Welcome to Litsy!

This fantastic book challenges Americans to start engaging with politics differently. To take off the jersey, to stop thinking of “sides,” and to start listening. They feature religion too heavily for my taste, but it didn‘t diminish their message, which is valuable, important, and, I think, our only way forward.

An open dialogue between a republican & a democrat who respect each other & are willing to find common ground. It‘s disturbing to realize how rare that kind of conversation is. I appreciate the tools and tips they provide to step outside of the echo chamber & work on keeping dialogue open with people you disagree with.

“Politician shouldn‘t determine our positions and values, our values should determine the policies and politicians we support.”

This book has really blown my mind as I realize so much of what I think I know is wrong or at least no longer true. 🤯

#ListeningDay #JulyJourneys #TBR

These Kentucky women belong to opposite political parties, but they still have a lot in common, both are cis, white, hetero, Christian mothers, & they make no bones about how that influences their approach policy. However in this book and their podcast, they go policy wonk and look at the roots of ideas like social security or universal healthcare, and what common ground can be found to improve these programs. Both are humble and their nuanced ⬇️

15 books finished (two share a spot)
2 in hibernation
2 DNFs

That‘s where I stand now with #bookspinbingo. 🥳🎉 I just finished the tagged book (to give me second and third bingos finally), but I‘m not sure what I want to say about it.

Nothing like stress reading to fill up your board! 😂

I read this in July, but still want to post a review—it‘s such an excellent & timely read. The authors (one from the right, one from the left) advocate setting aside a Republican/Democrat dichotomy to realize issues are far more complex & nuanced than the simple party line. If we seek to understand the personal values behind our positions, if we allow for that nuance & complexity—discussing politics can be a far more grace-filled endeavor.

“We are choosing division. We are choosing conflict.”
“We changed ‘you shouldn‘t talk about politics‘ to ‘you should only talk to people who reinforce your worldview.‘” Sarah and Beth are on opposite sides politically (Republican & Democrat) but share faith and a willingness to be open. Interesting discussions about politics, abortion, welfare, universal basic income, etc. Lots of religious references, but it fits with who they are as people.

Went through hubby‘s TBR pile for my next read! 😂

3.5 hours of reading so far and I finished my first book of the #StayHome24in48 Readathon. A good read on having political discussions- authors have and acknowledge privilege, advocate for listening and nuance. Heads up, they are both religious and reference it but I think it would be readable for a non-religious audience.

Definitely adopting this for not only unsafe drivers but for those I see on social media not taking social distancing seriously. #StayHome24in48

Switching from print to audio on the same title in order to make some breakfast and get cleaned up. #StayHome24in48

Can I finish this in 3 hours??? It‘s got a hold on it so I can‘t renew and I don‘t want to have to resort to the airplane mode trick. Stay tuned! #StayHome24in48

Starting with this book tomorrow for #StayHome24in48 and then tackling my library books. Hoping to finish 5 books and read 24 hours this weekend.

Currently enjoying the perfect rainy Sunday. ❤️

Happy FriYAY friends 🎉

#LetsTravelAugust @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @OriginalCyn620
Build #bridges, not walls.

Part 2 of my July 2019 book list. It was a pretty solid month as far as quality reads. School/work starts up in 2 weeks so my books read will decline quite a bit. It was great while it lasted.

This book is a must read in this political environment we live in. It does have Christian themes throughout but it wasn‘t dominate, in case you aren‘t interested in a religious book. I love the way these two authors approach civility and reasoning. If you want to be part of the solution to our divisive environment this is a great start.

I absolutely loved this especially as I begin really “tuning in” to the 2020 election. I think that Americans‘ current inability to converse with one another in a respectful and substantive matter is an absolute travesty. And I‘ve been guilty of it at times but I resolve to do better and to be better. Thank you so much Britt for bringing this to my attention. 4🌟

A fitting book to finish today. 🇺🇸 I loved the authors‘ focus on empathy and open-hearted listening. Good things could happen if more of us (self included!) put some of their tips into practice, such as being more curious, admitting our blindspots and assumptions, and embracing discomfort. Their perspective is Christian but not, IMO, exclusionary (they do get Bible-y, but mostly at the end of sections, so easy enough to skim/skip if desired).

Good:

—Several specific examples of how to talk about political disagreements

Not so good:

—Lots of generalizations about the need to treat each other with grace (true, but how many ways do we need to say it?)

—A fair amount of Christian perspective—not applicable to all audiences

Overall, not bad. I'm glad I own it (many thanks to @britt_brooke) and can refer back to it as I digest or need a refresher. I'll follow the authors.

SUPER SALE ALERT! $1.99 for Kindle.

I‘ve been dying to read this ever since @britt_brooke talked about it.

I'm taking advantage of this one rain free day to sit on my balcony and listen to my audiobook / guard my seedlings from the squirrels.

They are offering a skype session to any group who orders at least 25 books. Any chance there are 24 other people in the DC region who would be interested? (Im in WV an hour from DC for perspective).

I listened to half of the #audiobook, one of the authors‘ recent podcasts, the rest of the book, and another podcast. I appreciated the discussion of how to treat others with respect and understanding while delving deeper into contentious topics. It‘s a breath of fresh air amongst so much anger. Yet, the best aspect of the book may have been to introduce me to the podcast where they actually discuss issues in this manner.

#nonfiction #politics

So parts of this I thought were overly simplified (we totally disagree on this issue but we both agree this part is crappy). And I was confused why the Bible and religion had to play such a huge part but they bring up some really excellent points. As someone who is charged with teaching information literacy and critical thinking I think I do a poor job sometimes at informing myself of multiple sides of an issue. I need to do better.

Have you read this yet? Because you totally should. A refreshing antidote to all the partisan political books out there right now. #keepitnuanced

@britt_brooke went above and beyond with her most excellent giveaway! I was excited enough to win a signed copy of this book already on my TBR. Then, it arrive gift-wrapped—such luxury! Finally, I learned that Brittany and Sarah have been friends since elementary school. Thanks a million for this excellent gift. I'm really looking forward to digging in. 😍

#HappyMail to kick off the weekend, thanks to @britt_brooke and the #ImListeningGiveaway! Thank you! Looking forward to reading and sharing this book with others! 🤗

I really enjoy the podcast “Pantsuit Politics” hosted by these two women, one from the left and one from the right. It is a very thought provoking book. You will get substantially more from the experience if you participate in the chapter challenges. I believe they chose to write in third person to show unity even as they disagree politically; however, it does lead to a distancing of the authors from the reader.

Bless you.

Hooray @JackOBotts and @JoyBlue - you‘ve both won the #ImListeningGiveaway ! Please send your mailing information to brittany.seibert@gmail.com and I will get these out by week‘s end.

💙❤️ Thanks a bunch to all who entered! ❤️💙

#ImListeningGiveaway @britt_brooke Thanks for the opportunity to win! I teach a high school class on rhetoric and we are always talking about the importance of getting outside of our echo chambers so we can listen to other points of view...this looks like it would be a great addition for my class library!

Like many of you, my politics are quite different from many in my family, and because they are based on my values, I have some pretty strong feelings. My husband also works in the political sector for a non-profit (human rights campaign), so as election seasons come up, there is almost no getting around these conversations. So this book is a must-read for me 😂😂 #ImListeningGiveaway

I would love to win this! Thanks for the opportunity to win #imlisteninggiveaway @britt_brooke I would love to understand why most of my family thinks the way they do 😂🤯

This book sounds so interesting! Thanks @britt_brooke for hosting this giveaway!
#Imlisteninggiveaway

💥💥💥 GIVEAWAY REMINDER 💥💥💥

Today is the last day to enter to win a signed copy of this book. Two copies available!

TO ENTER:

➡️ Repost this photo (or the one from original post)
➡️ use the hashtag #ImListeningGiveaway and tag me @britt_brooke
➡️ enter through TODAY, February 24; two winners will be announced tomorrow
➡️ open to all

@britt_brooke is hosting a giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of 'I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening)'. Head over to her page to checkout how to enter to win!!! #ImListeningGiveaway Thank you @britt_brooke!

I haven't read this yet, but I'm ready to ❤!

I would love a copy of this! Thanks @britt_brooke #ImListeningGiveaway

What an awesome #ImListeningGiveaway from @britt_brooke - this is a key addition to my #TBR. Thank you! Good luck to all other entrants! 🤞🏼

#Imlisteninggiveaway
@britt_brooke thanks for this giveaway! I would be so excited if I won!!! And I need help communicating across the divide....

Coming from a family with very different opinions on how to be a human in the modern world, I think this will come in very handy! #ImListeningGiveaway

Crossing my fingers @britt_brooke 🤞🤞

I‘m not gonna lie I‘m a political/history nerd. I‘m either reading or watching msnbc.
Thanks for the Chance.
#imlisteninggiveaway
@britt_brooke

Thank you to @britt_brooke for doing this giveaway! I‘m pretty sure you put this book on my radar originally, and I‘d love to win a copy. 😊 #ImListeningGiveaway

This is high on my TBR.

Thanks for offering the #ImListeningGiveaway, @britt_brooke

Thanks @britt_brooke for the chance to win in your #ImListeningGiveaway! 🎉