If you regularly listen in to talk of politics and current events, chances are that you’ve heard some form of lamentation over how divided and partisan the political and social landscapes have become in America over the past few years. Pessimism over ever being able to repair our widening philosophical differences is an increasingly common theme in our shared media. In fact, I’m sure that we’ve all heard more than once that this is the most divided we’ve ever been in here in the United States. If you’re at all like me, this kind of talk can spike your anxiety and inspire deep despair, especially when the issue is presented as being more severe now than ever before. However, there is a glimmer of hope; for those willing to dig deeper into our national history, we can challenge that internal despair. In fact, in “The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels,” Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham begins by acknowledging the current state of affairs, but also firmly states that “We have been here before.”
This will be our topic of exploration as we discuss Meacham’s book at 6 p.m. Jan. 27 at Crawfordsville District Public Library. Part of a series of “4th Mondays” events commemorating the upcoming 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in the US, we are partnering with the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County throughout 2020. Each month, we alternate between “Well-Read Citizen” book talks, and showings of “The Legend of the Legendary League” presentation, which explores the suffrage movement and ratification of the 19th Amendment.
Meacham pulls together examples of contentious moments from the entirety of our nation’s history back to its founding, but in particular focuses on the aftermath of the Civil War and the difficulties faced by those who were tasked with Reconstruction. Each chapter explores a different challenge faced during Big Moments in America such as, the birth of the KKK and its rebirth in the 1920’s and 50’s, the Red Scare and McCarthyism, and the Great Depression. The author also analyzes how the leaders at the time faced those challenges while inspiring hope in the American people and pushing for tolerance and progress. Meacham concludes his reflection with thoughts about how concerned citizens can “enlist on the side of the better angels.”
Book club copies of the title are available to pick up at the Circulation desk here at CDPL; because this is a lengthy read, we will be focusing on talking about the information regarding women’s suffrage, though readers are encouraged to enjoy the entire title if they want. It is not required to have read it at all to enjoy, learn and benefit from our discussion on the 27th. Contact our reference desk at 765-362-2242, ext. 117, with any questions.
Shelbi Hoover is a reference and local history assistant at the Crawfordsville District Public Library.
