DEMOCRACY AWAKENING Notes on the State of America

Political historian Heather Cox Richardson, who is unabashedly pro-democracy and anti-authoritarianism, and known to many from her daily "Letters from an American" newsletter, narrates with energy and a clear, well-paced style. Her performance complements the hallmark way she lays out historical facts. In this book she describes how American democracy has been shaped from its birth through the authoritarianism of the Trump administration and President Biden's attempt to right the ship of state. Richardson's appealing voice, adept nonfiction cadence, and understated presentation propel the text, making it easy for listeners to appreciate the many facts and dates that range from 1776 to 2023. At the end, Richardson reminds us that democracy is ultimately in our hands. S.G. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2023]