by Joyce Vance (author of Civil Discourse)
First published 2025
Joyce Vance confronts the erosion of democratic institutions and an ex-president's felony conviction in this political roadmap for turbulent times. Drawing from her experience guiding readers through constitutional crises on her popular Substack Civil Discourse, Vance examines how citizens can strengthen democracy while avoiding burnout and despair. She places current threats in historical perspective, explaining why the rule of law remains vital even as norms crumble. The book moves from legal analysis to practical action, showing readers how to engage meaningfully in civic life. Vance outlines steps both modest and ambitious, from difficult family conversations and volunteer work to grassroots organizing and seeking office. She positions citizen engagement as the antidote to authoritarian movements, offering concrete strategies for political participation during a second Trump presidency. The work balances acknowledgment of serious challenges with optimism about democratic renewal.
Genres: political-science, non-fiction, 21st-century, current-affairs, activism, american-history
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: civic-engagement, political-roadmap
224 pages · Hardcover · Dutton