Cover Image: I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening)

I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening)

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Member Reviews

I was surprised that the authors were able to approach such a range of topics in such a grace-filled way. I appreciated how they presented each topic with information for both sides with facts, and respectfully. My initial thought was that this book was going to be a bit naive given our current political discourse, but I finished it filled with hope for what I hope our conversations can be more of. Grace. A must read for everyone.

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I own a copy of this book. The theme of discussing issues in an open and caring approach rather than using opinions as weapons is timely and important.

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A wonderfully informative and sensitive book that will certainly bring readers together. Whether it's welfare, healthcare, or the deeper divide between political parties in America, this is a well-researched book. I started listening to the authors' podcast after reading this book to hear how they handle these otherwise divisive subjects in real time. Even the references to the Christian religion didn't turn me off: they were handled delicately and not as an appeal to authority. I also appreciate that the authors tackled religion as well as politics, as the topics I'm more often strongly opinionated on usually are divided because of religious beliefs. The chapter on 'Grace' was done particularly well and I think it shows off the depth of understanding and care these two authors have and how much they walk their talk. And I really appreciate their emphasis on well-rounded educational sources on the topics, along with curiosity, as methods to help us all come together.

The only quibble I have with this book (and maybe you can take this as a suggestion for the next book) is I was hoping to get practical tips for when people don't follow their instructions to "take off the jersey", search yourself and examine your own beliefs, and *do the research*. I thought the section on welfare and finding out how much correct (and incorrect) information was a great example: if someone doesn't do their homework, people will argue from the same, entrenched sides with inaccurate information. But what do you do when you're faced with someone who is angry in your face with that wrong information? How do you gracefully remove yourself from these discussions and still leave the door open for future conversation?

How do we change a heated argument to a transformative conversation in the moment? I think they touched on some of this from their personal examples when speaking at live events but I would love to read a deeper dive of this topic from them in the next book.

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Oh my gosh! I love this book! What a great way to rephrase when you want to punch someone in the face as a result of their political views. I am so glad to be able to read this, and learn! Thank you!

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This is one of the best books I've read. I listen to the authors' podcast "Pantsuit Politics" and am a huge fan of the pair. Sarah is from the left, and Beth is from the right, and the two debate and discuss politics in a graceful way. I read the book initially because I have had trouble communicating with my family about politics, and this book helped me to be a better communicator, especially about topics that I am passionate about. I highly recommend this!

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I don't listen to Pantsuit Politics (I have one political podcast, and that is my beloved Hellbent.) but as someone who loves talking politics, I knew that I wanted to read this. 

I think that the idea of being able to meet in the middle, find common ground and work to find solutions from there is a good one but it's not always practical. For example, I'm gay. Our common ground has to start from a place of "I think you should be treated the same as every other citizen, including not getting fired or evicted for who you are and I think you should be allowed to get married." I don't care what else we have in common if you can't start there. It's not my job to convince you to treat me like a human being.

But there are times when it would work. I don't think anyone is enjoying the rash of mass shootings, and I think there are a lot of solutions (although the biggest one really has to be "make sure that not every single person can acquire every single gun") that are worth exploring.

There's a lot packed into this slim book, and I think it's incredibly valuable. There are tips in making sure you actually know policy and can discuss the issues without repeating talking points (which can be hard!).

This is a good starting place and I'm hoping a lot more people will join me in talking politics. It matters and it's an important thing to be knowledgeable about and discuss. Recommended.

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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.

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This is how books on politics should be written. Yes, talk about the issues. But also yes, talk about HOW to talk about the issues. With dignity. With openness. With suggestions on how to listen to the other side.

If we could follow the advice given in this book about how to talk about politics, we would have much better conversations. And actions. And relationships. These are things that matter to all of us, regardless of which political jersey we wear.

If you enjoy listening to Sarah and Beth's podcast, Pantsuit Politics, you'll also love their voices in this book---balanced, thoughtful, and passionate. And if Sarah and Beth are brand new to you, you're in for a treat to discover how interesting politics can be.

My thanks to NetGalley for the review copy of this book.

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I purchased this book before I received this ARC via NetGalley.
I listen to the Pantsuit Politics and Nuanced Life podcasts, so I was very excited to read this book.
It didn't disappoint.
This is a great starting point for those who want to better navigate touchy/political topics with those who they have different opinions.
If we all followed the advice put forth in this book, the landscape of politics and policy in America would dramatically change for the better.

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This is a really practical guide to navigating our current state of politics among friends and family. Had it been available I few years ago I might have avoided a few mistakes in this realm!

The authors and publisher are coming from a Christian perspective, but I would not allow that to put anyone off of reading this book. I do not share that faith, but found nothing in here that did not apply to me. The object of this book is to help us to have more useful attitudes within ourselves and then approaches with others, so that we can grow in respect and understanding for those who may vote differently from us. That project knows no limitations of religion!

Holland and Silvers advocate first doing business within our own hearts and minds, and then reaching out in conversation. They have structured their book accordingly, with sections entitled "Start With You" and "Turn Your Eyes Outward."

I particularly learned from the chapter entitled "Find Your Why." Below the level of particular politicians and policies, deep where our values reside, all of us can (and should!) find much agreement.

With big thanks to NetGalley and Nelson books for an advance copy of this really worthwhile title.

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I misread this synopsis and didn't realize it was coming at politics from a faith-based perspective, which probably strengthens why I should have finished it because it could have helped me see from another perspective, but I know I won't be able to use any of the information and I think I would disagree with too much of the advice.

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Loved the premises of the book and learning about the background of the two authors. I didnt mind that religion was involved because it didnt affect the books plot. It had some really good points.

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As a fan of the authors’ podcasts, “Pantsuit Politics” and “The Nuanced Life”, I believe I am somewhat the target audience for this book. I did receive a copy of the book from Netgalley after the book was published and I had already bought the audio version. I listened to about 75% of the book on audio, and finished with the print version. I loved both versions of the book. As a listener of the podcasts, I enjoyed hearing the audio version which is narrated by the authors. I found it to be engaging and thought provoking. However, the format of this book contains discussion questions and action items on the topics so I think most readers would want the print version for that reason.

This is a book about getting out of your comfort zone and having difficult conversations with people who may not agree with you. It acknowledges that there are many sides to current issues. There are practical tips to bring into your every day life.

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In a polarized time where people either choose to actively avoid political talk or create as much 'hot air' as possible, this book is a much-needed salve for our souls. It comes from both sides of the fence, and shows that these discussions are both needed and craved by many, AND they can be handled with grace and love. This isn't about 'us' versus 'them,' but rather about what's best for everyone...and we all know that no one gets everything they want when we look out for the group as a whole. What would our country look like if it were run by a group of moms - from all political walks - who try to plan a country that's best for their children and grandchildren, rather than just the legal and monetary aspects? I think it would look a lot different, and so do the authors, who know that what it really boils down to is treating each other like the fellow human beings that we are...including those who spout of nonsense and tripe (not a dissenting opinion, but those folks whose only goal is to rile others up) online. For anyone who feels afraid to talk about politics, or feels that our country has reached a schism so wide it will never be breached, this book will give you hope.

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Just the kind of read that anyone political or interested in politics needs to read. Level headed, well laid out and thought out. I loved the idea of this book before I even read beyond the first page. And after the first chapter I was hooked. How can we have civil conversations if we can't get past arguments and mud slinging.... This book!

Everyone is heated and anticipates an argument when politics are mentioned. Or else they avoid and deflect any political conversations..... This book is a great way to start getting beyond that. I was excited to receive an advanced reader copy from the publisher to learn more about these writers and following their podcast.

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In this well-written guide, Sarah and Beth broach ways we can communicate respectfully while discussing critical issues. Instead of being instantly combative, we can listen and empathize. Try to understand rather than insult. We are not enemies, we are citizens. We are capable of having respectful conversations, even if we disagree, and still be civil. The reminder that our differences are not more important than our similarities had a profound effect on me. And while the faith pieces do not apply to me personally, the overall message here is one for all humans.

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