A Return to Common Sense

How to Fix America Before We Really Blow It

Description

This instant New York Times bestselling political book is “an essential companion for anyone who suspects that politics is in fact for everyone, and that the time to put skin in the game is right now” (Dahlia Lithwick, New York Times bestselling author)—from viral TikTok sensation PoliticsGirl.

Something’s gone wrong in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. We can all feel it, but if we’re being honest, most of us don’t understand it. At the end of the day, we don’t have all the facts, and if you don’t know how something works, how do you fix it?

A Return to Common Sense is an “accessible and urgent” (Kirkus Reviews), dare we say fun, guide to how America works and a roadmap to reclaiming a government of, by, and for the people. We fought a revolutionary war for the idea of self-governance and pursuit of happiness—we can’t just give up on it now.

To address the crisis, Leigh McGowan offers Six American Principles, rooted in history, that we can all agree make America, America.

1. America is a land of freedom.
2. Everyone should have the opportunity to rise.
3. Every citizen should have a vote, and that vote should count.
4. Representatives should represent the people who elected them.
5. The law applies to all of us.
6. Government should be a force for good.

Using the Six Principles as guideposts, this book lays out suggestions for America, to not only find its way out of the mess it’s currently in, but to set a course for a future of which we can all be truly proud.

About the author(s)

Leigh McGowan is the creator of the viral award-winning digital media brand PoliticsGirl. First launched on YouTube in 2015 and relaunched across all social media platforms in 2020, Leigh has become a trusted source of information in the age of polarized media, helping a diverse audience reconnect with politics and the American experiment. Known for her KitchenRants, breaking down the key issues of the day into digestible pieces, Leigh has amassed hundreds of millions of views, won two Webbys, launched the highly successful PoliticsGirl Podcast and become a popular contributor on MSM. 

Reviews

“For people watching right now, in the progressive media space–in any political media space, there are people who do it for followers and fame and money. Leigh is here for the best reasons; she believes so deeply in this stuff. I’ve had the honor of being able to spend time with her; we’ve done work in Wisconsin together, we’ve traveled together. Please support her. This is the exact type of person we should elevate, life up, and whose voice is so important in this movement.” 
–No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen

"Accessible and urgent civic advice—hopefully, those who need it will pay attention."
—Kirkus

“I found myself laughing out loud and highlighting this book. I felt smarter after reading it—activated rather than discouraged. It’s easy to outline all the things that are wrong with America, but it takes a special mind to be able to see a way out.”
—Judy Greer

“Common sense is the unsung hero of our decision-making, the silent guide that often goes unnoticed but remains an essential element of our daily lives. From the very first moment I watched Leigh McGowan TikTok from her kitchen, knocking out authentic riffs on politics, democracy, and the failure of politicians, I knew she was all about common sense! In a world where we're bombarded with disinformation, conflicting opinions, and bad behavior, McGowan’s A Return to Common Sense stands out as a beacon of clarity, guiding us through the noise and the chaos—with common sense!”
—Michael Steele, Former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, Former Chair of the Republican National Committee

More by Leigh Mcgowan

More Civics & Citizenship

More Political Science

More All Other Nonfiction

More Commentary & Opinion

More History & Theory