This week we finished recording the audiobook for Democracy Awakening. And so the entire process of writing a book, from getting the idea to reading the audiobook, is done, done, done, done, done. It reads well, I think. In an odd way it is a deeply personal book: it’s basically my thoughts about the conversations we all have been having for the past four years about history, politics, democracy, and authoritarianism, based on my years of studying history and thinking about the human condition. We originally called the book “All I Know,” and that title would actually be pretty fair.
Mine has been pre-ordered for some time ... really looking forward to it. I would guess I'm not alone in feeling like we've been there with you and in a strange way feel like we're part of this book. It may not look like it from the outside, but you've raised the mental stability of so many of us, I think it must have made a blip on the sanity scale. Enjoy the ride.
From your comment, I deeply resonated with, “.....you've raised the mental stability of so many of us, I think it must have made a blip on the sanity scale”.
In other words,
I NEED my daily fix of “Letters from an American “.
I start my morning with a cup of coffee and Heather. The day is not right if I can't do that. I need now to preorder the book. Thank you, Heather and all of you for your keen commentary on what is going on.
HCR, Joyce is so right on when she says you've raised mental stability. This place is such a refuge. I'm so looking forward to seeing how you culled and structured such a massive collection of essays into one book. It's Herculean (but we need a feminine word for it! HERculean?). Thank you for your continuing work for democracy AND sanity.
Alexandra S., I choose "Amazonian"....reminding me of the powerful river full of fish that so far feed so many and the power of lifegiving water ......I am reminded of the jungle....full of amazing creatures and plants, some which are used as poisons, some to heal sicknesses or wounds....I am reminded of its lush canapy of trees and plants that contribute to cleaning the air of our earth.
I am reminded that neither the Amazon nor our freedoms will survive without intentional choices to care for both. In my understanding, Heather' books remind us to treasure and respect the work of those who came before us and strengthen and care for all that is good before we allow it to be taken from us.
Emily, I love your descriptions and reasoning! Beautiful. Also, "Amazonian" is probably the most instantly understandable equivalent of "Herculean" -which is important.
I was a bit ambivalent about the term because Amazon the corporation has kind of tainted the word, but that's exactly the kind of appropriation we can't allow to happen. You've convinced me!
Yes, I just realized that my calling the historian a "myth maker" could have unintended interpretations . That she is her own myth, is exactly right. Thank you.
I've come around to Paula's idea above - we need to take "Amazon" back. (Although actually I'm published by Amazon so a bit conflicted...). My hesitation about Athenian is that it's much more used to mean "citizen of Athens."
Joyce, your sentiment is right on. Reading the title and book summary when I just now ordered it give me hope, something Heather is very good at even when relating all the things amiss in our democracy.
Joyce, you've hit the nail on the head. "...you've raised the mental stability of so many of us..." describes my experience of finding and subscribing to LFAA 3 years ago. This community has come to mean so much to me as I go through life now much more aware, educated, and activist than I was 4 years ago.
HCR, along with your new book, you have continued to encourage the democracy here on the forum. It is a friendly, kind, homey and smart community because we follow your lead. Thank you.
I think we could call ourselves the "All I Know" team because we've learned so much from you and from each other.
Kudos to you, HCR, for being 'done', 'done', 'done'! We will be among your most enthusiastic readers.
Congratulations on your completion. Now breathe and relax for those few moments before the next madness begins 😊 thank you for all you do for our Country and it’s history. 🩷
Good on ya, Heather. As you're making your way around the country do take advantage of your visits to talk about the glories of the Biden government. And the importance of rebuilding the US after the disasterours last president. And without having heard it yet, Promote, promote, promote you book!
I pre-ordered the day you announced from an independent book seller in Ann Arbor, MI. He knew of your reputation and being the area, I'm sure he ordered a few extra copies. If one of your stops is A2, I will make every effort to be there. I have a husband who is bedbound so can only leave him for 3-4 hours at the most. As I live 46 miles from AA, logistics are a challenge. Would love to give you a hug for all the historic background you have given to this math-science educated person who does not know history. So consider this a virtual hug.
IT’S MIDNIGHT IN THE NORTH COUNTRY OF MAGA LIAR ELISE STEFANIK...
THE 21ST IS GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO ELECT HER REPLACEMENT - WITH NATIONAL SUPPORT FOR A MYSTERY CANDIDATE... AGED 52...
LET THE PUNISHMENT FIT THE CRIME...
WIPE OUT THE BREEDING LINE...
ONE JAILED FOR LIFE, THE REST JAILED AND RELEASED... AS MARKED MEN... PUNISHED FOR TRYING TO HIJACK OUR NATION...
WE ALLOWED NIXON AND THE CIVIL WAR CONFEDERACY TO WALK....
THIS TIME WE TAKE A DIFFERENT APPROACH... AND NO ONE WALKS.
LET THE MESSAGE GO FORWARD...
AMERICA IS DONE WITH RACISM AND FASCISM... AND TRICKLE DOWN BULL SHIT...
TOLERANCE IS KING, INTOLERANCE IS OUTED..
AMERICA STANDS BY ITS CONSTITUTION AND THE PREAMBLE...
WOMEN’S RIGHTS ARE SUPREME, LET NO CHILD BE LEFT BEHIND...
THE WALL STREET CRIMINAL CARTEL - THE MOST IMPORTANT LAWYERS INCLUDED - IS THOROUGHLY PROSECUTED, WITH LIFE TIME BANS... IRREVOCABLE..
PAYMENT OF BILLION DOLLAR FINES IN LIEU OF SENTENCING IS DISALLOWED...
USE IMMUNITY IS USED TO GET THEM ALL... ONE FIRM IS EXPOSED FOR ITS CENTRALITY TO ALL OF IT...
ACCESS JOURNALISM AND JOURNALISTS ARE EXPOSED AND TERMINATED ... BY THOSE THAT KNOW BEST...
SIR RUDY GIULIANI GETS LIFE WITH NO PAROLE IN SING SING TO LIVE OUT HIS DAYS IN HIS FATHER’S CELL.
NEXT WEEK:
INDICTMENT TIME in RIVER CITY and elsewhere -
DISNEY RELOCATES... Florida and Floridians that sought the state to protect assets are denied...
Florida’s schools and libraries are returned to sanity..
THE MYSTERY BOMBER that planted the unexploded in DC IS IDENTIFIED AND JAILED FOR LIFE...
The morbidly OBESE, EMOTIONALLY UNBALANCED, DELUSIONAL, CRIMINALLY MINDED PATHOLOGICAL LIAR, THE ORANGE FACED MAN LATE IN HIS 8TH DECADE WITH RED TIE AND BLEACHED YELLOW HAIR, with stubby fingers, and squinty eyes, IS CHARGED AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN, TRIED, TRIED, TRIED, TRIED, CONVICTED, CONVICTED, CONVICTED, CONVICTED, JAILED FOR LIFE - CASTRATED - HEAD SHAVED WITH A MUG SHOT - OBLIGED TO SPEAK BEFORE EACH JURY - ON CAMERA - INCARCERATED IN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT IN HIS CASTLE IN FLORIDA, WITH ROUND THE CLOCK SECRET SERVICE PROTECTION -
VOTE, VOTE, VOTE, VOTE...
HIS SONS ARE CHARGED AND CONVICTED, the RED HAT MAGA FORCE COLLAPSES...
the MAGA REPUBLICAN PARTY COLLAPSES...
POLLS ARE UNDENIABLE, NEW PARTIES FORM...
MOVEMENT COMMENCES TO IMPEACH AND DEFROCK SUPREME COURT JUSTICES THAT LIED TO RISE - AND ARE BRIBED TO THE DISGRACE OF THE COURT...
ALL JANUARY 6TH PERPS AND FAKE BALLOT PERPS ARE JAILED FOR 6 YEARS MINIMUM IN SOLITARY AND RELEASED - CASTRATED - WITH TATOO - A RED TATOO MARKED - JAN 6 MAGA - ON THEIR FOREHEADS...
EACH PERP IS BILLED FOR COURT COSTS AND DENIED THE USE OF INTERNET OR CELL PHONE... FOR LIFE.
STEVEN MILLER IS PLACED IN SOLITARY - JAILED FOR LIFE - IN FEDERAL CUSTODY - IN ILLINOIS - OR COLORADO - THE JURY’S CHOICE...
A brilliant MAN ONCE SAID, IF YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE A FANTASY, HAVE A GOOD ONE..
Mine is printed here...
THE MAN DIED BY SUICIDE... utterly depressed... like so many others...
Primo Levi, an example...
He became a pathological liar, unable to help himself... guilty of brutality to the children... he loved.
His arm bore a number - he predicted what we are going through now, in America...
AND HE SPELLED IT OUT...
He was raised wealthy... lost it all... to the Nazis... bribed his way out... lied about that... suffered survivor’s guilt...
His popular books were a brilliant mix of truth and fiction.. his insights were profound... and conflicted...
His creation has been closed... few really survived... fewer thrived
He was revered and hated... believed and respected... a sick man... commanded standing room... worked 7 days a week for decades...
His dad died of syphilis... which he kept secret...
He told the truths he shared at night, one on one, never during the day... and he could be honest...
He was poorly trained... UNEDUCATED IN HIS FIELD - intuitive, quite brilliant... incredibly complex...
He was human...
And he cared.
Again, he saw what we are dealing with... and said in 1955 that we would experience this mess again...
Haha…that would be awesome, but I would guess that’s about the last thing “our” teacher, friend, inspiration, thought- provoking, author, integrity-er would ever consider, and thankfully so, since we want her to continue wearing all those hats that become her so very much!
How about Richardson for president of every school board in the US? Let's make a huge conglomerate, and get ACTUAL HISTORY on every syllabus! NATIONAL STANDARDS for teaching and reading history, civics, and current national and world events! All students, no opt-out for private-schooled, religious-schooled, or home-schooled kids.
Michael, if she only makes it to Seattle, I have one of those gas guzzling (yet used for its intended purpose) quad cab half ton pickups, and would gladly give 3 other Oregon folks a ride up there.
Mine has been pre-ordered for some time ... really looking forward to it. I would guess I'm not alone in feeling like we've been there with you and in a strange way feel like we're part of this book. It may not look like it from the outside, but you've raised the mental stability of so many of us, I think it must have made a blip on the sanity scale. Enjoy the ride.
From your comment, I deeply resonated with, “.....you've raised the mental stability of so many of us, I think it must have made a blip on the sanity scale”.
In other words,
I NEED my daily fix of “Letters from an American “.
I start my morning with a cup of coffee and Heather. The day is not right if I can't do that. I need now to preorder the book. Thank you, Heather and all of you for your keen commentary on what is going on.
I think of my morning coffee as a cup of Heather!
What a lovely thought. I may do that too.
Same here, my sister to the north. Getting ahold of J. Michaels, Bookseller today.
Just preordered from Powell's along with a book on Sumer, my latest fascination. Hope your day is starting well.
It is. Just heading out to water the yard now.
HCR, Joyce is so right on when she says you've raised mental stability. This place is such a refuge. I'm so looking forward to seeing how you culled and structured such a massive collection of essays into one book. It's Herculean (but we need a feminine word for it! HERculean?). Thank you for your continuing work for democracy AND sanity.
Now I'm going to be thinking about this all day. Amazonian? Artemesian? Athenean? Lysistratian? Tubmanian?
Alexandra S., I choose "Amazonian"....reminding me of the powerful river full of fish that so far feed so many and the power of lifegiving water ......I am reminded of the jungle....full of amazing creatures and plants, some which are used as poisons, some to heal sicknesses or wounds....I am reminded of its lush canapy of trees and plants that contribute to cleaning the air of our earth.
I am reminded that neither the Amazon nor our freedoms will survive without intentional choices to care for both. In my understanding, Heather' books remind us to treasure and respect the work of those who came before us and strengthen and care for all that is good before we allow it to be taken from us.
Emily, I love your descriptions and reasoning! Beautiful. Also, "Amazonian" is probably the most instantly understandable equivalent of "Herculean" -which is important.
I was a bit ambivalent about the term because Amazon the corporation has kind of tainted the word, but that's exactly the kind of appropriation we can't allow to happen. You've convinced me!
Let's redirect the language back to the beginning and the myth of the Amazonian Women! A new effort, but this time consisting of both men and women.
Heatheronian???? She is her own myth maker! ;D
She's her own myth, for sure.
Yes, I just realized that my calling the historian a "myth maker" could have unintended interpretations . That she is her own myth, is exactly right. Thank you.
Well, it's a gray area, isn't it? A lot of what we learn as history is actually myth, but HCR is the great debunker. And yet - mythic! :)
"Athenian" works for me! Slips right off the tongue / mind. (Amazonian reminds too much of the ubiquitous online retailer.)
I've come around to Paula's idea above - we need to take "Amazon" back. (Although actually I'm published by Amazon so a bit conflicted...). My hesitation about Athenian is that it's much more used to mean "citizen of Athens."
I vote Artemesian!
Me too, Meredith. Always my favorite goddess!
Joyce, your sentiment is right on. Reading the title and book summary when I just now ordered it give me hope, something Heather is very good at even when relating all the things amiss in our democracy.
I ordered Heather's book some time ago from a local book seller & also feel her writing is my morning grounding in both Hope & at times despair.
Joyce, you've hit the nail on the head. "...you've raised the mental stability of so many of us..." describes my experience of finding and subscribing to LFAA 3 years ago. This community has come to mean so much to me as I go through life now much more aware, educated, and activist than I was 4 years ago.
I ordered mine from Barnes and Noble, spread the love around
Do you know if you can pre-order on Amazon?
HCR, along with your new book, you have continued to encourage the democracy here on the forum. It is a friendly, kind, homey and smart community because we follow your lead. Thank you.
I think we could call ourselves the "All I Know" team because we've learned so much from you and from each other.
Kudos to you, HCR, for being 'done', 'done', 'done'! We will be among your most enthusiastic readers.
Spot on, Fern!!
Well said Fern.
Congratulations on your completion. Now breathe and relax for those few moments before the next madness begins 😊 thank you for all you do for our Country and it’s history. 🩷
Yes, rest up now while you can. Which may be very brief. After all, is this going to be The Really Big Indictment Week?
We are old friends now. We will never meet personally, but will remain friends. Thank you for helping to keep me sane.
Yes, on top of all she does, HCR plays a big role in my mental health as well, as does this community.
Same here, but I hold out hope for meeting personally.
Hope springs eternal, Ally...or so it is said. Hope your wish comes true.
Good on ya, Heather. As you're making your way around the country do take advantage of your visits to talk about the glories of the Biden government. And the importance of rebuilding the US after the disasterours last president. And without having heard it yet, Promote, promote, promote you book!
Hoping I'll get the book when I come to Austin to see my family on the other side of the pond.
The BookPeople is my go-to for books - and for essentials like my "Ruth Bader Ginsberg in heaven" socks.
Many thanks for your tenacity in keeping truth in focus.
Keeping truth in focus, what an apt descriptor
BTW, the Bookpeople is an independent enterprise... Check them out!
I pre-ordered the day you announced from an independent book seller in Ann Arbor, MI. He knew of your reputation and being the area, I'm sure he ordered a few extra copies. If one of your stops is A2, I will make every effort to be there. I have a husband who is bedbound so can only leave him for 3-4 hours at the most. As I live 46 miles from AA, logistics are a challenge. Would love to give you a hug for all the historic background you have given to this math-science educated person who does not know history. So consider this a virtual hug.
I HAVE A DREAM...
IT’S MIDNIGHT IN THE NORTH COUNTRY OF MAGA LIAR ELISE STEFANIK...
THE 21ST IS GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO ELECT HER REPLACEMENT - WITH NATIONAL SUPPORT FOR A MYSTERY CANDIDATE... AGED 52...
LET THE PUNISHMENT FIT THE CRIME...
WIPE OUT THE BREEDING LINE...
ONE JAILED FOR LIFE, THE REST JAILED AND RELEASED... AS MARKED MEN... PUNISHED FOR TRYING TO HIJACK OUR NATION...
WE ALLOWED NIXON AND THE CIVIL WAR CONFEDERACY TO WALK....
THIS TIME WE TAKE A DIFFERENT APPROACH... AND NO ONE WALKS.
LET THE MESSAGE GO FORWARD...
AMERICA IS DONE WITH RACISM AND FASCISM... AND TRICKLE DOWN BULL SHIT...
TOLERANCE IS KING, INTOLERANCE IS OUTED..
AMERICA STANDS BY ITS CONSTITUTION AND THE PREAMBLE...
WOMEN’S RIGHTS ARE SUPREME, LET NO CHILD BE LEFT BEHIND...
THE WALL STREET CRIMINAL CARTEL - THE MOST IMPORTANT LAWYERS INCLUDED - IS THOROUGHLY PROSECUTED, WITH LIFE TIME BANS... IRREVOCABLE..
PAYMENT OF BILLION DOLLAR FINES IN LIEU OF SENTENCING IS DISALLOWED...
USE IMMUNITY IS USED TO GET THEM ALL... ONE FIRM IS EXPOSED FOR ITS CENTRALITY TO ALL OF IT...
ACCESS JOURNALISM AND JOURNALISTS ARE EXPOSED AND TERMINATED ... BY THOSE THAT KNOW BEST...
SIR RUDY GIULIANI GETS LIFE WITH NO PAROLE IN SING SING TO LIVE OUT HIS DAYS IN HIS FATHER’S CELL.
NEXT WEEK:
INDICTMENT TIME in RIVER CITY and elsewhere -
DISNEY RELOCATES... Florida and Floridians that sought the state to protect assets are denied...
Florida’s schools and libraries are returned to sanity..
THE MYSTERY BOMBER that planted the unexploded in DC IS IDENTIFIED AND JAILED FOR LIFE...
The morbidly OBESE, EMOTIONALLY UNBALANCED, DELUSIONAL, CRIMINALLY MINDED PATHOLOGICAL LIAR, THE ORANGE FACED MAN LATE IN HIS 8TH DECADE WITH RED TIE AND BLEACHED YELLOW HAIR, with stubby fingers, and squinty eyes, IS CHARGED AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN, TRIED, TRIED, TRIED, TRIED, CONVICTED, CONVICTED, CONVICTED, CONVICTED, JAILED FOR LIFE - CASTRATED - HEAD SHAVED WITH A MUG SHOT - OBLIGED TO SPEAK BEFORE EACH JURY - ON CAMERA - INCARCERATED IN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT IN HIS CASTLE IN FLORIDA, WITH ROUND THE CLOCK SECRET SERVICE PROTECTION -
VOTE, VOTE, VOTE, VOTE...
HIS SONS ARE CHARGED AND CONVICTED, the RED HAT MAGA FORCE COLLAPSES...
the MAGA REPUBLICAN PARTY COLLAPSES...
POLLS ARE UNDENIABLE, NEW PARTIES FORM...
MOVEMENT COMMENCES TO IMPEACH AND DEFROCK SUPREME COURT JUSTICES THAT LIED TO RISE - AND ARE BRIBED TO THE DISGRACE OF THE COURT...
ALL JANUARY 6TH PERPS AND FAKE BALLOT PERPS ARE JAILED FOR 6 YEARS MINIMUM IN SOLITARY AND RELEASED - CASTRATED - WITH TATOO - A RED TATOO MARKED - JAN 6 MAGA - ON THEIR FOREHEADS...
EACH PERP IS BILLED FOR COURT COSTS AND DENIED THE USE OF INTERNET OR CELL PHONE... FOR LIFE.
STEVEN MILLER IS PLACED IN SOLITARY - JAILED FOR LIFE - IN FEDERAL CUSTODY - IN ILLINOIS - OR COLORADO - THE JURY’S CHOICE...
A brilliant MAN ONCE SAID, IF YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE A FANTASY, HAVE A GOOD ONE..
Mine is printed here...
THE MAN DIED BY SUICIDE... utterly depressed... like so many others...
Primo Levi, an example...
He became a pathological liar, unable to help himself... guilty of brutality to the children... he loved.
His arm bore a number - he predicted what we are going through now, in America...
AND HE SPELLED IT OUT...
He was raised wealthy... lost it all... to the Nazis... bribed his way out... lied about that... suffered survivor’s guilt...
His popular books were a brilliant mix of truth and fiction.. his insights were profound... and conflicted...
His creation has been closed... few really survived... fewer thrived
He was revered and hated... believed and respected... a sick man... commanded standing room... worked 7 days a week for decades...
His dad died of syphilis... which he kept secret...
He told the truths he shared at night, one on one, never during the day... and he could be honest...
He was poorly trained... UNEDUCATED IN HIS FIELD - intuitive, quite brilliant... incredibly complex...
He was human...
And he cared.
Again, he saw what we are dealing with... and said in 1955 that we would experience this mess again...
AND HERE WE ARE.
LET’S ROLL - AND GET IT THIS TIME..
I share that dream
With bated breath....
Yes, please.
WooHoo! Heather!!! Can’t wait to read and/or hear it!! Congratulations!!!
I can’t wait to dive into this! And I hope Seattle is one of your stops on your book tour! 😊
October 6 at Town Hall. Presale tickets for members are available now.
Congratulations Heather...such a major milestone and accomplishment!
Richardson for President.
Haha…that would be awesome, but I would guess that’s about the last thing “our” teacher, friend, inspiration, thought- provoking, author, integrity-er would ever consider, and thankfully so, since we want her to continue wearing all those hats that become her so very much!
How about Richardson for president of every school board in the US? Let's make a huge conglomerate, and get ACTUAL HISTORY on every syllabus! NATIONAL STANDARDS for teaching and reading history, civics, and current national and world events! All students, no opt-out for private-schooled, religious-schooled, or home-schooled kids.
I will definitely be ordering an actual book. An author can't sign a Kindle. lol
I'm looking forward to reading it and hopefully going to a signing. Don't forget New York City on your tour!
Suzanne, you just gave me the idea to ask Heather to sign my Kindle cover if she makes to Portland (Oregon) on her book tour.
Michael, if she only makes it to Seattle, I have one of those gas guzzling (yet used for its intended purpose) quad cab half ton pickups, and would gladly give 3 other Oregon folks a ride up there.
October 6 at Town Hall in Seattle. Woot!
Nice. Thank you. Will watch for Heather's schedule.
Book Tour is shaping up, so far:
Sep 27 - Brooklyn, NY
Sep 29 - Portsmouth, NH
Oct 3 - Santa Monica, CA
Oct 5 - Menlo Park, CA
Oct 6 - Seattle
Oct 10 - Atlanta
Oct 12 - Nashville
Oct 14 - Boston
Oct 17 - Traverse City, MI
Oct 18 - Austin, TX
Oct 19 - Houston
Oct 21 - Chicago
Heather, thanks for the book and the recording effort. Strange days.
Whew! Yay! Kudos and Admiration!
Congratulations!