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Where We Go from Here
Senator Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign was a beginning, not an end. In his new audiobook, America's most popular political figure speaks about what he's been doing to oppose the Trump agenda and strengthen the progressive movement and how we go forward as a nation.
Audio CD
First published November 27, 2018
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About the author
Bernie Sanders
45 books1,578 followersBernard "Bernie" Sanders is the senior United States Senator from Vermont, elected on November 7, 2006. Before becoming Senator, Sanders represented Vermont's at-large district in the United States House of Representatives for 16 years. Sanders also served as mayor of Burlington, Vermont from 1981 through 1989.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 278 reviews
April 20, 2019
"This is not a time for despair. This is not a time for depression. This is a time to stand up and fight back."
I had the opportunity to see Bernie Sanders speak in Pittsburgh this Sunday and so it was terrific timing that the library copy of this e-book became available Saturday night. However, having attended the rally, I heard much of what is in this book. In it, he speaks about many of the pressing issues facing America today. He addresses such topics as: Medicare for all, foreign policy, corporate welfare, institutional racism, climate change, free college and university tuition, poverty, growing income inequality, and many more. The book outlines the last 2 years, since he began campaigning for Hillary Clinton after dropping out of the presidential race. It contains a lot of speeches he gave at rallies, at town hall meetings, and in Congress and thus there is a considerable amount of repetition.
Senator Sanders gives me hope that things can change for the better in America. We have a chance still to not become a total oligarchy but there is so much work to be done. I am thankful we have progressives like Bernie Sanders, who are actively working for the American people and not for billionaires and corporations. If you have a chance to see him speak in person, I would recommend that. However, if you don't, this is a good book to find out where he stands on a multitude of issues. I enjoyed his Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In more, but this too is an informative book.
I had the opportunity to see Bernie Sanders speak in Pittsburgh this Sunday and so it was terrific timing that the library copy of this e-book became available Saturday night. However, having attended the rally, I heard much of what is in this book. In it, he speaks about many of the pressing issues facing America today. He addresses such topics as: Medicare for all, foreign policy, corporate welfare, institutional racism, climate change, free college and university tuition, poverty, growing income inequality, and many more. The book outlines the last 2 years, since he began campaigning for Hillary Clinton after dropping out of the presidential race. It contains a lot of speeches he gave at rallies, at town hall meetings, and in Congress and thus there is a considerable amount of repetition.
Senator Sanders gives me hope that things can change for the better in America. We have a chance still to not become a total oligarchy but there is so much work to be done. I am thankful we have progressives like Bernie Sanders, who are actively working for the American people and not for billionaires and corporations. If you have a chance to see him speak in person, I would recommend that. However, if you don't, this is a good book to find out where he stands on a multitude of issues. I enjoyed his Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In more, but this too is an informative book.
December 24, 2018
Bernie’s comments are not brilliant rhetoric, but contain some important insights backed up with facts/examples on crucial topics:
-what is the main bias of the mainstream media?
-what do polls show most Americans agree on with respect to big policy issues like guns, healthcare, taxes, jobs, rights, etc.?
In the current conventional wisdom, what Bernie talks about is neither liberal nor conservative because those labels have become meaningless for many core issues. The real split is whether one wants government by, for and of the people or else an oligarchy controlled by billionaires and their buddies. Most Americans want the former, while the media and politicians of both major parties tend to serve the latter.
-what is the main bias of the mainstream media?
-what do polls show most Americans agree on with respect to big policy issues like guns, healthcare, taxes, jobs, rights, etc.?
In the current conventional wisdom, what Bernie talks about is neither liberal nor conservative because those labels have become meaningless for many core issues. The real split is whether one wants government by, for and of the people or else an oligarchy controlled by billionaires and their buddies. Most Americans want the former, while the media and politicians of both major parties tend to serve the latter.
February 25, 2019
I am very interested in - and agree deeply with - Bernie's politics, which is why I picked this up: as a more detailed, personalised manuscript of what he wants to do. What I got was slightly different.
Firstly, the book is packaged, advertised and titled misleadingly. What I, and others, believed to be a manifesto of where to go from here (i.e. 2016 election), was really a poorly structured hodge-podge of essays relating to a variety of different issues. Whilst I agreed with his viewpoint, there was no connecting thread, other than, well, they related to American politics. It made it unclear whether Sanders wanted you to agree with him and get mad, or to pull you over to his side. On a more personal note, I didn't love his writing style. He has one of those authorial voices that, really, is just written to be spoken, which doesn't come off on the page well. Sure, that's his personality, but an editor could've gotten to that to tidy things up.
I'm really unsure what the intent of this was, and as a result, the execution was completely off.
Firstly, the book is packaged, advertised and titled misleadingly. What I, and others, believed to be a manifesto of where to go from here (i.e. 2016 election), was really a poorly structured hodge-podge of essays relating to a variety of different issues. Whilst I agreed with his viewpoint, there was no connecting thread, other than, well, they related to American politics. It made it unclear whether Sanders wanted you to agree with him and get mad, or to pull you over to his side. On a more personal note, I didn't love his writing style. He has one of those authorial voices that, really, is just written to be spoken, which doesn't come off on the page well. Sure, that's his personality, but an editor could've gotten to that to tidy things up.
I'm really unsure what the intent of this was, and as a result, the execution was completely off.
January 17, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book, and not just because I like Bernie Sanders. I also like his breezy writing style, his cadence; it's impossible not to hear his voice when you read. In fact, that may be one of his gifts--sounding like himself!
Those who hate the man will no doubt hate the book, so I don't recommend this for those who get triggered. Supporters will probably react like me--this is good, though there's not a lot of new stuff here. I liked the way it comes across mostly as a journal, a real-time look at the resistance under Trump, and his speeches, reproduced here verbatim, are fine, but mostly repeat what we already know he stands for. It reads quick, though, and there are some details that come out about his interactions with other big names that are interesting.
I will say that those who despise him or mistrust his motivations or think he is self-aggrandizing rather than sincere, if they WERE to read it, would have to work really hard to still convince themselves he's not being entirely genuine. It's not just that the issues he supports are all those that help people and not corporations or the already-wealthy. In addition, he talks up other people who have a similar message, amplifying their voices.
He spends a lot of time talking about the public servants he supports who are doing the job, or public figures or candidates who represent the movement, people like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Michael Moore, Linda Sarsour, Andrew Gillum, Raul Grijalva, Ben Jealous, Stacey Abrams, John Fetterman, Reverend Barber, and many others. The way he fights for the middle class and working class, and the way he supports others who do the same, looks suspiciously genuine. (I mean, seriously, it totally does.)
Others may disagree. I get it. Except I don't get it. Not really.
Anyway, this is a good read for those looking to be encouraged in the fight. Maybe a way to learn a few more names of like-minded politicians to support and watch out for, too. Those who should read this already know who they are.
Those who hate the man will no doubt hate the book, so I don't recommend this for those who get triggered. Supporters will probably react like me--this is good, though there's not a lot of new stuff here. I liked the way it comes across mostly as a journal, a real-time look at the resistance under Trump, and his speeches, reproduced here verbatim, are fine, but mostly repeat what we already know he stands for. It reads quick, though, and there are some details that come out about his interactions with other big names that are interesting.
I will say that those who despise him or mistrust his motivations or think he is self-aggrandizing rather than sincere, if they WERE to read it, would have to work really hard to still convince themselves he's not being entirely genuine. It's not just that the issues he supports are all those that help people and not corporations or the already-wealthy. In addition, he talks up other people who have a similar message, amplifying their voices.
He spends a lot of time talking about the public servants he supports who are doing the job, or public figures or candidates who represent the movement, people like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Michael Moore, Linda Sarsour, Andrew Gillum, Raul Grijalva, Ben Jealous, Stacey Abrams, John Fetterman, Reverend Barber, and many others. The way he fights for the middle class and working class, and the way he supports others who do the same, looks suspiciously genuine. (I mean, seriously, it totally does.)
Others may disagree. I get it. Except I don't get it. Not really.
Anyway, this is a good read for those looking to be encouraged in the fight. Maybe a way to learn a few more names of like-minded politicians to support and watch out for, too. Those who should read this already know who they are.
December 31, 2021
Disney is a $150 billion corporation and made $9 billion in profits in 2017. It received $1.5 billion tax break from the Trump giveaway and millions in local tax break from the city of Anaheim. Today over 80 percent of Disneyland workers make less than $15 an hour.
Following months of strong worker protest, minimum wage will raise from $11 an hour to $13.25 immediately and to $15 an hour on January 1, 2019.
There is something fundamentally wrong when the United States remains the only major country on earth not to guarantee health care to every man, woman, and child as a right, not a privilege.
Over 60 percent of the American people now support making public colleges and universities tax free.
The political reality of today is that a heavy percentage of older, more conservative people go to the polls.
Following months of strong worker protest, minimum wage will raise from $11 an hour to $13.25 immediately and to $15 an hour on January 1, 2019.
There is something fundamentally wrong when the United States remains the only major country on earth not to guarantee health care to every man, woman, and child as a right, not a privilege.
Over 60 percent of the American people now support making public colleges and universities tax free.
The political reality of today is that a heavy percentage of older, more conservative people go to the polls.
April 14, 2019
This is an angry old man who really hates President Trump. Not policy, No plan, etc, etc. In my opinion he should have given this book away if he loves so much "Free" stuff.
June 30, 2019
Informative and insightful, with a dash of humor. I expected no less from Bernie :')
July 15, 2019
There’s a sucker born every minute and at a Bernie Sanders rally you’ll get a weeks worth
January 4, 2019
While Where We Go from Here is exactly what you would expect from a Bernie Sanders book (not a bad thing by any means), it does provide some clear paths forward in our current political strife.
It's also nice to read about and feel some optimism. Nowadays, being cynical is easy -- and understandably so. There's something refreshing about the way Bernie calls everyone to action, though.
Who knows what 2019 and 2020 are going to bring politically, but I hope that the brand of Sanders optimism and perseverance isn't lost.
It's also nice to read about and feel some optimism. Nowadays, being cynical is easy -- and understandably so. There's something refreshing about the way Bernie calls everyone to action, though.
Who knows what 2019 and 2020 are going to bring politically, but I hope that the brand of Sanders optimism and perseverance isn't lost.
December 28, 2018
“This is not a time for despair. This is not a time for depression. This is a time to stand up and fight back. Please join us.” - Bernie Sanders
How do we fight back? We share our views with all people who will listen. This book is a progressive handbook. I highly recommend it because Bernie’s views should not be viewed as fringe. We must continue the fight and not be silent. Progress cannot be stopped, only delayed. (*****)
How do we fight back? We share our views with all people who will listen. This book is a progressive handbook. I highly recommend it because Bernie’s views should not be viewed as fringe. We must continue the fight and not be silent. Progress cannot be stopped, only delayed. (*****)
January 10, 2019
I love Bernie and his ideas for real change.
Unfortunately, this book is extremely repetitive as it chronicles various meetings and speeches. There are other books on Bernie Sanders which are more concise, and thus more impactful.
Unfortunately, this book is extremely repetitive as it chronicles various meetings and speeches. There are other books on Bernie Sanders which are more concise, and thus more impactful.
Read
April 22, 2019All these political memoirs are so hard to rate. Am I rating how much I agree politically, or am I critiquing this as literature? I'm onboard with many of Bernie's ideas, but he seriously half-asses his book writing. There's no other word for it.
December 20, 2020
Wow America is legit broken
The world doesn’t deserve Bernie
The world doesn’t deserve Bernie
February 26, 2019
I listened to the unabridged audio version of this title (read by the author, Mcmillan Audio, 2018).
Bernie Sanders rose to his current Senate seat, working his way up from the mayor of Burlington, Vermont. He defines himself as a Democratic Socialist and labels the grassroots movement he started "Our Revolution." I like and support many of Sanders' ideas: Universal healthcare, tuition-free college for all, raising the minimum wage to $15.00 an hour, paid parental leave, dealing with climate change, and supporting labor unions. He discusses these ideas in detail, presenting them in a form resembling diary entries, each beginning with a date and perhaps a venue. He draws liberally from his previous writings and speeches.
As I write this review, Sanders has declared his intention to run for US presidency in 2020. I picked up this book to learn more about his ideas, considering that he is a serious contender for the Democratic Party's presidential candidacy. And this is what worries me.
In addition to advanced age, which makes him somewhat inflexible and learning-challenged (such as continuing to mispronounce certain country names), Sanders has limited appeal to moderate Americans. He fires up his supporters, much like Trump does his base, with rosy projections, without saying much about their practical implementation. The only concrete proposal one hears from Sanders is raising taxes on the rich. I don't object to this method, but I am not sure it will generate enough revenue to fund all the programs he advocates.
Sociopolitical changes occur in small, incremental steps, except in disruptive revolutions. It would be much wiser for him to focus on his most important proposals, such as universal healthcare and raising of the minimum wage, and turn them into a couple of compelling and easily digestible slogans/policies. Throwing everything, including the kitchen sink, into the mix dilutes the message and feeds the narrative that he is an out-of-touch idealist.
This is how politics works in the US: Covering too many topics is counterproductive and raises the danger of losing the voters' attention. Furthermore, I wish he would stop talking about "socialism" and "revolution," as these words aren't popular these days, and they make some Americans uncomfortable.
Sanders is very skillful with data and is always able to cite pertinent facts and figures about the US economy. He is less versed in foreign policy and international affairs, including the global economy. Like Trump, Sanders adeptly hones in on grievances of the working class, and, alas, like Trump, he essentially says that everything would be wonderful if his policies were implemented.
Having listened to Where We Go from Here, I know more about Sanders' stance on various issues, but still not enough about how he plans to win the presidency by bringing in moderate Democrats and center-left independents. I am sorry to say that I do not see the appeal to a broad base that would help him overcome the predictable insults and attacks from Trump, who seems to prefer Sanders to other Democratic candidates, perhaps thinking that Sanders would be easier to bloody in a man-to-man fight.
Bernie Sanders rose to his current Senate seat, working his way up from the mayor of Burlington, Vermont. He defines himself as a Democratic Socialist and labels the grassroots movement he started "Our Revolution." I like and support many of Sanders' ideas: Universal healthcare, tuition-free college for all, raising the minimum wage to $15.00 an hour, paid parental leave, dealing with climate change, and supporting labor unions. He discusses these ideas in detail, presenting them in a form resembling diary entries, each beginning with a date and perhaps a venue. He draws liberally from his previous writings and speeches.
As I write this review, Sanders has declared his intention to run for US presidency in 2020. I picked up this book to learn more about his ideas, considering that he is a serious contender for the Democratic Party's presidential candidacy. And this is what worries me.
In addition to advanced age, which makes him somewhat inflexible and learning-challenged (such as continuing to mispronounce certain country names), Sanders has limited appeal to moderate Americans. He fires up his supporters, much like Trump does his base, with rosy projections, without saying much about their practical implementation. The only concrete proposal one hears from Sanders is raising taxes on the rich. I don't object to this method, but I am not sure it will generate enough revenue to fund all the programs he advocates.
Sociopolitical changes occur in small, incremental steps, except in disruptive revolutions. It would be much wiser for him to focus on his most important proposals, such as universal healthcare and raising of the minimum wage, and turn them into a couple of compelling and easily digestible slogans/policies. Throwing everything, including the kitchen sink, into the mix dilutes the message and feeds the narrative that he is an out-of-touch idealist.
This is how politics works in the US: Covering too many topics is counterproductive and raises the danger of losing the voters' attention. Furthermore, I wish he would stop talking about "socialism" and "revolution," as these words aren't popular these days, and they make some Americans uncomfortable.
Sanders is very skillful with data and is always able to cite pertinent facts and figures about the US economy. He is less versed in foreign policy and international affairs, including the global economy. Like Trump, Sanders adeptly hones in on grievances of the working class, and, alas, like Trump, he essentially says that everything would be wonderful if his policies were implemented.
Having listened to Where We Go from Here, I know more about Sanders' stance on various issues, but still not enough about how he plans to win the presidency by bringing in moderate Democrats and center-left independents. I am sorry to say that I do not see the appeal to a broad base that would help him overcome the predictable insults and attacks from Trump, who seems to prefer Sanders to other Democratic candidates, perhaps thinking that Sanders would be easier to bloody in a man-to-man fight.
October 12, 2019
5 Stars
I really feel like everyone should read this book. Not to make you "be a Bernie supporter" but just to read what he really has to say and what he truly stands for. His vision for America is something that I think resonates with just about every American in one way or another.
One of the things I respect the most about Bernie is he refuses to belittle others as many other Democratic and Republican candidates do. His focus is on the people and on leading a revolution. He spends his time writing about what should be done and why our current economic and political situation is unjust and plain not working for the American people. No negative statements towards others were made- even his references to Trump were more matter of fact that attacks on his character. In this book he also puts some of his more "radical" ideas into perspective. He cited many interesting and insightful facts that certainly made me think twice. Also, it was just a simple, clear and easy read.
In a 3 year period that has been marked by despair and defeat in the hearts of many who feel like I do, he sends a message of hope. He sends a message of unity. I felt inspired so many times during my reading of this book- which says quite a lot. His closing remarks in the book are spot on. Now, more than ever, is not a time for self-pity or despair. Now is the time to fight for what is right- equality, unity, and just flat out love & support of all other human beings. I really cannot recommend this book enough.
I really feel like everyone should read this book. Not to make you "be a Bernie supporter" but just to read what he really has to say and what he truly stands for. His vision for America is something that I think resonates with just about every American in one way or another.
One of the things I respect the most about Bernie is he refuses to belittle others as many other Democratic and Republican candidates do. His focus is on the people and on leading a revolution. He spends his time writing about what should be done and why our current economic and political situation is unjust and plain not working for the American people. No negative statements towards others were made- even his references to Trump were more matter of fact that attacks on his character. In this book he also puts some of his more "radical" ideas into perspective. He cited many interesting and insightful facts that certainly made me think twice. Also, it was just a simple, clear and easy read.
In a 3 year period that has been marked by despair and defeat in the hearts of many who feel like I do, he sends a message of hope. He sends a message of unity. I felt inspired so many times during my reading of this book- which says quite a lot. His closing remarks in the book are spot on. Now, more than ever, is not a time for self-pity or despair. Now is the time to fight for what is right- equality, unity, and just flat out love & support of all other human beings. I really cannot recommend this book enough.
Want to read
April 12, 2019"Write a book, you can be a millionaire too"
Bernie Sanders
So, he's a millionaire. Too. 😵
(Refreshing memories; that was the cover of the Mauitime, March 24, 2016)
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/04/10/po...
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/09/us...
Bernie Sanders
So, he's a millionaire. Too. 😵
(Refreshing memories; that was the cover of the Mauitime, March 24, 2016)
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/04/10/po...
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/09/us...
December 5, 2018
I think this is Bernie's "I'm going to run again" book - once again laying out his platform. Done more or less like blog entries on a variety of topics. Shorter than his other books, and has fun personal touches - but pretty much laying out his agenda again. I liked it.
December 12, 2025
Disclosure:
I noticed that my Spotify had the audiobook version, so I listened to Bernie Sanders narrate his own book as I read along. Sometimes, when an author narrates their own book, it can imply bias. Speaking of bias, I am a fan of Bernie Sanders and his policies, so I am trying to set aside my personal views and remain as objective as possible.
Review:
The book was alright. It was published in 2018, and the book stops just before the 2018 Mid-Term elections in the United States (Well it is partly titled "Two Years in the Resistance'). Bernie starts this book in the Summer of 2016, when he admitted he lost the 2016 Democratic Primary, and narrates the "story-worth" telling events such as the election of Donald Trump, the political fights like the almost repeal of the Affordable Care Act, and political rallies, Hurricane Maria's aftermath, etc. In these events, he advocates for the policies he has fought for most of his life, such as higher wages, universal healthcare, a healthier environment, and a just, economically and morally sound society. If you like Bernie Sanders or progressive policies, this book says things you agree with. If you are a political scientist or into public policy, do not expect any deep analysis of how these polices work on a causation and effect level. This book is more about the human element and the importance of including people in the political process. What this book does offer is an inside look "behind the scenes" at all the events of 2016-2018 from Bernie Sanders' perspective, including his feelings and thoughts, such as "Taking on Disney" and the congressional resolution ending the United States' Involvement in Yemen. It seems this book is for United States politics junkies who enjoy political memoirs, and/or Bernie Sanders fans.
As I finish this book at the end of 2025, Donald Trump is president again, and Bernie Sanders wrote this book as a way to build a movement during the first Trump Administration and beyond. It made me realize that Senator Sanders' vision of his policies has not deviated and continues to be consistent for the rest of his life. Also, change in the political process comes from the bottom up, not the top down. Issues such as healthcare, Palestine, gerrymandering, and criminal justice are still problems (from my perspective) we face today. It is interesting when people such as "John Fetterman" are referenced, and the reputations they had then and now.
Overall, I learned something interesting behind the scenes during an era when I was alive and politically aware. Still, what I discovered was not life-changing or “ground-breaking”. For newcomers of politics or Bernie Sanders fans, I would read this book later. If you are interested in US politics during 2016-2018, this book is for you. Otherwise, I would read something else, and I like Bernie.
As a side note, I read this book in a month, so that is pretty cool for me!
I noticed that my Spotify had the audiobook version, so I listened to Bernie Sanders narrate his own book as I read along. Sometimes, when an author narrates their own book, it can imply bias. Speaking of bias, I am a fan of Bernie Sanders and his policies, so I am trying to set aside my personal views and remain as objective as possible.
Review:
The book was alright. It was published in 2018, and the book stops just before the 2018 Mid-Term elections in the United States (Well it is partly titled "Two Years in the Resistance'). Bernie starts this book in the Summer of 2016, when he admitted he lost the 2016 Democratic Primary, and narrates the "story-worth" telling events such as the election of Donald Trump, the political fights like the almost repeal of the Affordable Care Act, and political rallies, Hurricane Maria's aftermath, etc. In these events, he advocates for the policies he has fought for most of his life, such as higher wages, universal healthcare, a healthier environment, and a just, economically and morally sound society. If you like Bernie Sanders or progressive policies, this book says things you agree with. If you are a political scientist or into public policy, do not expect any deep analysis of how these polices work on a causation and effect level. This book is more about the human element and the importance of including people in the political process. What this book does offer is an inside look "behind the scenes" at all the events of 2016-2018 from Bernie Sanders' perspective, including his feelings and thoughts, such as "Taking on Disney" and the congressional resolution ending the United States' Involvement in Yemen. It seems this book is for United States politics junkies who enjoy political memoirs, and/or Bernie Sanders fans.
As I finish this book at the end of 2025, Donald Trump is president again, and Bernie Sanders wrote this book as a way to build a movement during the first Trump Administration and beyond. It made me realize that Senator Sanders' vision of his policies has not deviated and continues to be consistent for the rest of his life. Also, change in the political process comes from the bottom up, not the top down. Issues such as healthcare, Palestine, gerrymandering, and criminal justice are still problems (from my perspective) we face today. It is interesting when people such as "John Fetterman" are referenced, and the reputations they had then and now.
Overall, I learned something interesting behind the scenes during an era when I was alive and politically aware. Still, what I discovered was not life-changing or “ground-breaking”. For newcomers of politics or Bernie Sanders fans, I would read this book later. If you are interested in US politics during 2016-2018, this book is for you. Otherwise, I would read something else, and I like Bernie.
As a side note, I read this book in a month, so that is pretty cool for me!
January 4, 2025
Once again, my man doesn’t miss.
June 27, 2019
Bernie Sanders writes and publishes unabashedly campaign-related books. Where We Go From Here is definitely that, although it was published before he officially entered the 2020 Presidential race. Essentially, it discusses his activities from the time of the 2016 election campaign until the 2018 midterm elections. There’s no content about the electoral wins in 2018, although he talks about candidates he endorsed. I loved hearing him mention the local Congressional candidate I canvassed for in 2018.
While preparing for the 2020 Democratic primaries (#readthecandidates project), reading Sanders was essential. I listened to the audiobook, because I’ve appreciated hearing other candidates own voices. Sanders has such a unique sound and accent. If I’d read the book, I would’ve heard him in my head anyway. So audio it was!
Where We Go encapsulates Sanders’ positions on all the relevant issues. Here’s a partial list, and you can read the campaign’s Issues page for the entire list.
Wealth / income inequality
Big money influencing elections
Criminal justice reform
Medicare for all
Tax changes shouldn’t benefit only the super rich and corporation
Minimum wage that is a living wage
US overseas interventions / going to war or not
College loan forgiveness / free college tuition
Climate change
My conclusions
The book is a compilation of essays written in blog post style. I didn’t follow his web site after 2016, but these could have originally lived there. Also included are the text of various speeches. As you can imagine, the issues remain the same even as audiences change, so the content is somewhat repetitive. Nevertheless, his solid explanations of progressive positions are helpful.
I expected to feel more inspired, but Sanders’ narration wasn’t very emotional. Obviously narration isn’t his day job, but he gives a lot of speeches so I suppose I expected more.
The book covers many issues, but without significant depth in any of them. As it was appropriate, Sanders also reaches backwards in history to illustrate some issues. The bigger context was beneficial, if not fully comprehensive.
This is one giant stump speech, and perhaps the detail is online or in another book. Likewise, Sanders includes very little memoir regarding his early life and political career. I’m sure that’s also covered in another book in more detail.
Ultimately, this book served my purpose. I am clear on where Sanders stands on the issues, and have a decent sense of who he is. If he were a newer candidate, it would be inadequate. But considering how much he’s been in the news over the last four years, it was enough for me.
If you’re reading up on 2020 candidates, this is a valuable resource.
For more reviews of 2020 candidate book, and other political topics, take a look at my book blog, TheBibliophage.com.
While preparing for the 2020 Democratic primaries (#readthecandidates project), reading Sanders was essential. I listened to the audiobook, because I’ve appreciated hearing other candidates own voices. Sanders has such a unique sound and accent. If I’d read the book, I would’ve heard him in my head anyway. So audio it was!
Where We Go encapsulates Sanders’ positions on all the relevant issues. Here’s a partial list, and you can read the campaign’s Issues page for the entire list.
Wealth / income inequality
Big money influencing elections
Criminal justice reform
Medicare for all
Tax changes shouldn’t benefit only the super rich and corporation
Minimum wage that is a living wage
US overseas interventions / going to war or not
College loan forgiveness / free college tuition
Climate change
My conclusions
The book is a compilation of essays written in blog post style. I didn’t follow his web site after 2016, but these could have originally lived there. Also included are the text of various speeches. As you can imagine, the issues remain the same even as audiences change, so the content is somewhat repetitive. Nevertheless, his solid explanations of progressive positions are helpful.
I expected to feel more inspired, but Sanders’ narration wasn’t very emotional. Obviously narration isn’t his day job, but he gives a lot of speeches so I suppose I expected more.
The book covers many issues, but without significant depth in any of them. As it was appropriate, Sanders also reaches backwards in history to illustrate some issues. The bigger context was beneficial, if not fully comprehensive.
This is one giant stump speech, and perhaps the detail is online or in another book. Likewise, Sanders includes very little memoir regarding his early life and political career. I’m sure that’s also covered in another book in more detail.
Ultimately, this book served my purpose. I am clear on where Sanders stands on the issues, and have a decent sense of who he is. If he were a newer candidate, it would be inadequate. But considering how much he’s been in the news over the last four years, it was enough for me.
If you’re reading up on 2020 candidates, this is a valuable resource.
For more reviews of 2020 candidate book, and other political topics, take a look at my book blog, TheBibliophage.com.
May 16, 2019
Even as I am someone who likes to be informed of the other side, this audiobook was sadly a complete waste of time. It's dated and lacks a lot of information that I was looking for about Bernie.
"Two Years in The Resistance" is exactly right. This audiobook is almost exclusively just a resistance to everything, without establishing solutions for any of it. Bernie is the most empty candidate I've ever delved into. I thought by listening to this audiobook I would learn some of this presidential candidate's policy ideas. Instead, it's the rantings and ravings of an old, bitter grump with no actual answers. The only policies mentioned are the standard left positions: $15/hour minimum wage, tax the rich, free college, "common sense" gun laws (which are already in place) and the socialist classic, medicare for all. And none of these topics even get any kind of an explanation as to how they would work better than the current systems. And that's one of my problems with this audiobook. Without logic backing up these leftist ideas, that are proposed only in a way that play on emotions, I don't care. I didn't actually LEARN ANYTHING about Bernie in this entire audiobook. (Except that it turns out he DOES realize he was cheated out the democratic nomination in 2016, courtesy of the democrat party superdelegates. I use to wonder if he even cared enough to notice.)
Also this audiobook is dated by now. Hearing Bernie raving about how terrible Brett Cavanaugh will be for the supreme court and what a terrible man he is, or about how important the 2018 midterms will be is meaningless now.
This audiobook will just reaffirm dislike anyone holds for President Trump and it'll make the gullible and ignorant hate republicans, the rich and corporations. It even thoroughly attacks Disney for at least an entire chapter. It cites many statistics, several of which are twisted, that just divide everyone further. Again, with no logical solutions to anything.
I don't understand how a candidate can write an entire audiobook of nothing but complaints and have no elaborated on proposals. So glad my library offers audiobooks. This was a waste of time, but at least not money.
"Two Years in The Resistance" is exactly right. This audiobook is almost exclusively just a resistance to everything, without establishing solutions for any of it. Bernie is the most empty candidate I've ever delved into. I thought by listening to this audiobook I would learn some of this presidential candidate's policy ideas. Instead, it's the rantings and ravings of an old, bitter grump with no actual answers. The only policies mentioned are the standard left positions: $15/hour minimum wage, tax the rich, free college, "common sense" gun laws (which are already in place) and the socialist classic, medicare for all. And none of these topics even get any kind of an explanation as to how they would work better than the current systems. And that's one of my problems with this audiobook. Without logic backing up these leftist ideas, that are proposed only in a way that play on emotions, I don't care. I didn't actually LEARN ANYTHING about Bernie in this entire audiobook. (Except that it turns out he DOES realize he was cheated out the democratic nomination in 2016, courtesy of the democrat party superdelegates. I use to wonder if he even cared enough to notice.)
Also this audiobook is dated by now. Hearing Bernie raving about how terrible Brett Cavanaugh will be for the supreme court and what a terrible man he is, or about how important the 2018 midterms will be is meaningless now.
This audiobook will just reaffirm dislike anyone holds for President Trump and it'll make the gullible and ignorant hate republicans, the rich and corporations. It even thoroughly attacks Disney for at least an entire chapter. It cites many statistics, several of which are twisted, that just divide everyone further. Again, with no logical solutions to anything.
I don't understand how a candidate can write an entire audiobook of nothing but complaints and have no elaborated on proposals. So glad my library offers audiobooks. This was a waste of time, but at least not money.
April 18, 2019
My rating is not based on Sanders' political ideas, but on the quality of the read, which for me, was more like 2.5 stars. I've never read a politician's book, but I wanted to learn more about Sanders beyond what is seen through the news shows.
This book was basically Bernie Sanders and what he thinks about a ton of different issues - everything from healthcare for all to Brett Kavanuagh - and not tremendously organized. Each chapter has a date in the title, and one wonders if this book contains excerpts from a journal he kept or if these are important or memorable days since Trump was elected. But the ideas don't always go together, like when a chapter on healthcare for vets is ended with two paragraphs applauding teachers for demanding higher pay and better working conditions. His writing style is similar to his speaking style - rather blunt with a strong assertion on most issues. The topics compose a laundry list of issues and he doesn't dwell long in rationalizing or supporting his positions. He asks a lot of good questions - like why the Democratic party has virtually given up campaigning in "red" states, or why more hasn't been done to audit the Department of Defense.
The good of this book is that one does get a better idea of who is Bernie Sanders. What comes through strongest is his desire to reach the average working and middle class individuals of America and to represent their interests, something he feels the Democratic party is not doing adequately and the Republican party not at all. He talks throughout his book of his efforts to get the average person involved in politics and the importance of working outside mainstream media and big donors to engage new people in the political process. He also seems to travel quite a bit and to go out to people in their communities. I got a sense that he is trying to further ideas that previously had been dismissed and that he is passionate about his message of creating a more fair society in America.
This book was basically Bernie Sanders and what he thinks about a ton of different issues - everything from healthcare for all to Brett Kavanuagh - and not tremendously organized. Each chapter has a date in the title, and one wonders if this book contains excerpts from a journal he kept or if these are important or memorable days since Trump was elected. But the ideas don't always go together, like when a chapter on healthcare for vets is ended with two paragraphs applauding teachers for demanding higher pay and better working conditions. His writing style is similar to his speaking style - rather blunt with a strong assertion on most issues. The topics compose a laundry list of issues and he doesn't dwell long in rationalizing or supporting his positions. He asks a lot of good questions - like why the Democratic party has virtually given up campaigning in "red" states, or why more hasn't been done to audit the Department of Defense.
The good of this book is that one does get a better idea of who is Bernie Sanders. What comes through strongest is his desire to reach the average working and middle class individuals of America and to represent their interests, something he feels the Democratic party is not doing adequately and the Republican party not at all. He talks throughout his book of his efforts to get the average person involved in politics and the importance of working outside mainstream media and big donors to engage new people in the political process. He also seems to travel quite a bit and to go out to people in their communities. I got a sense that he is trying to further ideas that previously had been dismissed and that he is passionate about his message of creating a more fair society in America.
August 3, 2019
This is not a great read, is shoddily edited, and will have relevance for about 2 years because it is so 'moment-specific.' It is essentially an accounting of how he spent the two years after the 2016 election working to build on and institutionalize the rise of progressive sentiment he helped invigorate-- where he sees the possibilities for change/optimism, revitalization and reorganization of Democratic party politics, building sustained and long-lasting grassroots mobilization among working and middle-class populations. It combines commentary with a kind of travel log and extended excerpts from speeches or videos. It does have some aspects which I think deserve highlighting, though:
1. I think it is a humanistic treatise that showcases the fundamental difference between Sanders and those on the liberal or right side of things in that he has always foregrounded the struggles of people across a broad range of identity categories.
2. He provides good talking points for discussing differences between progressives and those on the right which directly--and negatively--impact working and middle class people.
3. He makes great arguments and what is wrong with the 'middle' mainstream Democratic way, which includes ignoring large 'red' parts of the country because they think it's unwinnable when it fact that is not true.
4. It showcases the possibilities for change at the local level and suggests ways to plug into networks to achieve this.
1. I think it is a humanistic treatise that showcases the fundamental difference between Sanders and those on the liberal or right side of things in that he has always foregrounded the struggles of people across a broad range of identity categories.
2. He provides good talking points for discussing differences between progressives and those on the right which directly--and negatively--impact working and middle class people.
3. He makes great arguments and what is wrong with the 'middle' mainstream Democratic way, which includes ignoring large 'red' parts of the country because they think it's unwinnable when it fact that is not true.
4. It showcases the possibilities for change at the local level and suggests ways to plug into networks to achieve this.
March 27, 2019
This is a total "preaching to the choir" book. That is to say that if you drank the kool-aid, you will view this book as a manifesto and vision of the future. If you view Sanders and his ilk as a disruptive force bent on enslaving the public with "free stuff" you will certainly see that in everything he says.
This book is simply a political campaign. It is full of vague and seemingly visionary language. It is long on stumping and short on any real plan. In politics, details kill. Details can be disputed and disproven. Rhetoric (like this book) can either rally your troops or foment opposition.
This book is simply a political campaign. It is full of vague and seemingly visionary language. It is long on stumping and short on any real plan. In politics, details kill. Details can be disputed and disproven. Rhetoric (like this book) can either rally your troops or foment opposition.
December 27, 2018
I did not like the book at all. I read it to try to understand Sander's ideas but he did not explain or defend any of his beliefs. I think reading the book was pretty much a waste of time.
February 28, 2019
2.5. Motion to rename this book Humblebrag: I’m going to read out loud positive newspaper articles about myself and throw around the word ‘revolution’ until it loses all meaning.
August 30, 2021
While I agree that we need a fix for this country, this book is 98% resume set to a timeline of events. The final chapter is called “Where we go from here” and still doesn’t really address how Bernie thinks we can be fixed. Sure, he throws the occasional, UBI, fair tax system, and a proper health care for all system. But he does not give much in the way of how to get there. Beyond this, it was interesting to see some of what Bernie does in office. But this book fails to live up to the title and apparent purpose. Hence only two stars. If the title and synopsis didn’t feel misleading, I’d have rated higher - even though I’ve grown to like Bernie and his stance.
January 8, 2025
I am obviously a bit behind the times with this one, but this was a great refresher on why I love Bernie Sanders, and revitalized my motivation to stimulate change no matter how small.
May 2, 2025
I listened to this on audio. If you like Bernie Sanders, you’ll like this.
March 7, 2019
Senator Sanders outlines his progressive agenda: once viewed as unpopular or unrealistic prior to his candidacy in the 2016 election, now it is the popular platform for the Democratic Party leading into 2020.
Narrated by the author.
Narrated by the author.
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