Our Time Is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight for a Fair America

First off I will begin by labelling myself as a "swing voter" as she describes in her book. I am neither Republican nor Democrat, Conservative nor Liberal. Who I am leaning towards in the 2020 Presidential election would not have been my choice in previous years. I maintain no loyalty to one party. I would vote for a trans black woman just as easily as I would vote for a straight white Christian male. It doesn't matter to me. That being said, Abrams does a great job presenting the facts about the importance of voting in the American political arena as well as the dark, often deliberate evils of voter suppression. That alone was 5 stars. For the first half of the book or so I thought that she had a bad habit of lumping all Republicans and Conservatives together, that they are all complicit in voter suppression and in cahoots with Brian Kemp, Governor of Georgia. Kemp is a bad, bad guy, there is no question about that. However, she could have elaborated on what drives Republican and Conservative voters to vote for stricter voting laws; I don't believe that it is strictly a racial issue for the average everyday Conservative but can be derived from understanding Conservative values and morals. I was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt for the most part of the book though. Minus one star. The chapter on Populism was oddly out of place and simply an unapologetic attack on Donald Trump. Pointing fingers and calling people names and blaming problems on one person does not help the situation. And then in the afterword she essentially places all of the blame on America's fallen status on American conservatives harking back to the Ronald Reagan era. This was an unquantifiable claim that again, felt oddly out of place considering how she masterfully presented quantifiable facts about voter suppression earlier in the book. Minus one star. Overall good. I would suggest it. I also would suggest to her to not let her emotion overcome the facts as it weakens the argument and makes her appear incredibly bitter and biased.

I have been aware of Stacey Abrams since 2018 during the election when the Georgian gubernatorial race was stolen from her by a corrupt election official who was also running for Governor (Brian Kemp). What I didn't realize until cracking open this book is how rampant voter corruption is across America, multi-layered and thick with bureaucracy that prevents hundreds of thousands of Americans from casting their vote in every election. This is essential reading for every American, especially approaching the 2020 Presidential elections! Stacey Abrams is currently still in the running for Biden's VP pick, and I think she is very worthy of that role just by what I've learned about her in this book. Must read!

I'm an older white male. I needed this book to significantly educate me on voting rights issues, Census2020 issues and what can be done. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, and many other Americans should read it this Summer.

When Stacey Abrams first burst into the news as a prime contender for the governorship of Georgia, where I lived and voted for over 30 years, my only regret was that I’d already moved to New Mexico, hence could not vote for her. However, I followed the politics of my former home state closely, and like most of my friends, was outraged and appalled by the shenanigans of the officials who so nefariously rigged the election, denying many voters their franchise and thereby putting her competitor into office. Since then, I’ve followed Abrams’ efforts with avid attention, have contributed to “Fair Fight”, and now have purchased her landmark book. “Our Time is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight for a Fair America” must be the marching orders and game plan for anyone who hopes to save democracy for our Nation and perhaps even the entire world. Abrams shares a small amount of personal history to emphasize a great deal of documentary information on the evolution of voting rights in the country, including the legislation and court decisions which have had major impact over the decades. The book is scholarly and thoroughly annotated, and at the same time extremely contemporary and totally accessible. Most important, though, the book is completely authentic. Although I left Georgia before the worst of the voter suppression efforts kicked in there prior to the 2012 election, and although I was blessed to be in Congressional District Five (the one which elected Congressman John Lewis over and over), I knew that our “favored status” in that part of Atlanta was NOT universal throughout the state. Subsequently, after moving to Albuquerque, I found I was blessed again beyond all dreaming; New Mexico surely has one of the most accessible election processes in the US. Indeed, many of the things Abrams’ book speaks about -- easy registration; totally accessible early and mail-in voting; bi-lingual paper ballots issued individually from printers on site; and (what amazed me most) the fact that polling places are not limited to precincts -- are totally available here. If New Mexico can do it, why can’t everybody? Obviously, the impediment is not the lack of technology, but the determination of the traditional “white male power structure” to limit the franchise to the “chosen few”. This book is truthful, hard-hitting, and absolutely relevant. It is also highly entertaining; as she points out while discussing the “Use It or Lose It” purging of eligible voters, one doesn’t lose one’s 2nd Amendment rights if one doesn’t go hunting, nor are 1st Amendment rights predicated on regular church attendance! This is required reading for anyone who cares.

The good ol' boy network is still around in 2020. We must embrace our roles in guiding our country back to decency by voting and advocating for the diversity that defines the US. Stacey Abrams is a women capable of being a great leader... if we only let her.

Great read!

I learned a great deal about humility, and voter's suppression which comes in all shapes and forms.

Haven’t read the book yet, because the print is so tiny I can hardly read it

Hi! Wow! What an impactful story. Worth reading and sharing Stacey's story. Love to see Stacey get all the organizations (hers, League of Women Voters, etc.) together under one unbrella to enact: 1) You are automatically registered to vote when you are born (part of your birth certificate), become a Citizen, get a driver's license, get a social security number, etc. If you don't want to vote, you opt out. If you move, it is up to YOU to change your voter's registration. Never could understand why one has to register to vote when it is your right as a citizen. If you die, then you are removed from voting with a death certificate. Otherwise the voting rolls are left as is. 2) Voting by mail is expanded. The post office is no longer run by a Trump appointee for his benefit. 3) Redistricting is done by an impartial panel. No more gerrymandering. 4) Outlaw "secret" rules in States. 5) Get rid of the Electoral College. Just because something is done one way doesn't mean that it is right or still relevant. 6) Federally mandated guidelines for voting are drawn up so that States still control their own voting BUT must follow certain guidelines to make voting fair. 7) In a great world, it would be wonderful to have EVERY USA high school student have to study abroad for six months. Haiti, Germany, China, etc. are great places to learn how BIG the world really is and how small it is, too. It changes your prospective when you see first hand how others live and how you fit into their cultures. How can one help with this cause?

Voter suppression turns my stomach and the atrocities and injustices that have occurred in our county, the USA, are shameful in our country's history, and at present. Early 2020, I googled "history of Voter suppression in America" and am so very glad I found a reference to this book. I ordered it, read it cover to cover. Twice. It is so tragic that our "democracy" is still not a true democracy. Where is the accountability for this outcome? Abrams research and intelligent discussion of the history of methods used to suppress the vote in our country is very depressing. Yet Abrams is not depressed, or a victim; she is a very positive, brilliant and tireless leader who has dedicated her life to empowering others to recognize and fight against the egregious intimidation and suppression of voters in our country. I cannot thank her enough for taking the time to record these shameful histories. Voter suppression must first be identified, acknowledged, and prevented if we are to be a democracy. I would like now to know more about 1) the penalties for voter suppression and 2) accountability of those who are guilty. I pray for a better America where every voter is engaged, informed, empowered and able to vote. And where leaders AND citizens support those efforts, rather than thwart them.

First off I will begin by labelling myself as a "swing voter" as she describes in her book. I am neither Republican nor Democrat, Conservative nor Liberal. Who I am leaning towards in the 2020 Presidential election would not have been my choice in previous years. I maintain no loyalty to one party. I would vote for a trans black woman just as easily as I would vote for a straight white Christian male. It doesn't matter to me. That being said, Abrams does a great job presenting the facts about the importance of voting in the American political arena as well as the dark, often deliberate evils of voter suppression. That alone was 5 stars. For the first half of the book or so I thought that she had a bad habit of lumping all Republicans and Conservatives together, that they are all complicit in voter suppression and in cahoots with Brian Kemp, Governor of Georgia. Kemp is a bad, bad guy, there is no question about that. However, she could have elaborated on what drives Republican and Conservative voters to vote for stricter voting laws; I don't believe that it is strictly a racial issue for the average everyday Conservative but can be derived from understanding Conservative values and morals. I was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt for the most part of the book though. Minus one star. The chapter on Populism was oddly out of place and simply an unapologetic attack on Donald Trump. Pointing fingers and calling people names and blaming problems on one person does not help the situation. And then in the afterword she essentially places all of the blame on America's fallen status on American conservatives harking back to the Ronald Reagan era. This was an unquantifiable claim that again, felt oddly out of place considering how she masterfully presented quantifiable facts about voter suppression earlier in the book. Minus one star. Overall good. I would suggest it. I also would suggest to her to not let her emotion overcome the facts as it weakens the argument and makes her appear incredibly bitter and biased.

I have been aware of Stacey Abrams since 2018 during the election when the Georgian gubernatorial race was stolen from her by a corrupt election official who was also running for Governor (Brian Kemp). What I didn't realize until cracking open this book is how rampant voter corruption is across America, multi-layered and thick with bureaucracy that prevents hundreds of thousands of Americans from casting their vote in every election. This is essential reading for every American, especially approaching the 2020 Presidential elections! Stacey Abrams is currently still in the running for Biden's VP pick, and I think she is very worthy of that role just by what I've learned about her in this book. Must read!

I'm an older white male. I needed this book to significantly educate me on voting rights issues, Census2020 issues and what can be done. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, and many other Americans should read it this Summer.

When Stacey Abrams first burst into the news as a prime contender for the governorship of Georgia, where I lived and voted for over 30 years, my only regret was that I’d already moved to New Mexico, hence could not vote for her. However, I followed the politics of my former home state closely, and like most of my friends, was outraged and appalled by the shenanigans of the officials who so nefariously rigged the election, denying many voters their franchise and thereby putting her competitor into office. Since then, I’ve followed Abrams’ efforts with avid attention, have contributed to “Fair Fight”, and now have purchased her landmark book. “Our Time is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight for a Fair America” must be the marching orders and game plan for anyone who hopes to save democracy for our Nation and perhaps even the entire world. Abrams shares a small amount of personal history to emphasize a great deal of documentary information on the evolution of voting rights in the country, including the legislation and court decisions which have had major impact over the decades. The book is scholarly and thoroughly annotated, and at the same time extremely contemporary and totally accessible. Most important, though, the book is completely authentic. Although I left Georgia before the worst of the voter suppression efforts kicked in there prior to the 2012 election, and although I was blessed to be in Congressional District Five (the one which elected Congressman John Lewis over and over), I knew that our “favored status” in that part of Atlanta was NOT universal throughout the state. Subsequently, after moving to Albuquerque, I found I was blessed again beyond all dreaming; New Mexico surely has one of the most accessible election processes in the US. Indeed, many of the things Abrams’ book speaks about -- easy registration; totally accessible early and mail-in voting; bi-lingual paper ballots issued individually from printers on site; and (what amazed me most) the fact that polling places are not limited to precincts -- are totally available here. If New Mexico can do it, why can’t everybody? Obviously, the impediment is not the lack of technology, but the determination of the traditional “white male power structure” to limit the franchise to the “chosen few”. This book is truthful, hard-hitting, and absolutely relevant. It is also highly entertaining; as she points out while discussing the “Use It or Lose It” purging of eligible voters, one doesn’t lose one’s 2nd Amendment rights if one doesn’t go hunting, nor are 1st Amendment rights predicated on regular church attendance! This is required reading for anyone who cares.

The good ol' boy network is still around in 2020. We must embrace our roles in guiding our country back to decency by voting and advocating for the diversity that defines the US. Stacey Abrams is a women capable of being a great leader... if we only let her.

Great read!

I learned a great deal about humility, and voter's suppression which comes in all shapes and forms.

Haven’t read the book yet, because the print is so tiny I can hardly read it

Hi! Wow! What an impactful story. Worth reading and sharing Stacey's story. Love to see Stacey get all the organizations (hers, League of Women Voters, etc.) together under one unbrella to enact: 1) You are automatically registered to vote when you are born (part of your birth certificate), become a Citizen, get a driver's license, get a social security number, etc. If you don't want to vote, you opt out. If you move, it is up to YOU to change your voter's registration. Never could understand why one has to register to vote when it is your right as a citizen. If you die, then you are removed from voting with a death certificate. Otherwise the voting rolls are left as is. 2) Voting by mail is expanded. The post office is no longer run by a Trump appointee for his benefit. 3) Redistricting is done by an impartial panel. No more gerrymandering. 4) Outlaw "secret" rules in States. 5) Get rid of the Electoral College. Just because something is done one way doesn't mean that it is right or still relevant. 6) Federally mandated guidelines for voting are drawn up so that States still control their own voting BUT must follow certain guidelines to make voting fair. 7) In a great world, it would be wonderful to have EVERY USA high school student have to study abroad for six months. Haiti, Germany, China, etc. are great places to learn how BIG the world really is and how small it is, too. It changes your prospective when you see first hand how others live and how you fit into their cultures. How can one help with this cause?

Voter suppression turns my stomach and the atrocities and injustices that have occurred in our county, the USA, are shameful in our country's history, and at present. Early 2020, I googled "history of Voter suppression in America" and am so very glad I found a reference to this book. I ordered it, read it cover to cover. Twice. It is so tragic that our "democracy" is still not a true democracy. Where is the accountability for this outcome? Abrams research and intelligent discussion of the history of methods used to suppress the vote in our country is very depressing. Yet Abrams is not depressed, or a victim; she is a very positive, brilliant and tireless leader who has dedicated her life to empowering others to recognize and fight against the egregious intimidation and suppression of voters in our country. I cannot thank her enough for taking the time to record these shameful histories. Voter suppression must first be identified, acknowledged, and prevented if we are to be a democracy. I would like now to know more about 1) the penalties for voter suppression and 2) accountability of those who are guilty. I pray for a better America where every voter is engaged, informed, empowered and able to vote. And where leaders AND citizens support those efforts, rather than thwart them.

I love the detail. The analysis. The sources. The fact that not a doubt is left in my mind about the previously invisible truth that this book has opened my eyes to. I’m grateful for the fact that people like this author and the people around her exist. Thank you. I can’t think of a person who would not benefit from reading this book. So many times I read something in this book and paused to think and then I’d read it again because my jaw had dropped so hard to the floor when I read it the first time that I had to read it again, sometimes with my eyes filled with tears, Google to confirm what I was seeing and then come back to continue to read. I choose this rating because there wasn’t a higher rating available. Some books entertain. This book entertains even though I doubt that’s intentional. Some books open your eyes, this book changes lives.

Ms. Abrams has written an easily understandable treatise on where our former democracy is heading. This should be required reading at least for every college student, if not high school.

I enjoyed reading this book because the language was straightforward and geared toward attracting the average reader. The author is neither overly verbose nor academic in her sentence structure. She makes the average American who is interested in a fresher politic point of view stick with her to the end.

Our Time is Now offers a powerful look into voter suppression, not only in the state of Georgia, but on a national level. As a sometimes voter, this book has opened my eyes to the salient if voting in every election. Stacey is a powerhouse of thought and action and I would love to see her in the White House one day.

Stacey Abrams writes with clarity, reason and compassion. She lays out how this nation got to its current state of internal conflict, inability to act, unwillingness to compromise. BUT......She offers qualified hope with solutions we can take, we must take to preserve our precious democracy and restore our world leadership.

Written prior to the 2020 Presidential Election this book covers a variety of ways Republican politicians have sought to discourage the voting of people they don’t want to vote. Stacey Abrams has spent years developing participation by infrequent voters emphasizing why all votes count in every election not just in Presidential elections. It also speaks to the importance of everyone to vote who is able to do so to maintain the health of democracy which this country has fought so hard to maintain.

A very good read!

Great book. It introduces you to the various modes of voter suppression.

It was a bit fun and jarring to read this just after the turn of 2021. To see how all her effort has played out in flipping Georgia was entertaining. The items about strongman and authoritarians was the jarring part since the attack on the Capitol just happened. Overall, inspiring.

Very educational book with true life experiences. Stacy is an amazing women who is committed to improving the well-being of everyone. This book has helped me better understanding the challenges from the past, the current and future. It explains that "Our Time is Now to help each other to Fight The Fair Fight. Thank You Stacy

I did not know the depth of corruption at the State level and the lengths people go to suppress our vote accross the United States. Take note of the latest, I mean latest, news about bills passed to restrict voting, "Our Time is Now" is truly appropriate. Thank you Stacey Abrams for your sacrifice to put this to print and may your book be read by many!

Voter Suppression in America is kindergarten stuff for Stacey Abrams. Not only does Stacey knows every inside out details of the history of Voter Suppression in Georgia but in all of America. I could not stop reading until the end. If your curiosity is the what, when, who, where and how of voter suppression in America, then buy this book. Then, call yourself a certified expert.

I loved this book because it educated me in a way that I can understand- I’m not a politician, I don’t have a law degree but this amazing writer who is both broke it down in a way that makes sense to me. I am inspired by Stacey Abrams and I am working for change because she has shown what is possible when we are told it is impossible. I will be sharing and encouraging everyone I know to read this book!

I like the Our Time is Now book. It’s an inspirational book. Stacey Abrams describes how we can finally have free and fair elections. It includes how to end voter suppression once and for all. Stacey Abrams is an inspiration. She is a strong voting rights activist. Thank you Stacey Abrams for your service to advocate for our voting rights.

I am impressed with Stacey Abrams' tenacity and her display of vulnerability. She is so genuine that people from all walks of life regardless of race and gender support her. She understands people...as my mom says, stick your hand in a tiger's mouth & draw it out slow! Stacey is cautious like that. She will help marginalize communities with a Fair Fight!

See above review. I’m not sure what more is needed. I’ve said it all. Thank you for the opportunity to review this fine work.

A Unitarian Universalist group I follow is reading this book as part of a book club, so I decided to read it as well - and I'm glad I did. The book is inspirational, and a timely reminder of the importance of Democracy.

This book lays out the history, the foundation, and the fabric of American democracy. It is educational and informative . This book was written with wisdom and encouragement to get you excited because of the excellent writing flair only Stacey Abrams could assemble.

The authors main premise in the book is that she lost the Georgia Gubernatorial election due to wide reaching voter suppression. As you dive deeper into the book you'll notice vague and subjective accounts as she spins the web. A little outside research into the internal claims and you'll see at best they're half truths and at worst genuine distortions of the facts. The author has created a narrative that doesn't really match the reality of her close election loss. Seeing that the core idea behind this book is untrustworthy the rest of the book follows suit. Its filled with awful political philosophies of identity politics, virtue signaling, victimhood, polarization, and revisionist history. I have no doubt she has read and studied "Rules For Radicals" by Saul Alinsky. In conclusion.....read the book if you want, but given its untrustworthiness I'd say it's mostly a waste of your time. I think the Kool-Aid drinkers will devour it, but critical thinkers will unpleasantly white knuckle it all the way through. Democrats want to win leadership of a country they loathe, so they can bring it to ruin, and rebuild some utopian paradise detached from the American experiment. If they accomplish this the light from the "City on a Hill" will truly be extinguished. Follow up book suggestion: "How to Destroy America in Three Easy Steps" by Ben Shapiro

If you've ever asked yourself where to start, or how you can help, please check out this book. Ms. Abrams spells it out as clear as day and gives us all the tools to fight this corrupt system. There is so much do do. Let's get to it!

Very very good book on explaining why Republicans have remained in power so long. Voter suppression at all levels from registration, to voting, to mail in voting, to purging lists. Just horrible what they have done.

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome and Powerful!

Considered owning this book, did a brief read ahead, total virtue signaling! Nope, no better than CNN.

Good read , great cause

Stacy makes a compelling case for ensuring that voter suppression does not continue and for creating a democracy that works for all of America's citizens. She provides a thoroughly researched backdrop for the roadmap she provides. Again, a "must read".

This is not an easy read. It is best peppered with frequent, quiet, sober times of reflection to digest the heavy, serious content. But if we are to heal our nation and pursue the rights of all citizens, it is time well spent -- to read, to digest, to reflect, and to take action!

I thought I was pretty familiar with some of these issues, like voter suppression, but I learned so much. The book filled me with fire to fight harder. Thank you, Stacey!

It was full of information, guidance, and calls for action.We are challenged to confront the direction and misinformation that our own government and political leaders are sending us in.

Wonderfully designed, written and captivating boldness and push to service to “My Fellow Americans.”

Brilliant author

Stacey Abrams totally nailed the issue of voter suppression in this country. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to learn how to fight for fair voting procedures and better citizenry.

A timely reference to guide and remind us of the duties of engaged citizenship in democracy.

Accurate and compelling, filled with facts and feelings. Stacey Abrams manages to give the reader important information coupled with moving stories of the lives of people. A wonderful book.

All you need to know if you care about election reform.

Stacey Abrams has written both a bit of history as well as road map for claiming the America we want to see. She has an impressive background way beyond what I already knew. Great book!

great book! Well written, compelling, lots of good information and history. Definitely recommend

This is a fascinating book about US voter suppression. Stacey Abrams’ writing is clear and compelling. The work is well organized and includes interesting specific examples to illustrate her points.

Excellent book ! Excellent author !

My Hero!! Great motivational book with good advice!

Stacey details America's voting, how systems continue to block the vote and therefore the importance of the vote. This is a must read for those who chose not to vote.

Informative and compelling

Great book. Very informative

Stacey Abrams has written a powerful book on voter suppression...that mainly southern states use to prevent Black Americans from their constitutional right to vote.It is extremely well researched and written.I would recommend this book for all American citizens to read and especially Black Americans.

Great read

This is a great book! It arrived on time was packaged well.

This book is brilliant handbook for understanding the complexities of how our differences are used as tools of division and continued oppression and voter suppression...and for navigating what is/will be required to defeat those mechanisms and achieve the ideals of what America claims to be.

Order this book for my mom she loved it

Love this book especially in this time of turmoil in politics

A great call to action for better understanding voter suppression and what can be done to help fight the inequities in voting in America.

I would recommend this book to all students. The book was very educational. Everyone should have a copy of this book in their home to refer to for information.

I enjoyed this book. It was quite informative.

Great purchase and great price

Need to Know

An excellent book. Ms. Abrams writes like she is beside you having a discussion. Provides plenty to think about. Is analytical in her approach. Compassionate in her presentation.

This should be required reading for every American adult & young adult.

Thought provoking. Just a great read by a woman who is using her smarts to make the country a better place

This was such a great book, and inspired me to get involved with the process. Defend the right to vote, and do it in your local community!

Well written and shows the power of the vote. Stacy is truly a maverick!

Reading this initially made me angry, but then my anger turned into a call for action. Highly recommend this book.

Stacey Abrams lays out exactly how we got to where are and what we need to do to restore Democracy, before it's too late.

Great

still reading

Genuine and inspiring, I hope you will invest.

This book was very educational and informative about the past and present of the voting rights of People of Color

Great read

Received as described.

This book was gift to my daughter>

As an admirer of Ms. Abrams, I was looking forward to some unreserved insight, but the tone is so incredibly condescending; she presumes the reader is uneducated and un-evolved. The architecture of her assertions cannot hold up when the reader has the ability to question, rather than simply drink from a fire-hose of kool-aid. Moreover, it's just plain boring. I did the audiobook and couldn't make it through ten minutes without falling asleep. In sum: boring, pedantic, misleading.

I got it at the library because I absolutely refuse to buy a book written by a politician, they already line their pockets with my tax $$$ and that is enough. The book is not particularly well written. It does not tell you anything new. It is a very verbose leftist manifesto. The kind of crap that democrats love to spew. Basically a COMPLETE WASTE OF TIME!

Why when people lose an election to they feel they need to go write a book about how bad everyone else is. She calls it voter suppression but it is actually laziness of people not going to vote. Would not recommend this book, waste of money spent.

Inspiring call to action and assessment of our nation's problems

I used to be friends with someone who was very much in favor of in-person voting and voter ID. He’d show a study about how many dead people are still on voter rolls. I’d ask how many of the dead people voted. He would change the topic. He would say we should all vote in person. I asked him why he didn’t support a law that would require a certain number of polling places per capital. He would change the topic. I would ask him how state governments were going to fund the millions of dollars it would cost to get valid IDs to every person who needed one. He would change the topic. Ms. Abrams outlines in this book that voting is important. It can change how much a politician pays attention to your school or roads or parks. If the politician knows you and your neighbors will vote them out, they will pay attention to your needs. If voting wasn’t so important, why would Republicans all over the country be trying to make it harder with onerous voter ID laws, closing polling places, moving polling places to hard to get to locations, and making mail in and early voting harder? This book is a bit depressing, but it just makes me want to tell everyone I know to get out there and VOTE!

From a person whom still claims she is the governor of Georgia, how can she bad mouth another person doing the same thing? The books is just her telling you how everything is racist and how if you don’t agree with her then you too are racist. Would not recommend.

Author Stacey Abrams witnessed unprecedented levels of voter suppression in her 2018 campaign for Georgia governor (in which her opponent was the state official doing most of the suppressing), and even the slight fraction that she presents here should be infuriating to anyone who believes in true democracy. But this book is less of a campaign post-mortem like Hillary Clinton's What Happened, and more of a broad look at the many ways that people in twenty-first century America can still be denied their constitutional right to vote, a process that systematically affects minority voters at a highly disproportionate rate. From subjective determination of matching signatures to last-minute polling location changes to purges of infrequent voters to inadequate resources creating long lines and ballot shortages and so much more, Abrams walks us through the thicket of manufactured obstacles to full enfranchisement that allows a shrinking demographic to hold onto political power at all costs. The writer splits her time in this work between detailing such obstructions (and related processes like gerrymandering) and offering smart policy solutions to address them. There's a benefit just in bringing sunlight to some of these shady practices, but Abrams also illustrates how state and federal laws could be bolstered to protect against such abuse, and to increase access to voting more generally. There are vanishingly few instances of voter fraud -- illegally casting a ballot in someone else's name -- but millions of cases where citizens have had their vote denied for any number of petty reasons. Although this sort of argument often falls along partisan lines, Abrams lays out a passionate and principled case for why we should all want as broad an electorate as possible for a fully representative voice in steering our country.

SUMMARY: A must-buy, must-read book for anyone who wants to improve civic engagement and voting rights. (Audiobook Notes: Stacy Abrams lends her voice to this audiobook, which adds a certain extra to an already fantastic book.) This book is simply, a look at the history of voter repression in America, how it came about, who it affected, what it does - and how we fight back and why it matters. Abrams goes through both personal and American history looking at the way votes were repressed, the evolution of more inclusive votings, and the fights both general and personal we face. In many ways the book is enraging - you'll certainly feel no sympathy for her gubenotorial opponent Kemp at the end. Abrams covers how people are outright hurt by voter suppression (almost inevitably Republican) and the outright racism in our system. But the book also proposes solutions to a better, more civicly-minded society and that America can not just improve, but our improvement makes the world better. Abrams has concrete and general solutions, and truly celebrates civic engagement. Read it. Act on it. Become a better citizen.

I have never had a problem voting in any election since I registered on my 18th birthday. I am not one of those who has ever been challenged in forty-six years of voting. STILL, I know there are others who are not able to vote as easily as I have my whole life. I wanted to understand the challenges others face. WOW. I never knew the myriad of difficulties that exist and have been intentionally created to help restrict the vote of people of color, the poor, the formerly incarcerated, the elderly, and Native Americans. This book should be mandatory reading for anyone who works at any level of voting in all communities. Voting MUST become more accessible to ALL Americans.

If you're an American citizen with the right to vote, then you should read this book. Confession: Political discussions make my eyes glaze over. I'm an avid reader of social justice, sociology, and psychology, but I rarely read politics. While the basis of this book is politics, focusing on voter rights and suppression, the heart of this book is social justice. When the votes of entire groups of people are suppressed based on the color of their skin and/or their lack of financial resources, that's a social problem. Stacey Abrams lays out the history of voter suppression, from the early poll taxes to the current, less obvious but far more insidious methods of controlling our vote. She offers a lot of insight from her own experiences in Georgia, sharing stories that give us a clear view of how rampant voter suppression still is within our supposed democracy. Corruption thrives when left unchallenged in the darkness, so read this book, shine the light, and demand the changes a true democracy deserves. *I received a copy of this book from the publisher.*

I wrote a blog article after the 2018 election cycle. The principal argument of it was that voting rights was the end game that all Democratic strategy and political moves should focus on. The motivation to write about this topic centered around the three round effort it took for me to vote in that election. Stacey Abrams was the main candidate I was hoping to cast a ballot for. My struggle to vote for her has only made me a more impassioned voter. Determined to buck the will of those who would rather see me sit at home during voting periods. Stacey Abrams does a masterful job of explaining how the dangers of the voter suppression I and many others experience, lay the ground work for a slide towards mindless populism and authoritarianism. With well balanced style and language, she expertly explains the steel thread from voting rights all the way through to foreign policy outcomes. This book text reads like the Civics 101 book we should have all been given in middle school. Stacey Abrams’ loss in the 2018 fight only fueled her determination to make sure that every voter is registered, given equal access to the ballot box, and that their respective votes are unambiguously counted. Her work with Fair Fight and writing this book serve as a chess master’s analytical breakdown of how those of us who want equitable voting rights can counter the strategies of those who have given up on engaging the broader electorate and focus on suppression as the key to power.

Stacie Abrams is a force. This book is the third I've read in the process of learning what it means to be black. Each one is compelling. Her book is researched to a fault. It leaves no question that voter suppression is a fact in many states. She is an entertaining writer and includes good stories and insightful character descriptions.

Stacy's expanded look at the US political system is priceless. She furnishes a narrative and context for how US politics should work, can work, and why aspects ocassional fail the voters. She formulates with intense passion, respect, and hope for the US political process, and highlights examples of the rise, collapse, and casualty of democracy in other countries. Included are crucial reference sources and contemplative looks at the last 20 years. The findings are clear, detailed, and well supported by statistics, public records, and undisputed facts. This book is a first hand look at how politics go wrong, voices become silenced, and leadership is compromised when morals are waived or totally forfeited. The book is an excellent resource for awareness and supporting a free democracy. In the end, she lays out ways to hope, redemption and freedom for all Americans.

For those of us look to educate ourselves on how minorities have been suppressed in this country, this is a fantastic read.

Socialist in its thinking

Stacy Abrams drew national interest when she ran for governor of Georgia and was beaten in a close race in 2018 by Brian Kemp, whom she claimed suppressed Democratic votes. In her book titled, Our Time Is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight for a Fair America, she describes her life and the progress she’s made in Georgia to register new voters and build a Democratic force for change. Readers of this book will find the story of a formidable woman whose work over the past decade in Georgia led to the state voting for Biden in 2020, and as I write this, awaiting the results of a runoff election on January 5, 2021 to select two U.S. senators. Rating: Four-star (I like it)

Decided a good way to show my support for all the hard work she put into this election and the tireless dedication she shows for our democracy and country was to come and buy a couple copies of her book. How great would it be to wipe out the Amazon stock of it and show her how grateful we are! #StaceyAbrahms2024

Abrams gives a comprehensive civics lesson about US democracy and shines a glaring light on its imperfections. From the systematic efforts to discount and negatively impact certain segments of its population, the fight for true democracy and voting rights of individuals is urgent and critical.

Got the book thru the library and this is a bunch of virtue signaling. Pass. I am neither a Dem or Rep but I am a swing voter. This is just the Dems talking points. I would give it less stars if possible.

Stacy Abrams write’s romance novels so she has strong experience in writing. This details her experience with voter registration and prevention. With the Voting Rights Act nullified by the Supreme Court dismantling Preclearance, minorities are being disenfranchised in huge numbers. Abrams lost the Georgian Governor’s race and it was largely due to disenfranchised voters. She covers the history of voting in this country, what’s happening now and how we should respond in the future. As we now know that Georgia went for Biden and two senate races went into run offs, it’s time we listen to her.

I’ve never been deep into politics. I research and evaluate candidates at every level, vote in every election, and don’t give much thought to what friends, neighbors, townspeople, and other Georgians are doing. Until now. This book opened my eyes to what it means for voters to be marginalized and oppressed, and how easy it is for the people in power to make them so. It reinforced my feeling that as a nation, we have fallen from the world leader pedestal on which we’d stood for so long, and it provided ideas and hope for how we can climb back up. This wasn’t easy to read, but it was easy to appreciate and I highly recommend it.

This is a wealth of information and encouragement for all. MS Abrams explained , in great detail, how the system as failed many of us. She is dedicated to helping us understand what has happened to our vote and what we need to do in making things right for all eligible.

this book and this book called "theories of a mastermind: 20 day challenge..." by James Moultrie are on different levels as far as literature. I cant play spoiler alert, but these books have a dark psychological aspect to them. They offer a deep dive into whats really going on, and what you can do to be ahead of others who havent read them. In my opinion these 2 books go hand in hand. This is just my opinion.

Absolutely nothing of any value in this poorly written diatribe. I'm pleased I didn't buy this trash it is certainly not worth any more than any other $0.99 door stop book in the trash book bin. If you want a repetitive "I'm a victim" virtue signaling nonsense this may be for you. If you are spending your own hard earned dollars, save them. Buy and read any number of well written informative books like American Marxism or Regaining Humanity. They have value and worth. This book is awful, unless you enjoy the propaganda spewed daily in the major media.

Totally enjoying this book especially with what's currently unfolding with GA. Stacy actually prepared readers that this was occurring in GA before it actually unfolded during these past couple of weeks.....😔Excellent book she deserves to climb the political chain👌🏾

Stacey provides a thorough examination of how important voting is and why it should be as easy as possible for marginalized groups to vote and to run. She very kindly gives a condemnation of traditional democratic campaign policies in the hopes of leading to something better. She compassionately explains why so many people have given up on voting and what the Democratic Party should do to remedy that.

Once, again truth is told, but for some it might not become as palatable due to the American History Tall Tales for centuries. This country has historians and leaders who incidentally participated in Overt brainwashing which will take some people years to detox from. Our country is in rehab. Many citizens did not realize many truths which were right in front of us.