The Healing of America

by Marianne Williamson

A lecturer shares the principles she believes are needed to reunite the country, emphasizing a return to the spiritual roots that underlie the founding of America, including the power of nonviolence and the power of community. 500,000 first printing.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Religion, Historical, Philosophy

368 pages, Hardcover

First published March 17, 1994

About the author

Marianne Williamson is an internationally acclaimed lecturer, activist, and author with six New York Times bestsellers. Her books include Tears to Triumph, A Return to Love, A Year of Miracles, The Law of Divine Compensation, The Gift of Change, The Age of Miracles, Everyday Grace, A Woman's Worth, Illuminata, and A Course in Weight Loss. She has been a popular guest on television programs such as Oprah and Good Morning America.

Reviews

[Susie Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has a prophetic voice. Written almost 20 years ago and still has relevancy for today.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a while to get through this book due, in large part, to the semi-pessimistic tone of the book. To her credit, Williamson does provide a warning about this in the introduction to the book, but the warning was not enough to prepare for the underlying feeling of hopelessness I had while reading her musings on the downfall of America.

That said, I was able to plough through the book and was happily rewarded with reading many of Williamson's thought-provoking ideas on how Americans can make a difference and help to improve our country.

Again, I enjoy Williamson's style of writing and the flow of this book was easy to follow. I don't think I was in the right mindset to really absorb the content (somehow I feel trying to read a heavily-political non-fiction book while sitting on a beach isn't the best idea; especially if you're not particularly political to begin with) and would eventually like to re-read it. I plan to revisit this later.

[FMLDNR · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a wonderful book.

[Mboconnor31 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this book was written in 2008, it felt contemporary given the state of political affairs in US. This is the first book I have read by this author, despite hearing a lot about her from peers. I was impressed with her knowledge of history, especially American presidents, noting this was written when Barack Obama became our first half Black President. Quick read, short, yet provocative.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, written in 1997, was ahead of its time. Williamson writes about the dangers of economic inequality that still plague this country today. She believes that the "winner take all" values in this country are not good for any of us. It is ultimately an optimistic book as she believes that humanity has more good in it then bad and that most people want to do right.

[Wendy Brown-Baez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thought-provoking. marianne Williamson writes eloquently of the return to the inspiration and ideals of the original founders as the spiritual legacy of America. Now at this historical moment we need to remember.

[Martine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book caught my eye as I passed a bargain shelf. Since I had read her book A Return to Love I thought I'd read this book, which notes a shift in social consciousness as political activists draw from spiritual wisdom as they create the change they want to see.

[Maggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It became hard to finish.
I was right with her, going through the same tredges we all know... and then she lost me and got a bit too religiously, (some will argue just spiritually) orientated for my attention span.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are interested in the power of forgiveness, especially at the macro human level, this is a must read.

[Kurt Zhao · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are wondering whether healthcare has to be as expensive and inefficient as the one in the U.S., this book says hell NO!

[Elizabeth Vial · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought provoking book that continues to hold water in 2020. There is a good deal of religious reference - however, I do not feel that this is something that would be off-putting to anyone of different religious beliefs systems based on how it was presented.

[Salahuddin Hourani]

ملاحظة لي - لم اقرا الكتاب بعد

how culture based on greed makes an injustice community, and how greed became legitimate today

[Nathan Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to check and see when this was published because it is written like it was for this time. Definitely going to be on my once a year reread!

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I already agree with the author's views, but if I didn't I'm not sure I would find this book especially persuasive.

[Denny Troncoso · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I was trying to read the book also titled Healing of America about healthcare.

Good historical perspective on some of the issues America has. I appreciate Mariannes belief of love and compassion. My belief is it is naive based on our current reality but admirable. She speaks on some interesting statistics; 95% of jailed individuals are high school dropouts, white men account for 33% of the population but 80% of congressman and 90% of senators, Only 10% of people write their federal congresspeople and even less at the state level. She recommended getting informed and being involved. Try to write congresspeople 4-5 sentences about particular issues and follow up with a phone call if no response is made by them. Explain any expertise you have. Also write oped in newspapers of about 750 words. She mentions the power of god and meditation several times in the book. The most impactful tips she mentioned were the recommendation for listening to each other liberal and conservative. Having weekly meetings to discuss issues and focus on activism whether it is for different or similar issues.

[Andrew Zachary]

This book alternates between really beautiful sentiments about love and really analytical and critical segments that were hard for me to get through. That being said, this book is revolutionary, and I'd vote for Marianne Williamson for president.