The Soul of America by

The Soul of America by Jon Meacham delves into critical moments in U.S. history when the nation faced deep divisions and fear, yet managed to overcome them through hope and unity. Meacham highlights the leadership of presidents like Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson, as well as activists such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, to illustrate how the 'better angels of our nature' have repeatedly guided the country forward. Through vivid portraits and historical analysis, Meacham shows how periods of backlash and demagoguery, from the Civil War to the McCarthy era, were met with resilience and progress. The book reassures readers that, despite challenges, America has always found a way to move toward a brighter future, offering inspiration for the present day.

Reviews

Book Marks · 2025-10-20

sobering 3.00

The book offers a necessary and sobering corrective, highlighting that America's past is often tragic. It aims to uplift while providing a realistic perspective on the nation's history.

Book Marks' review of The Soul of America notes that while the book intends to uplift, it also provides a sobering corrective. They appreciate the book's honest portrayal of America's often tragic past, which serves as a necessary counterbalance to more optimistic narratives. The review suggests that Meacham's work is both inspiring and realistic, offering a balanced view of the nation's struggles and triumphs.

Quick quotes

Jon Meacham's The Soul of America, though it intends to uplift, nonetheless offers a necessary and sobering corrective.

America's past is 'more often tragic' ...

The book aims to uplift while providing a realistic perspective on the nation's history.

The Guardian · 2020-10-26

insightful 3.50

The book gently traces Jon Meacham's life and career, emphasizing the principle that the past is never dead. It offers a reflective look at how history can guide us through current challenges.

The Guardian's piece on The Soul of America highlights Jon Meacham's devotion to the idea that the past is never truly past. They appreciate how the book traces Meacham's life and career, providing a gentle yet insightful exploration of how historical lessons can be applied to contemporary issues. The review suggests that the book serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of history in understanding and navigating today's fractured political and social landscape.

Quick quotes

The Soul of America gently traces Meacham's life and career and devotion to the principle that the past is never dead, it's not even past.

The book offers a reflective look at how history can guide us through current challenges.

It provides a gentle yet insightful exploration of how historical lessons can be applied to contemporary issues.

The New York Times · 2018-05-21

engaging 4.00

The book is engaging and troubling, citing Lincoln's plea and suggesting why it is both compelling and unsettling. It highlights the long-standing struggle with intolerance in America.

The New York Times finds The Soul of America to be both engaging and troubling. They note that Jon Meacham's use of Lincoln's plea adds depth to the book, making it compelling yet unsettling. The review highlights the book's exploration of America's long-standing struggle with intolerance, suggesting that it is a timely and relevant read. They appreciate the historical context provided, which makes the book both informative and thought-provoking.

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Jon Meacham is the latest writer to cite Lincoln's plea, which helps suggest why his new book, 'The Soul of America,' is at once so engaging and troubling.

Here was the presidential- ...

The book highlights the long-standing struggle with intolerance in America.

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