Official Review: Wedged by Erik Fogg and Nathaniel Greene

[RussetDivinity]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Wedged" by Erik Fogg and Nathaniel Greene.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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I will outright admit, here and now, that I am quite liberal. In the past few elections, I’ve voted either Democrat or third party, and I feel I stand by the more left-wing side of things when it comes to matters such as gun rights, abortion, and immigration. Wedged, written by Erik Fogg and Nathaniel Greene, has made me rethink this, however. It hasn’t made me rethink my opinions, but rather how staunchly I stand by them. It could be that I have been at least partially drawn into radically inflexible views by modern politics, and it’s entirely possible that you have too.

Wedged reads partly like a non-fiction book and partly like a political pamphlet, which is fitting, as it serves the role of both. While reading it, I learned a great deal about the recent history of politics in the United States, and the authors cited their sources quite well (and I encourage anyone reading to follow the links provided in the e-book). However, the book isn’t only a presentation of facts; it’s also a call to action, one which I feel is badly needed.

It’s easy to see that American politics have become divided and divisive, and with the 2016 presidential campaign occurring in full force, there’s no better time to examine how things got this way. Fogg and Greene use the book to examine a process they call “wedging”, by which politicians on both the left and the right have managed to polarize the nation’s voters and create the gridlock currently in effect in our government. They discuss how a history of bipartisanship has faded away and provide several examples, including the arguments I listed above. For each, they do more than simply explain what the issue is and how it came to be; they look at the facts behind it and provide a critique of each side’s argument in an attempt to take apart the wedge between the right and the left.

I’ll be honest: This isn’t entirely an easy book to read. Like many Americans, I’m quite firm in my beliefs, and I found myself at times feeling annoyed that the authors were trying to make an argument against a position that was so clearly right. That was when I took a step back and realized that I had done exactly what politicians wanted me to do: I had allowed myself to be so bought over by their arguments that I let my emotions get in the way of logic. Whenever I found this happening, I took a deep breath before returning to my reading.

This is a very important book to read, and very timely in its arrival, and I would certainly give it 4 out of 4 stars. I would recommend it to anyone of or near voting age in America, whether you’re set in your views or are more open-minded. If you are the former, however, I’d advise you to take your time while reading this, as you might almost certainly find something to strenuously disagree with.

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Wedged
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[gran1990]

I enjoyed reading a great review. Political books are not my usual book of choice. You made me realize I have fallen into their trap. I intend to read this book to see what I need to rethink and or change. Thanks for the great review and an apparently well written book by the authors.

[Levi]

@RussetDivinity I agree this is a timely and desperately needed discussion. I was on the other side of the aisle from you, and still am for the most part. However, I was on the right until I realized I was more libertarian. I don't agree with the right like I thought I did, I just believe in personal freedom. The left and the right are both evil, and we fall right in the trap by attacking each other instead of trying to find middle ground. I believe I will put this on my list.

[anonanemone]

I agree. I have become disgusted with both sides of the political aisle. There seems to be more interest in proving you're right than in actually achieving anything through hard work and agreement. This is why I usually won't read political books but you did a great job on this review, RussetDivinity! I admire that you were able to take a second look and be honest with yourself on some things. Something we could all probably use and is probably less common than I would like.

[gali]

Nice and insightful review! Political books are not my cup of tea either so I will pass.

[bluemel4]

Fantastic review! Politics are always difficult to openly discuss. It always seems to bring out the worst in all of us. You did a great job of stating what you believe and how this book impacted your worldview. Not only was this a well-written review it was also a brave one. Great job.