Cover Image: Fight

Fight

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Member Reviews

I loved reading this book! I found the writing to be very insightful and interesting. I was intrigued by the premise and I enjoyed reading it from start to finish.

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Written by an academic pollster, FIGHT's important point that it is (and will be) the youth of the United States that will bring about the necessary change demanded by democracy, climate change, technology, and economic equality. Unfortunately, the point is buried in polling numbers and statistics. It is one thing to look at a chart or graph that portrays statistical information; it is quite another to have such information included in long, boring sentences.

Overall, it is not Della Volpe's words you will remember. For most of the book, his words surround the quotes of others - David Hogg, Emma Gonzalez, and Greta Thunberg. His words pale in comparison to those of the young people fighting for a better world.

The final chapter, devoid of polling data, speculates on the impact Generation Z, along with their millennial counterparts will have on the nation, the world, and the planet. Talk about burying the lead.

Pollsters are master manipulators of numbers. Tailored questions evoke preconceived responses. This is a problem. It is surely necessary to view the numbers in this book with more than a degree of skepticism. As much as I agree that the young people of this nation are the answer to its ills, projecting what they might (or will) do does not predict the future.

When I attempted to post my review to Amazon, I got the message, in red letters, "Amazon has noticed unusual reviewing activity on this product. Due to this activity, we have limited this product to verified purchase reviews." I checked. It seems that there are two reviews, one of which is not marked "Verified Purchase." What criteria is the Amazon AI using here?

I was offered this book in return for an honest review by a St. Martin's Group Marketing Coordinator based on my previous interest in reviewing political books on NetGalley. Had I not promised a review, this is one political book I might not have finished. However, I am glad that I did simply because of the final chapter which brings together important points that seem to be lost on the political parties and political pundits. It is wildly encouraging to know that young people are taking active interest in public policy, and, more importantly, in voting.

It is difficult to give a star-rating to FIGHT because the narrative is necessary but poorly conveyed. On the readability scale, the book is a 2-star read; on the message scale, it is of 5-star importance.

I don't often find it helpful to add my personal information to a review. This time I do. I am 74 years old. I have not always been politically active except for voting. My career as an IT support specialist did not begin until I was nearly 40 years old. The year I turned 50, a great many of my co-workers turned 30. I was often the oldest person on the job right up to my retirement in 2009. Working with young people has informed my political thoughts and decisions for a very long time. I agree with Generation Z! We need government that works for the people, for the planet, and for progressive values.

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As an educator, this book confirms a lot of what I already know about teenagers. Its strength lies in the fact that it gives personal narratives that help prove those points. The interviews and public research are engaging. However, the demographic seems a bit selective. I question whether the author would have the same results if rural kids were included (and why weren't they focused as much?) I have taught in rural America and can say that teenagers definitely see things differently (for instance, gun issues). Ignorance is what got Trump elected, and may have led to the shock when he was. Sure, people like Thomas are mentioned in the book, but they are not representative of all. These people stand out as examples of Trumpian extremism and are seen as anti-thetical to Generation Z, although they are a part of it.

Ch. 8 was the most spot on to me. The people who stand out and get noticed really is identified well by the author. He makes the great point of realizing the importance of considering what get's young people's attention.

There are some interesting predictions at the end, as well.

Overall, is there a confirmation bias going on here? I can't help but think there may be a particular view of the country that is portrayed as "correct" or "dominant" when there is indeed an alternative, even in the suburbs and the city where I currently reside. We always seem to have an optimistic view of the younger generations- how they see things differently and are more accepting and will be the change that the country needs. But that same generation that was marching against Vietnam are the same older generations who are carrying this new conservatism.

Obviously, this book made me think, and for that I am grateful. It is a well-written book with some insights that will make you think about how our country depends on young people. A critical reading would also make you think about how those young people are portrayed

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