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.

“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)

“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)

“Great explanation of how polarization actually works, why it is dangerous, and what we can do to depolarize. One of the better books on polarization.”

– Kamy Akhavan, Executive Director for USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, in a GoodReads review (HCDD)

“...an essential guide for American liberals worried about the future of our country.”
– Taylor Dotson, author of The Divide (HCDD)

“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)

“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)

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)