If you like history, but haven't been introduced to Jill Lepore, then where have you been? Her witty style, combined with a captivating dramatic flair, pulls readers in and tells a story unlike many other academics. If more people were able to write history like Lepore, maybe they would not be seen as stuck in "ivory towers" writing esoteric work for their colleagues while the larger public seems intent on neglecting history and the humanities at large. Lepore makes the case that we need to rediscover the Constitution. While it has invited debates on interpretation and arguments about its application, Lepore makes it clear that our country stands because of the strength of this document: its flexibility, but yet its adaptability. She covers the history of its creation and its interpretation, bringing the story right up to current day concerns. This book was certainly influenced by her previous work, These Truths. If you have not read that magnificent work, go pick that one up, too.
Lepore manages to wade through a lot of territory, but does so in such a deft way that she is able to make complicated matters understandable and much more meaningful. Who else could be entrusted to narrate the constitutional issues of the Marshall court in an engaging way?
If you want to understand the issues and debates today in America, We the People is a terrific place to begin. It's constitutional and legal history that is accessible and entertaining. In the last few pages, she asked "What would the founders do?" Without hesitation they would read, debate, repeat. By reading We the People, readers can be assured that even if they don't have a direct role in the debate, they can understand it better than before.

We the People by Jill Lepore is, quite simply, a magnificent achievement and a truly essential read for anyone interested in American history and civics. I found it to be an incredibly thoughtful and illuminating exploration of the U.S. Constitution, building beautifully upon Lepore's impressive body of work. What makes this book shine so brightly is its brilliant presentation of the Constitution not as a static, ancient text, but as a vibrant, living document constantly shaped by generations of debates, triumphs, and even the earnest attempts at amendment that didn't quite make it.

I was particularly struck by how strikingly current and relevant this book feels. Lepore has managed to seamlessly integrate events right up through the 2024 election, demonstrating the ongoing, dynamic nature of our foundational document. The inclusion of historical documents, insightful charts, and compelling visual aids truly elevates the reading experience, making complex ideas digestible and engaging. This isn't just history; it's a profound civic lesson presented with remarkable clarity and intellectual rigor. We the People is a masterpiece of historical scholarship that is both deeply informative and wonderfully accessible, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone.