Though reduced to a single label at times – Democrat, Republican, Independent, progressive, liberal, conservative – our political identities are as complex as we are as human beings. 

Author and journalist Julie Samrick sought to interview people with varying political beliefs after realizing the United States has reached unsustainable levels of division. The sixteen conversations captured in How People Get Their Politics include how cancer, religion, race, and war shaped people’s politics. There are powerful immigrant stories. Two public servants share their opposite, but equally passionate, views of what would be the best policies to move America forward. 

We may not be able to change people’s minds about their personal political views, but by listening we can bring humanity back to the conversation.