Democracy in Retrograde: How to Make Changes Big and Small in Our Country and Our Lives

Betches Media cofounder Sage and lawyer Amick debut with a smart, pop culture–inflected guide to civic engagement. Citing factors—the erosion of the “public square,” the proliferation of internet echo chambers—that have rendered voting, participating in political advocacy groups, and other forms of political engagement more arduous while also increasing polarization, the authors counsel readers on how to break from the “hopeless spiral.” Suggestions include consulting news sources that prioritize issues about which one is passionate; creating a “civic network” by joining advocacy groups and forming friendships based on political interests; and having challenging political conversations with friends and family (suggested phrases to de-escalate chats that get too heated include “I hear you” and “Tell me more”). Most valuably, the authors frame political participation as a form of self-expression that must be rewarding to be sustainable. While the tone is geared toward millennial women—there’s more than one Real Housewives reference here—the pragmatic advice applies across the board. It’s a solid guide for those who already feel overwhelmed by the 2024 presidential election news cycle. (July)