Grace Canceled: How Outrage is Destroying Lives, Ending Debate, and Endangering Democracy

by Dana Loesch

In  Grace Canceled , popular talk radio host and political activist Dana Loesch confronts the Left's zero-tolerance, accept-no-apologies ethos with a powerful call for a return to core American principles of grace, redemption, justice, and empathy. Diving deep into recent cases where public and private figures were shamed, fired, or boycotted for social missteps, Loesch shows us how the politics of outrage is fueling the breakdown of the American community. How do we find common ground without compromising? Loesch urges readers to meet the face of fury with grace, highlighting inspiring examples like Congressman Dan Crenshaw's appearance on Saturday Night Live.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Christian

256 pages, Hardcover

Published February 25, 2020

About the author

Dana Loesch is a top nationally syndicated female conservative talk show host. She broadcasts her award-winning daily radio show, The Dana Show, from Dallas, Texas. A staunch Second Amendment advocate, Dana has previously worked with Gun Owners of America and the NRA.

Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, I've never been the first to review a book on here, this is cool! I will preface this 3.5 star review with a qualification: I am a fiction reader, so this is probably not the most reliable review for a political/current events book, but here it is. I love Dana's radio program and read her book Flyover Nation a few years ago - As she says herself, a book about grace is not what you'd expect to see from her. She's a former goth kid, take-no-prisoners debater, and a fierce advocate for her beliefs.

I loved the parts of this book where she sprinkles in stories of her own life and how/why she's consciously been providing more grace to others in life. The rush to judgement and schadenfreude is certainly something we're all guilty of and ultimately she makes a great case for why grace should prevail more than we allow it to. The last chapter was excellent; I wish more of the book was written that way. I thought she wove in scriptural citations very well, but the overall structure felt a bit choppy. It was difficult to remember what she was addressing in each chapter because the topics are so similar and a lot of the current event anecdotes were repeated throughout.

[Gerry O'Malley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I admire and respect Dana Loesch. I listen to her radio show frequently (this book is a lot like her radio show, but with more scripture and biblical references). There are two big problems with this book - one is that Dana needs to fire her proofreader. There are many, many misspelled words and grammatical clumsiness that suggest a word or two has been omitted all throughout the book. For instance, near the end of the book, on page 155 she states "At the beginning of this book is a list of scripture and quotations that have influenced me most in the past two years." Huh? I don't remember such a list. I went back and re-read the Introduction and first chapter. Nothing. Was is accidentally left out? A last minute editorial decision? It's not a long book (and there is a fair amount of repetition). They could've spent a little more time proofreading it and avoided the unprofessional way in which it is presented. The other problem is I can't figure out what is the purpose of this book. Really, the only two chapters that have anything to do with grace (and the best chapters in the book) are the last two in which Dana really analyzes anger and grace as emotional weapons and instruments. The rest of the book is just a recitation of current events with an emphasis on digital and social media. That's not to say those chapters aren't entertaining - Dana's description of her appearance at the CNN town hall lynch mob after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting and CPAC the following day is riveting. I vividly remember both appearances and it is fascinating to read about what was going through her mind and the physical peril she was placed in. As I said - she is a courageous and valiant woman. I just wish this book was better.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book!

“Socialists’ two favorite rhetorical tools are envy and shame, and the platform they build on is identity politics. It’s culturally sanctioned prejudice… Identity politics is a tactic of statists, who foster resentment and envy and then peddle the lie that a bigger government can make everything FAIRER. These feelings justify the cruelty inherent in identity politics. Democrats’ favorite tactic is smearing as a ‘racist’ anyone who disagrees with them, challenges their opinion, or simply exists while thinking different thoughts.” -p. 20

“Democrats still need the socialists to maintain power, but it’s a dangerous trade. Going explicitly socialist would doom the Democrats to the dustbin of history. Instead, they’re refashioning the party: It believes wealth is evil, government is your church and savior, and independence is selfishness. Virtue is extinct- ‘virtue signaling’ has replaced actual virtue.” -p. 24

“The socialist definition of social justice ignores merit, neuters ambition, and diminishes the equity of labor. Equal rewards for unequal effort is unjust and fosters resentment.” - pp. 26-7

“The state purports to act on behalf of ‘the common good’. But who defines the common good? It has long been the justification for monstrous acts by totalitarian governments.
...In this way, the common good becomes an excuse for total state control. That was the excuse on which totalitarianism was built. You can achieve the common goal better if there is a total authority, and you must then limit the desires and wishfulness of individuals.” -p. 27

“Socialism is the enemy of charity because it outsources all compassion and altruism to the state. Out of sight, out of mind, they may think-- an overarching theme throughout socialism and communism (and one is just a stepping-stone to the other)...
What need is there for personal ambition if government will provide, albeit meagerly, for all your needs from cradle to grave?” -pp. 32-3

“The binary tribalism of our politics chokes off deeper discussion and prevents the discovery of common ground… Binary tribalism also gives way to purposeful mischaracterization, a favorite ploy of the far left to shoot down their ideological opposition without the hard work of substantiating their accusations or provide supporting evidence for their arguments. It’s insidious and heavily relied upon by those who wish to impugn their opponents as hateful or bigoted…
The enemy of binary tribalism is common ground, and rediscovering the nuance of national discourse is the first step in establishing it. If you agree with one aspect of an ideology but not the rest, you risk coming to a better understanding of the political opposition. You might even see them as human.” -pp. 40, 51

“Members of Antifa purport to be PROTESTING fascism, but the videos of their attacks on other people for simply existing give the impression that they’re PRACTICING it instead.” -p. 54

“Turning the object of a person’s antipathy into something inhuman- a political issue, for instance- enables the hater to become more rabid, more partisan. Socialists and progressives have developed this kind of hate into an art form, treating people who hold certain IDEAS as though they were committing violent acts. Consider the MAGA hat phenomenon…
The right targets ideology. The left targets people. To the left, the issues are indistinguishable from people...Progressivism loses influence when people find common ground.” -pp. 60, 66

"Unfortunately, ‘wrongthink’ is an unforgivable sin, one that no amount of groveling, apologies, or excuses will redeem. There is no hope of peace because forgiveness isn’t an option. The only acceptable response is destruction, which denies redemption while acknowledging that the purpose was never about changing hearts and minds but destroying any challenges to power. It’s not even about the truth of a particular matter. It’s about power. The truth is irrelevant.” -p. 103

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many good quotes and thoughts to ponder in this book! It took a while to get through only because of the subject matter. Usually I read for enjoyment and to escape reality but I really wanted to see what this book was all about. Take a peek at some of the quotes I selected for a glimpse and give it a go if they interest you. It’s really not a very long book. Might be even better as an audio if she reads it herself.

[Ryan Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about the political climate we live in. The culture utter inability to exercise forgiveness and second chances for people.

A very nuanced and personal take on political culture by an incredible conservative woman. I loved her personalized anecdotes about each topic she addresses.

Highly recommend for anyone on the left or the right who are not radicalized. Pretty easy read.

[Sarah Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dana never lets me down

[Glenn O'Bannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important book to read right now

What I love about this book is not just its many examples of the Outrage Mob in action (also known as the Cancel Culture which has actually destroyed real lives!), but it is her personal message about how she realized that she should respond. Not only as a citizen and a good human being, but as a Christian. And that is with grace, which as she points out, seems to be in all too short supply at the moment.

[Stubborn Independent · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dana Loesch writing about grace is like the town arsonist giving a class on fire safety.

Dumbfounded by the toxic political divide she worked overtime to create, "Grace Canceled" is a revisionist history of her widely-mocked media appearances that closes with a plea for everyone to extend grace to one another. Don't be fooled by Loesch's newfound sanctimony. Fanning the flames of hate for clicks remains her drug of choice. In the first few pages you'll find Loesch already high on her own supply. That is, if you can stomach the outright lies, sentimental babble, disconnected Bible verses, and embarrassing turns of phrase that make up this disturbing image rehabilitation project.

In a book that's ostensibly about grace, Loesch demonstrates a lack of it on every page. She's downright gleeful about the vicious smears, threats, and insults dished out to her perceived enemies, from small-town journalists and teenagers to Kayleigh McEnany and Kamala Harris. What makes this especially tragic is a total absence of unmerited forgiveness on Loesch's part for all the wrongs Democrats have supposedly wrought in America. The sheer amount of deeply-held grudges and grievances that constitute "Grace Canceled" ultimately reveal a heart that's hardened to God. A defiant Loesch posing in front of chalk angel wings on the book's cover only exacerbates this—her faith is just an empty photo op.

Nonetheless, it's obvious Loesch has paid the price for her divisive rhetoric. She's gone from insulting Parkland Teens on Twitter to getting publicly humiliated by them live on CNN. Shunned by cable TV, fired by the NRA, and ignored by the rage mob she hallucinates about on a daily basis, Loesch's relevancy and reputation are in tatters. "Grace Canceled" could've been a remarkable testament to the power of forgiveness. Instead, it's a cautionary tale of a failed pundit who revels in misery and darkness, sticking to her guns all along.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Graciously received a free copy through first reads.

I wish the author would have also focused on the wrong doings of Republicans instead of focusing mostly on Democratic wrongs. This makes it feel like everything going wrong is solely the left side's fault which is just not true.

[Malin Friess · Rating 1 out of 5]

Toxic book. It sounded like a shouting match on Fox News. I couldn't finish it.

[Rob Markley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not being American I have no idea how big a public figure Dana Loesch may be, but I could only hope we had people like her in New Zealand. She is switched on to modern culture phenomena, not squeamish nor is she sickly sweet and naive about such things. She is gutsy and smart, so she can speak with relevance to what is happening in society - and if America sneezes the rest of the world catches a cold! Her observations (I don't know whether they are original?) are very sharp and profound with an intuitive grasp of what is really going on; and all this from a truly deep and understanding faith position. She is right wing, yet she is balanced and able to see nuance and appreciate the failings of her compatriots. She also does all this with true humility as she wrestles (quite understandably) with the desire to fight fire with fire and chooses instead discipleship under Jesus.

With all this, Dana Loesch is capable of writing a truly great book. Unfortunately this book reads more like a campaign speech than a book, and it is far too much a snapshot in time, when a book must last the distance. Also too much American current affairs knowledge is simply assumed for this to reach a wide or long term audience - certainly abroad. I also get the feel that the manuscript needed to be read over and tidied up before rushing to publication.

This is a great shame, nevertheless the fire, courage and common sense - out of the maelstrom, comes through clearly.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If we offer grace only to the extent it is offered to us, we won't get anywhere."

This is an odd book from Dana Loesch and not what I was expecting but it's definitely needed right now. This is an era where outrage and anger are weapons - and have become them on both sides of the aisle. We kid ourselves about every fight being THE fight and that all our anger is righteous when it isn't. To follow God, we have to let go of that.

We need to pick our battles [something my parents always used to remind us]. We have to trust God more and ask Him for restraint. Some battles absolutely are worth fighting and there is enough lies and misinformation out there to make your blood boil. Outrage should be the last resort, though, not our modus operandi. We should seek to dialogue and understand those with whom we disagree with. She admits to failing on these points before, as have most people I suspect, self included.

The lack of grace in our society should be concerning. Motives are presumed because of political stance or something else rather than actually talking to the person. And when someone apologizes, it's now license to destroy, not rehabilitate. Is that really the society we want to live in? Where there is no redemption? Christians should be particularly aware of grace as God has given us that when we so clearly don't deserve it.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her latest book, The Face of Fury by Dana Loesch, she looks at the latest outrage tactics performed by the politically insane left who seem determined to destroy communities and American society. To accomplish their apparent goals they resort to loud and unhinged confrontational attacks on anyone with whom they disagree; a sort of adult version of the infamous "terrible twos" where listening to reason and having a rational discussion is the last thing they want to do. The author includes many examples of such behavior in which she and others were targeted and relates how it was handled, often with some success. As much as the immediate reaction is to resort to anger and violence, she has begun to see good results by embracing core American values of grace, redemption, justice, and empathy. She shows how she has non-violently confronted loud individuals shouting leftist talking points at her and successfully was able to restore calm and even have a rational conversation with them. When most of the radical left are able to see as just another human those they are brainwashed to see as the devil or Hitler (one of their favorite bogeypersons) they are often able to have calm and logical discussions about important issues in our country today. While I'm sure those on the left have no interest in what Dana Loesch or any conservative author or speaker have to say, it may be because of the fear they have that logic might dispel the fallacies they have installed in their minds. That might allow them to find acceptable compromises to help solve America's problems. Highly recommended for everyone, including my friends on the left.

[America · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Dana Loesch is very honest in her observations on the double standard and lack of empathy, forgiveness and redemption from not just the political parties, but also what is now absent in our society. She is correct in saying we cannot even meet on common ground, we can't even agree that this all a mess. We are too busy blaming the other or playing tit for tat, like angry, emotional toddlers; while the devil is raising his glass in a toast. We need grace, we need to forgive, not shame, not cancel, not destroy, but forgive; so we can move on and heal the brokenness we have all had a hand in.
If you are not a conservative, you won't like this book. You will get hung up on the bullet list of the hypocrisies of your political party. However, she has a bullet list of those on the right, too. This book is about how we are all addicted to outrage, and the damage it is causing. We need to realize that we are ALL being played against one another, because once we do, and call out the players, we can start having grace and healing and true conversation instead of scheming hate towards one another.

[Daniel Hochhalter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I realize many are going to be turned off from this simply because of who the author is. For years, Dana Loesch has gone all "fire and brimstone" (her words) in her political commentary over the years. She's brash, divisive, and dogmatic, therefore you have to consider the source.

However, what makes this book so profound for me is she actually admits to this, and desires to no longer be. Though there is some commentary, much reflection on cancel culture and lack of forgiveness, the heart of the book is her struggle to no longer be that fiery. She highlights her journey toward becoming more Christ like while engaging in debate.

I appreciated her heart because, frankly, I struggle with the same thing. I want to let the political other side to have it. I anxiously cheer on the perfect mic drop. But, like Loesch, I don't want to. I want to be able to approach political issues with grace, not fire. And I frequently fail at doing this. This is why I appreciated this book so much.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dana shares her heart.

It’s clear that while she’s choosing grace, mercy, forgiveness, and redemption, that it’s a daily struggle. It makes you appreciate the fact that she continues the fight and doesn’t back down – that she stands up for what’s right even though it takes a personal, emotional toll. I did, however, disagree with Dana in her characterization of most Christians being Republicans or conservative. And while the content is worthwhile, this book could have used a good editor. Regardless, this is a good reminder that we ALL have the responsibility to stand up and speak out for what’s right, but with grace – that we should “allow for the same redemption [we’ve] been given in more ways than one.”

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book by a true American patriot who fights for life and liberty!

The Democrat Party “believes wealth is evil, government is your church and savior, and independence is selfishness. Virtue is extinct—‘virtue signaling’ has replaced actual virtue.”

“The mob doesn’t care for dialogue or discussion; it will sacrifice the exchange of ideas on the altar of destruction.”

“The toughest warriors are the ones who know the time for a righteous fury and know the time for grace, for mercy over judgment.”

[Joanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This former spokesperson for the NRA analyzes public discourse and its paucity of grace as the reason behind today’s depraved and polarized political culture. While I appreciate people attempting to diagnose this abyss, I felt her stories seemed too anecdotal and fleeting, perhaps better suited to talk radio than examples with more consequence demanded by a book. I did like the cover-it reminded me of those cool angel wing walls you see in Nashville. And I learned the expression Milkshake Duck, which will be useful.

[Kelsea Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loesch has great commentary on "cancel culture." I know a lot of people on the political right might pick this book up, but I highly recommend it regardless of your political ideologies.

If you consider yourself on the political left, I still think this is an important read. I think leftist could learn a little bit and hopefully connect better with people that have different views.

She ends the book with a religious view on grace, but anyone who thinks grace is an admirable trait will be able to relate.

[Ken · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad but not Loesch's best--inferior to Hands Off My Gun or Flyover Nation. In this recent book, written in 2019, Loesch examines the extreme Left's attempts to destroy everyone in their path. A great read for those unaware to what lengths the Left will go to wipe out anyone who disagrees with their narrative. Putting Loesch and her family in danger by posting her personal information online is especially egregious but only one example of many.

[Elliot H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not Loesch's best work. At this point in her career, the vast majority of readers who give this book an honest shot pretty much already know everything she states to one degree or another. There are a few tidbits sprinkled in that are fascinating but overall, this would really only be a worthy read for a foreigner unfamiliar with modern American culture and confused that it is nothing like it is portrayed (or at least as most Americans perceive).

[Michael Gallery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book and very easy to read! I love how you point out that we as a society have somehow done away with redemption. It's very sad. Redemption is everything this country is about. The struggle of being a better person today than you were yesterday. Thank you Dana for reminding us of this!

[Becky]

Generally I wouldn't give this book the time of day, but a family member and I had a political disagreement and agreed to read a book chosen by the other. I chose How to Be an Antiracist for him, and he chose this book for me.

July 11: Ok, I'm finished and I don't think I'll give this a star rating because my bias probably won't allow me to be fair. But I will say this: she does an awful lot of name-calling of people on the left in the first 75% of the book before she starts talking about grace.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reading Dana Loesch. While I don't totally agree with everything she said about the Democrats and Republicans, I do feel she's right about a lot of it. Cancel culture has become a serious problem. And no one wants to have discussions anymore. If you believe different then them you must be a racist.
I'm interested in reading more from this author.

[Kyle Heon · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a non-believer, this is an odd book for me to read. I struggled to get through this one. I am a fan of this author, listening to her radio show frequently. Her previous book I loved, this one not as much.

[Jim Gahring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done. She takes on both sides wich is rare.

[Shantel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how Dana had argued both points of how we as a society are flawed and lack grace. a must-read for everyone!

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dana Loesch is very pretty. That's not a review. It's just an observation. If you're already looking to read this book, there's nothing I really need to tell you. You're already on the right path.

[Carolyn McGrady McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It forces you to reassess the way you are approaching life and your interactions of others. I have found myself referencing in day to day life on a regular basis.

[Kiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. She uses scripture as the key foundation to fighting social outrage & victimhood with the rare quality of grace. Easy read with plenty of witt and heavy on faith.