reviews
Reviews for Zach Elwood's work on political polarization
These are some reviews for my books, and for my polarization work in general. HCDD indicates the review is for How Contempt Destroys Democracy. DAA indicates Defusing American Anger.
​​​​
“He encourages us to see we're caught in a feedback loop with ‘the other side’… I felt saner and less afraid for the future after reading [his books]. I also feel like I might be better able to engage with conservatives in constructive ways.”
– Brendan Bartholomew (HCDD) (full review)
​
“One of the better books on polarization... Great explanation of how polarization actually works, why it is dangerous, and what we can do to depolarize.”
– Kamy Akhavan, Executive Director of USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, in a GoodReads review (HCDD)
​​​
“Compelling arguments, based on astute observations and backed by solid research... brief, accessible.”
– Kirkus Reviews review (HCDD)
​
“Elwood is one of the wisest voices on the topic of toxic polarization. His writing is clear, thoughtful, and well-researched... America needs its citizens to listen to Zach.” – Daniel F. Stone, polarization researcher and author of Undue Hate (HCDD)
​
“Zach examines the hard-to-see link between our toxic, high-contempt ways of engaging with each other and the strength of our democratic institutions. When you see how there’s a self-reinforcing cycle of conflict that many of us contribute to, you’ll see it as important to work against that cycle.”
– Kristin Hansen, Executive Director of Civic Health Project
​
“This may be the only way forward ...it gives me hope that there is some path to follow that feels almost unburdening.”
– liberal reader (HCDD) ​​​​
​
“Clear, convincing, and easily-accessible explanations of polarization dynamics... Makes the case for why depolarization work benefits people working toward distinct political outcomes... It has won over many skeptics who incorrectly fear it encourages 'both-sidesism' or compromise for its own sake.”
– Vanessa Otero, Founder of Ad Fontes Media (HCDD)
​
“...an essential guide for American liberals worried about the future of our country.”
– Taylor Dotson, author of The Divide (HCDD)
​
“Zach's writing on polarization is some of the best around – insightful while being plainspoken and digestible. I highly recommend his books to conflict experts, depolarization field practitioners, and anyone who’s curious or skeptical about the movement to reduce political toxicity.”
– Tom Fishman, CEO, Starts With Us
​
“He is genuinely detached from the partisan claims and is doing his best to be evenhanded and dispassionate at all times.”
– David A. Foster, author of Moderates of the World, Unite! (DAA)
​
Defusing American Anger was included in two "best of" lists on Shepherd.com:
​
“Zach and I lean opposite ways politically [...] he makes a compelling case that our contempt and distorted views are not only a great threat but a problem we can actually solve.”
– Jefferson Shupe, author of The Bathwater Brigade (DAA)​
​