Get It Together: Troubling Tales from the Liberal Fringe—How Personal Trauma Shapes Political Activism

by Jesse Watters

AN INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Can the political be way too personal? What if most radical activists are trying to change their lives by changing the whole country?

When Jesse Watters set out to interview a few dozen radical activists to find out where their wild ideas came from, he discovered two things that shocked

First, he liked these people.

Second, their political positions were not primarily from books, teachers, or other activists. They originated in personal drama. Most of these people didn’t need legislation. They needed a therapist.

In Get It Together, the number one New York Times bestselling author and Fox News primetime host takes on Wokeism in a way no one else has. Through a series of (sometimes very) personal interviews with some of the most radical activists in the country, Watters discovers that these activists may be overlooking the most important change they need to make—within themselves.

From activists working for climate change salvation, Black supremacy, and social justice to a professional cuddler and a transwoman who identifies as a wolf, Watters shows how many well-intentioned Americans have bought into causes invented and run by people who are illogical, emotional, and ill-informed.

Through their stories, Watters uncovers common threads—childhood traumas, broken relationships, and a lack of introspection. What if the people obsessed with the end of the world are just hurting from how this one has treated them? What if that, rather than ideological disagreements, is the deeper root of our country’s political divide?

Funny, fresh, and fascinating, Get It Together is sure to spark important conversations, and to inspire us to see one another not as political opponents, but as real and broken human beings.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Audiobook, History

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 19, 2024

About the author

Jesse Watters is the co-host of The Five and host of Watters' World. Before this, Jesse was a producer and correspondent for The O'Reilly Factor, which showcased his comedic street interviews, aggressive confrontations and entertaining adventures all across the country. Born in Philadelphia, Jesse graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, CT with a Bachelors' in History.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love Jesse’s perspective whether it’s on Primetime, The Five and now his books. I felt like I saw little bits of myself in several of his “characters” but realize I chose the survivor, rather than victim, path. I find it sad that we are living in a world where the fringe is demanding we change for them rather than they assimilate into the world. I travel frequently and don’t see this nearly as much in other countries as we have here. Thank you Jesse for pointing out what the rest are of us are thinking!!

[Chloe Rigdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars because this was right up my alley.

I love the art of the interview, and I believe no question is too personal. This book encapsulates why people do the weird and bad things they do. Spoiler alert: it’s mostly their upbringing that leads them into an incessant state of victim hood.

While I appreciate how overtly these ‘characters’ live, I was reminded that shame isn’t a bad thing. We don’t need to do away with shame. Ever.

[C · Rating 2 out of 5]

Imagine StoryCorps with less empathy and your racist uncle (who swears he isn’t racist) interjecting and trying to be funny at the storytellers’ expense.
These are interviews with the societal fringe via a narrator who extrapolates anecdotes as if they apply to the country as a whole.
Could’ve been magnanimous and unify but chose to be petty and punch down.
Disappointed this is the bestselling nonfiction book now though it may be due to the bulk orders retailers reported.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This definitely is a different kind of book. Where did he find all these weirdo Libtards to interview? They are so twisted in their thinking.

[Thomas George Phillips · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dry is the term I must use about reading this book; and I am a fan of Jesse Waters. Jesse interviewed dozens of individuals, who are on the fringes of society, for his research.

Jesse interviewed about an "open border activist." He described this person as "an angry purpled-haired twentysomething, probably with daddy issues, screaming at an ICE agent."

A BLM supporter was also on Jesse's hit list. Jesse describes her as "pretty, white in her thirties." Jesse calls her "Emily". She is described as an "antiracist activist who does not see the ridiculousness of a white woman promoting the BLM."

Next up is the "African Nationalist." Ayo Kimathi is a pseudonym who talked endlessly about Jews. Evidently Jews was the only topic this person wanted to discuss. Mr. Kimathi blamed Jews for the Coronavirus, the Vaccines and the KKK. Mr. Kimathi also rejects black nationalists; he says they are too closely associated with gays.

And the book simply did not impress me whatsoever.

[LILY · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book because I really like Jesse Watters. But it was difficult reading - if for no other reason than I couldn't identify with his characters. And they were such troubled and out of touch individuals. Maybe that was the point. But I got really upset with the pedophile and that conversation seemed to go on and on and I wound up skipping through it because I just couldn't read it. The other thing that made it difficult to read was that sometimes I couldn't always tell if it was the characters speaking or Jesse. Okay, a little bit of the English perfectionist that I am... the paragraph structures made it hard to read. Perhaps if Jesse's comments were italicized in the paragraph to distinguish his remarks from the characters. I will say I've never read anything remotely like his book, though.

[Annette Durr · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was very hard for me to rate this book. I thought the stories of the people Jesse Watters interviewed were fascinating. People's history can shape the way they go through the world in such profound ways. And while we may or may not agree with what they stand for it their history is important. So, in that sense I wanted to give their stories a 5-star review. But the reason for the low ratings is Jesse Watters. I realize he is a newscaster on Fox news and thought he would put his spin on things. But what I found instead was he was just plain insensitive and sometimes just mean to these people. You can tell their story and NOT make fun of them. Jesse, next time take the high road.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise as outlined by Jesse is this – he is seeking to understand. Realizing that a quick on-camera interview will never truly reveal understanding on these fringe society characters, Jesse indicates he is taking to long-format interviews to truly understand. Rather than focusing in then and truly providing an in-depth analysis and true revelation and learning; however, we are provided with Jesse’s short interpretation of each interview. Thankfully, some chapters provide enough insight so that a librarian’s search can reveal Paul Harvey’s “The Rest of the Story.” Unfortunately, others are presented as the one-dimensional sorry excuses that Jesse sees from his throne of judgement. Jesse begrudgingly comes to terms and commonality providing an ounce of respect for a few of those he interviews. The majority of the interviewees; however, are laughingly excused with sarcasm and a total lack of empathy.

Verdict: I picked up (and paid!) for this book realizing that I need a greater level of understanding behind the pundits at Fox News and their appeal to a large portion of the voting population. I think, instead, that I am more confused than ever.

[Jeff J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interviews and commentary with 22 leftist activists. While it is easy to poke fun at the subjects I think some compassion is necessary, it is evident that some of these people should be under the care of mental health professionals. Nevertheless, their conviction and dedication to their causes is admirable, albeit misguided.

[Don Weymouth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jesse did a good analysis of these fringe people, but they are so fringe that I totally lost interest halfway through.

The Epilogue is actually very good, and the only reason I rated higher than 1 star.

[Craig Schlossin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first 6 chapters and speed read the rest.
So much sin in the world, so many lost souls, easy to get depressed reading about lives without Christ and without hope.
Sad tales of real lost lives.

[Paul C · Rating 5 out of 5]

really well written

I am really impressed with Jesse’s insights. I never knew he had such an intelligent understanding of the issues facing America.

[Justin Mann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amusing! But also disturbing. I'm probably what you would describe as a moderate conservative. I do not watch Fox News or even necessarily fully subscribe to their way of thinking, but if I had to choose, I identify more with that worldview than that of these "liberal fringe" interviewees. Just sayin'.

In this book, I thought Watters did an OK job of presenting the leftwing interviews with his rightwing commentary, although it was definitely tongue-in-cheek. In general, it seemed like Watters kept his sarcasm on low boil, which brought levity to some otherwise heavy topics. But there were times where it was obvious that he was poking fun at his interviewee. Even so, there was some genuine connections where he really seemed to be listening and trying to understand his interviewees better. It was a decent balance. But WOW, some of the interviewees were REALLY HARD to take and made me uncomfortable. A transwoman who identifies as a wolf? An eco-sexual influencer? A pedophile explainer? (or what the interviewee calls MAPs or "Minor Attracted Persons") A toad smoker? Wow. "Fringe" is right (or should I say "left" lol).

Following are some notes that I took throughout the book.

I did the audiobook, and I had to laugh when the narrator (not the author) read the term "self deprecation" as "self depreciation". LOL

"Don't read the comments section." I've been saying this for years! Never read the comments!

"Sitting is the new smoking." Our bodies aren't designed to sit all day.

"Your issues aren't our revolution."

People from Massachusetts are called Massholes LOL

Little Debbie makes you Big Debbie LOL

[Ken Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fringe? Really?

The author brought to light the larger than expected elements of our American society. This illumination provided a humorous while disgusting vision of the diversity that exist and contribute to the freedom that makes America Great. Although one doesn't agree with the attitudes of defiance, there is a realization of the importance of defending the right of one to hold and express their personal opinion. Many of those opinions do not contribute to the strength of our sacred republic. The quality of life in America is changed irrevocably and for the most part not for the better. The work of nonfiction leads the thoughtful reader to the conclusion that Americans need to revisit the founding principles of our nation if the America the majority of Americans know and love is to continue and not be forever changed into an unrecognizable shall of greatness we have achieved as the greatest Nation in history. The tome us worth the read. The author style is tedious and dense and at times the unnecessary verbiage lead one to struggle with lengthy chapter that leads to a loss of focus. If one needs an eye opener upon the state of the fringe society, thus is it.

[Lee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I agree with the comments that the epilogue is the best exposition of the theme of the book. In it Waters says "There are forces that want you to see yourself as oppressed. That's for their benefit, not yours." That knife certainly cuts both ways. I admit I am put off by Fox news and commentators in general, and that I think they bang the drum of victimhood quite often. I read the teasers for this book and thought I might gain a different insight or perspective. That didn't work out because Mr. Watters has chosen some extreme examples to illustrate his point that liberals are misguided. And I'm not sure if his point is that 1) these specific individuals are "acting out" politically because of problems in their families of origin and/ or mental illness...in which case my reaction is a sad nod of agreement and a so what?? Or, 2) Watters thinks these people and their viewpoints are bedrock liberalism and all liberals are guilty of acting out their convoluted personal issues by trying to influence government to fix/address societal problems. If his point is the broader #2, he hasn't convinced me by finding and interviewing strange people. And using that type of scare tactics is a perfect example of stirring people up to feel oppressed for your own purposes.

[fer_reads 🌷 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book with interesting points of view. I actually did enjoy reading the different perspectives on certain issues and the personal histories that may have contributed to them. However, I didn’t really enjoy the sort of mocking/ridiculing way Watters presented the people he interviewed. Yes, their stances were ridiculous and illogical. But, poking fun at someone with mental illness, substance abuse, unresolved trauma, etc. was just not my cup of tea.

I still think it’s worth reading to get a glimpse of the thought process of some of the extreme leftists in this country. 🤷🏻‍♀️

4 ⭐️

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little bit of Jesse Watters goes a long way. His smirking, mocking manner often reveals the heart of matters but also can wear thin.

In this volume, Watters interviews many people on the far-left fringe. To his credit, these are largely interviews and not confrontational debates. Watters gives them rope, and believes that by and large that they hang themselves. However, I have some doubts about that score.

The "Anti-work Activist" for example, had valid points about how hard and long Americans work. I remember reading an essay published around 1950 that predicted that the average American worker would be toiling only 38 hours a week by the end of the century. Counting part-time jobs, the actual number is approaching fifty hours. There are many reasons for this, especially the rise of consumerism, but largely it is because wages haven't increased as much as cost.

Of course, the Stalinist, the Climate Change Traffic Blocker, the Eco-Sexual come across as earnest fools.

[Leslie Ann · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

The full title of this book doesn’t actually fit what the book is about. Get It Together: Troubling Tales from the Liberal Fringe implies that all the individuals interviewed are all left-wing, which they are not. This book was more a book on psychology and how the family we have growing up can influence us to what some may call socially deviant behavior later in life. After I read this book I immediately searched to find which of Watters’ parents works in the field of psychology because no one writes a book with that much psychoanalysis without having a parent or close family member in the field.

I found the interviews to be very interesting. I think Watters was respectful of the individuals being interviewed. It was very enlightening to hear regular people who believe things I don’t necessarily agree with say their part without some sort of fighting. It is only through civil conversations that people realize the person they disagree with is just another person.

[Stephanie Hellmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up not knowing who Watters is or that he was a television personality. I listened to it on a long road trip and thought the people he found to feature were pretty far-fetched, but at times he really did seem to try to understand them. then he would make some stupid comment and dispel the notion of caring. At least he didn't tear them apart with nasty remarks. It was pretty interesting, these people on the fringes telling their stories, but I am glad I got it at the library and didn't have to pay for it!

[Laura L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so true if you let others talk and listen respectfully, they will be more open to reveal. I tend to think the same way, that someone’s childhood if screwed up can mess with you for the rest of your life.

Book was easy to read and fascinating to hear some folks crazy way of blaming others and turning their problems into societies. I felt Jesse did an excellent job. I liked his epilogue, thought he summed up the book in well. I thoroughly enjoyed it; well done!

[Cassie Mebes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the book I had anticipated.

Jesse interviews a collection of the strangest, most disturbed, let me say "out there" group of people, I have ever seen in one book. It was a strange read, unusual, but I can not say totally enjoyable. If you want to read about the opinions of the unconventional in a variety of subjects, then this is the book for you.

[Bill Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Jesse Watters a lot, but thought this book was only fair. Some good insights based on his interactions with lefties, but the descriptions of these interactions became rather repetitive, too me.

[Patricia]

It may be Watters' world, but the people he interviewed are living on another planet! I read the first seven chapters, skimmed a couple more, then finally added to my dnf pile. I will wait for the sequel he writes after the people he interviewed have undergone therapy.

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the epilog more than the rest of the book

[Jim Gahring · Rating 3 out of 5]

This just made me sad

[Elyse Mcnulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get it Together by Jesse Waters was an interesting peek into the lives of some very “different” people. Do not miss the Epilogue and Jesse’s insight into what is happening to our society. Enjoy!

[Elly Pirman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Forced myself to read this and it was as terrible as expected.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting people and points of view. The best part is that the book was not political.

[Tom Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is amazing how so many of these people living on the fringe were abused as children.

[Mrs K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enlightening and entertaining.