Kris

I thought the beginning of the book was rather insightful as she explored other governments' descent into civil war and helped provide a vocabulary and framework to talk about the ebbs and flows of democratic power. I do feel like a few liberties were taken to make the US sound on the edge of civil war and it is generally written to point fingers and fearmonger, than actually provide tools and insight to unify the country.

She points to the invention and rise of social media as a key part into increased civil wars around the globe due to fringe groups being able to share ideas and mobilize in ways they couldn't before.

While social media allowing vocal minorities to amplify their voices and potential foreign influence on elections through funding and bots is a problem, I feel like she spent more time explaining how half the country is either being duped/manipulated or just plain ignorant, while also proposing radical solutions like the government regulating social media, but also manages to squeeze in how freedom of expression, association, and free media are critical points of democracy.

Her last chapters are a headache of cognitive dissonance that insists on principles of maintaining equality and equal voice for all citizens but also recommends the removal of the electoral college, as just one example.

The TLDR version of this book is factionalism leads to civil wars, and social media has encouraged identity-based factionalism. Limit online influence in your perception of the world because it's not accurate or honest, and there are certainly bad faith actors. Also, spend time in your community to strengthen civic values and encourage others to do so as well.

If citizens' needs are met and the government actually does its job, the “violence/chaos entrepreneurs” don't have a leg to stand on.

Abramson's books appeal to a very niche market, that apparently I am not a part of. The constant love at first site mixed with dilemma and danger that can only be solved by the perfect LDS intelligence officer who's mission has perfectly prepared them for this mission all feels a bit much.

Is this poor, predictable writing and characterization?

Yes.

Did I binge read the whole thing despite watching the TV series last year?

Also yes.

It's a fun trash read, and I'm okay with that

It was a quick read. Few passages felt impactful. It leans heavily on tropes and stereotypes which weakens the effect of the serious issue Colleen was going for. Overall, the characters and story felt flat instead of incredibly moving.

Why do I keep doing this to myself?!?!?! This is the literary equivalent of eating 50 packs of instant ramen and then being surprised I got a stomach ache.