An open dialogue between a republican and a democrat who respect each other and are willing to find common ground. It’s disturbing to realize how rare that kind of conversation is. I appreciate the tools and tips they provide to step outside of the echo chamber and work on keeping dialogue open with people you disagree with.

“Politician shouldn’t determine our positions and values, our values should determine the policies and politicians we support.” ( )

I was very intrigued by the title of this book and have encountered many moments, especially during the past few years, when tensions were high in political conversations I was a part of. Initially, I wasn't sure if it would be the right fit for me when it shared they it would be coming from their Christian perspective as I often struggle with books that tie religion and politics together. Fortunately, I didn't need to worry about that because this book had a great balance and I didn't find that that the religious aspect took anything away from this well-balanced plot.

I think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening) was an engaging and thought-provoking book filled with insight, suggestions and discussion topics. I appreciated the insights of Holland and Silvers and admired they were both passionate about their beliefs, even if they were different in many ways.

I thought it was wonderful advice to first look inside yourself before reaching outwards.
When we realize how our own lives and perspectives have helped form and shaped our own beliefs, it is easier to approach political conversations in a much different way. Many people's beliefs stem from experiences and situations they have been through in their own lives.

When we can listen and emphasize, we are able to have less combative conversations. We can be respectful even if we disagree. Sometimes when we give the time and space to hear someone's perspective, it can help us see where they might be coming from.

This was a powerful read for me and was a great introduction to having more productive and meaningful conversations in your daily life regarding critical issues. It also introduced me to Holland and Silver's Podcast series, Pantsuit Politics, which I have found to be highly educational and a great way to keep up on current politic issues. Thank you to NetGalley and Nelson books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Good:

—Several specific examples of how to talk about political disagreements

Not so good:

—Lots of generalizations about the need to treat each other with grace (true, but how many ways do we need to say it?)

—A fair amount of Christian perspective—not applicable to all audiences

Overall, not bad. I'm glad I own it and can refer back to it as I digest or have need of specific reminders. ( )

The popular hosts of the podcast "Pantsuit Politics" recently released their first book, "I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening)". What a gift to our highly charged culture! With politics a taboo subject at many family gatherings and off-limits between people of different viewpoints, Sarah and Beth show us there is a better way. Coming from different political backgrounds themselves, they share how they chose to put aside partisanship and seek to truly understand how "the other side" thinks about the issues.

I have known of their podcast, but have never listened to it before. This book was a wonderful primer on how they interact with one another and discuss issues with plenty of nuance, depth, and true desire to learn from one another. Having these kinds of discussions are not only possible, but they are necessary and vital to improving our neighborhoods, communities, and ultimately our nation. Each chapter ends with "Continue the Conversation", practical reflection questions to help the reader apply the ideas and principles in the chapters to their own lives.

This book should be required reading for every citizen, every politician at every level, every registered voter and those planning to register. Moving political dialogue from shouting matches, insults, and stereotypes needs to be the goal. This book shows us that this really can happen. What a country we could become if everyone actually put this into practice!

"We need to bring our voices and perspectives to the table calmly, with respect for ourselves and one another, recognizing that we do not live alone. America has never been and will never be homogeneous. We are here to bump up again each other. We need to bring our faith and values not just to specific issues but to the process of engaging in civil discourse. We can share our perspectives on even the most controversial and personal topics. Doing so will de-escalate the rhetoric and open pathways for solutions, innovation, and a strong national identity." (p. 4-5)

(I’ve received this complimentary book through the BookLook program in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)

The hosts of the podcast Pantsuit Politics ("Sarah from the left. Beth from the right. No shouting. No insults. Plenty of nuance.") have written a book about what they call "a better way to talk politics." They explore where they think political discussions have gone wrong in our country lately, ask why, and provide some guidance for thinking about your political engagement and they way you approach talking about politics with others. Their goal is always thinking about "the other side" not as opponents but as fellow Americans and always how to move conversations forward, not how to "win." This is good stuff, nicely presented, with each chapter offering up ways to think about one aspect of political conversations, examples from Sarah and Beth that use real issues to explore the guidance they suggest, and exercises for putting their guidance into practice. Highly recommended. ( )