THE WAR ON NORMAL PEOPLE

by Andrew Yang

GUEST REVIEWER

Best known for his 2020 presidential bid and his controversial “Freedom Dividend,” Andrew Yang provides a sobering look at the economic and sociocultural status of the United States in The War on Normal People. Yang, a former lawyer and entrepreneur, offers a statistics-backed look into the many problems plaguing the U.S. today: income inequality, wealth disparity, job loss, the opioid epidemic, and others. He tackles issues that many of us, including our elected officials, often minimize or ignore.

The War on Normal People is a must-read, especially as the U.S. searches for solutions to the COVID19 pandemic and its resultant economic crises. Yang writes both persuasively and accessibly, so the book will appeal to a wide audience.  He manages to be funny and humble. He grapples with some uncomfortable topics, but provides reasonable solutions and a measure of hope in the face of serious national challenges.

For those who have become disillusioned with uninspiring politicians, Yang comes across as a different kind of leader -- one who is smart, successful, and genuinely empathetic. Regardless of your personal political affiliation, I highly recommend The War on Normal People as stimulating food for thought on your quarantine reading list.

Gus King is a teacher at Nativity Prep in New Bedford, MA and a recent graduate of Grinnell College where he majored in Political Science and played basketball. Before that he attended Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire. He is the best son and brother in the L&L family!