Our American Story

“America is a story with a country, even more than it is a country with a story. Can we come together around a defining narrative or make our multiple narratives cohere? This thoughtful, diverse, and often impassioned collection—featuring a distinguished cast of theorists, historians, and politicians—offers something much better than pat answers: scholarly insight, personal wisdom, and an embodiment of America’s questing spirit.”—Jonathan Rauch, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution

“At a time of increasing political, racial, and regional tribalism, with Americans finding it difficult to relate to one another, Our American Story admirably seeks a common story.”—James Kirchick, author of The End of Europe: Dictators, Demagogues, and the Coming Dark Age

“If you are confused or, like me, fearful about what is happening to the United States, please read this book. It is calming and clarifying—we have been here before. Most importantly, it is an essential step toward addressing our problems. National narratives are powerful, and in this enlightening book, scholars from many fields will help you understand the conflicting narratives that influence our political thinking and behavior today.”—Jonathan Haidt, Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership at the New York University Stern School of Business