Democracy in Retrograde - by Sami Sage & Emily Amick (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A whip-smart combo of self-help and political manifesto that is perfect for anyone who wants to save our democracy but doesn't know where to start.

In today's political climate, it's hard not to get discouraged. Isolated, doom scrolling, lacking a sense of purpose or community...it's easy to become overwhelmed by the dire state of American democracy and do nothing, because why try when the odds are never in our favor?

At this fragile moment in history, Emily Amick, lawyer and former counsel to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, alongside New York Times bestselling author and Betches Media cofounder Sami Sage, want to reframe civic engagement as a form of self-care: an assertion of one's values and self-respect. This book is not just about voting, but about claiming your singular place in your country and community.

Using real stories of regular citizens who have made a difference, Democracy in Retrograde is a choose-your-own-adventure map to civic engagement that's tailored to your values, skills, passions, resources, and time. Whether you have only a few hours to spare or are ready to make a lifetime commitment, Amick and Sage show you how to make changes big and small that matter.

Democracy in Retrograde will help you learn about much more than just political action. This book will provide a new lens through which to see yourself: a new and powerful light which bridges the personal and the political. In the words of Joan Baez, action is the antidote to despair, and with this helpful guide, even if Mercury is in retrograde, our democracy doesn't have to be.

Review Quotes

"A smart, pop culture-inflected guide to civic engagement... While the tone is geared toward millennial women--there's more than one Real Housewives reference here--the pragmatic advice applies across the board."--Publishers Weekly

"A comprehensive guide to regaining ownership of American civic life... An uplifting and useful book of activism."--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Sami Sage is a cofounder and chief brand officer of Betches Media, and established the brand's politics and activism vertical Betches News. She also hosts the award-winning daily news podcast The Morning Announcements.

Emily Amick is a lawyer, journalist, and political analyst who served as counsel to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. She created @EmilyinYourPhone to give people her insider insight into the political process and help them find ways they can take action.