres: global & national politics and social media. The argument they make is not to abandon the further out spheres, but to simply to hold them a bit more loosely. And which of us wouldn’t benefit from holding Facebook comments and Twitter feeds a bit more loosely? 🙌🏻
I loved what these women shared about the power of local politics and how our discourse has become so problematically nationalized over the last 50 years. What I read echoes what you’ve heard this MPA 🙋🏻♀️ say many times about the importance of local news coverage, voting in local elections, and being attentive to local issues. “If we want healthier national politics, we have to let some decisions exist outside it. That requires a greater connection to what’s happening at home.” 👏🏻👏🏻
Sarah & Beth really work hard in this book to get the bigger picture of what larger issues we are working through in our political conflicts. Aren’t we really working through a communication issue with our spouse as we fiercely discuss the role of the judiciary, or the loss of another friendship as we process a disagreement with a friend about abortion, or our own anxieties as we tell our children their school is safe amidst a world where school shootings are the norm? The authors advocate for participating in what they call a mining process, and ask these questions: “What’s underneath this conversation? How do we bring that into the light? How do we find something good in that light?” 💡
One of the best learnings from this book is to move away from being consumers and toward being contributors. When we are simply consuming on Sunday mornings, we forget that we have a role and a call as lay ministers. When we simply volunteer in the community to fulfill a need, we miss an opportunity to learn, build relationships, and be blessed ourselves. When we simply consume the news, we feel anxiety-ridden and helpless to work for change in our neighborhoods. But when we see ourselves as contributors, we have agency (which includes the privilege to disagree).
Highly recommend for anyone feeling stuck in political conversations with others, overwhelmed by the landscape of politics, and looking to contribute something to the conversation and the local community. And check out their podcast if you feel your news could use a bit more nuance!
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April 21, 2022Hosts of Pantsuit Politics podcast tackle the increasingly important topic of how to be in relationship with people and engage in your community when politics has increasingly been dividing us for years.
I have been a listener of Pantsuit Politics for a long time now and everything I love about their podcast is in this book. If you’re already a fan of their podcast, you’ll know what I mean and you should read this book immediately. If you haven’t heard of Pantsuit Politics, it’s political therapy. Sarah and Beth bring the most human perspectives to politics. They’re both so smart but have huge hearts. The personal stories they tell about their relationships to their partners, family, work, and communities help you figure out your own place. They help you understand your own emotions around tough topics while giving you the tools to empathize and engage with people you disagree with. They’re also realistic about when hard boundaries need to be drawn. If nonfiction and/or politics is not your thing, it’s a very short and accessible book that I think anyone could benefit from reading.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and participating on the launch team for the book.
I have been a listener of Pantsuit Politics for a long time now and everything I love about their podcast is in this book. If you’re already a fan of their podcast, you’ll know what I mean and you should read this book immediately. If you haven’t heard of Pantsuit Politics, it’s political therapy. Sarah and Beth bring the most human perspectives to politics. They’re both so smart but have huge hearts. The personal stories they tell about their relationships to their partners, family, work, and communities help you figure out your own place. They help you understand your own emotions around tough topics while giving you the tools to empathize and engage with people you disagree with. They’re also realistic about when hard boundaries need to be drawn. If nonfiction and/or politics is not your thing, it’s a very short and accessible book that I think anyone could benefit from reading.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and participating on the launch team for the book.
June 29, 2022
I'm an avid listener to Sarah and Beth on their Pantsuit Politics podcast, and I enjoyed their first book, "I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations." I appreciated their format in this book of addressing the different people and communities with which we find ourselves connected:
Those Closest to Us: our families of origin; the families we create; our children; friendships; workplaces
Those Farther Away: community (churches, nonprofits, and schools); local & state government; national politics; social media; and global politics
While sharing many values, Sarah and Beth have different perspectives, histories, lived experiences, and strengths. I appreciate both of their voices and what they have to bring to the table as we each try our best to navigate our relationships and communities with grace and conviction.
Those Closest to Us: our families of origin; the families we create; our children; friendships; workplaces
Those Farther Away: community (churches, nonprofits, and schools); local & state government; national politics; social media; and global politics
While sharing many values, Sarah and Beth have different perspectives, histories, lived experiences, and strengths. I appreciate both of their voices and what they have to bring to the table as we each try our best to navigate our relationships and communities with grace and conviction.
March 30, 2023
3.5 Stars
This book's valuable message about recognizing the shared humanity of every individual we encounter resonated with me. It is certainly a message that the world needs more of. The book contains helpful information about how to navigate different relationships in our lives where there is a difference of opinion.
I'm glad I read this book. However, I was not compelled to pick it up often, so it took me a while to get through it. I'm not certain why the book did not engage me as much as I had hoped. I feel like it probably has more to do with my own mental distraction of late then with any problems with the book itself.
This book's valuable message about recognizing the shared humanity of every individual we encounter resonated with me. It is certainly a message that the world needs more of. The book contains helpful information about how to navigate different relationships in our lives where there is a difference of opinion.
I'm glad I read this book. However, I was not compelled to pick it up often, so it took me a while to get through it. I'm not certain why the book did not engage me as much as I had hoped. I feel like it probably has more to do with my own mental distraction of late then with any problems with the book itself.
August 12, 2022
“We honor the specialness of each human being, be it our parent or our president, by letting it exist and not demanding conformity. We honor the divine in others and in ourselves. This does not mean condoning differences that are harmful in pursuit of agreement. It just means that acknowledging that agreement cannot be the goal in a planet as big and diverse as ours. It can’t even be the goal in a partnership between two people. Connection is the goal, because connection is the reality, even in the face of the most challenging political controversies of our age.”
August 27, 2023
I really enjoyed this book from Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers. I have been aware of their podcast for a while, but have never listened. This book made me want to add it to my rotation. They are both full of wisdom and kindness. They have practical takeaways that are so helpful in this day of polarized politics. Highly recommend for anyone that is frustrated with the division of our nation. We would all be better off if both sides put these guidelines into practice.
June 25, 2022
I am a devoted listener of Sarah and Beth’s podcast—Pantsuit Politics. I also read and recommended their first book, I Think You’re Wrong, But I’m Listening, to all my friends. Their latest book underscores their philosophies on listening and how to be active citizens. Their insight, honesty and grace are woven throughout this book and show up on every episode of their podcast.
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