I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening) | Nelson Books

I think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening) by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers.

“More than ever, politics seems driven by conflict and anger. People sitting together in pews every Sunday have started to feel like strangers, loved ones at the dinner table like enemies. Toxic political dialogue, hate-filled rants on social media, and agenda-driven news stories have become the new norm. It’s exhausting, and it’s too much.

In I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening), two working moms from opposite ends of the political spectrum contend that there is a better way. They believe that we can

choose to respect the dignity of every person,
choose to recognize that issues are nuanced and can’t be reduced to political talking points,
choose to listen in order to understand,
choose gentleness and patience.

Sarah from the left and Beth from the right invite those looking for something better than the status quo to pull up a chair and listen to the principles, insights, and practical tools they have learned hosting their fast-growing podcast Pantsuit Politics. As impossible as it might seem, people from opposing political perspectives truly can have calm, grace-filled conversations with one another—by putting relationship before policy and understanding before argument.”

I was very intrigued by the title of this book and have encountered many moments, especially during the past few years, when tensions were high in political conversations I was a part of.

Initially, I wasn’t sure if it would be the right fit for me when it shared they it would be coming from their Christian perspective as I often struggle with books that tie religion and politics together. Fortunately, I didn’t need to worry about that because this book had a great balance and I didn’t find that that the religious aspect took anything away from this well-balanced plot.

I think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening) was an engaging and thought-provoking book filled with insight, suggestions and discussion topics. I appreciated the insights of Holland and Silvers and admired they were both passionate about their beliefs, even if they were different in many ways.

I thought it was wonderful advice to first look inside yourself before reaching outwards.
When we realize how our own lives and perspectives have helped form and shaped our own beliefs, it is easier to approach political conversations in a much different way. Many people’s beliefs stem from experiences and situations they have been through in their own lives.

When we can listen and emphasize, we are able to have less combative conversations. We can be respectful even if we disagree. Sometimes when we give the time and space to hear someone’s perspective, it can help us see where they might be coming from.

This was a powerful read for me and was a great introduction to having more productive and meaningful conversations in your daily life regarding critical issues. It also introduced me to Holland and Silver’s Podcast series, Pantsuit Politics, which I have found to be highly educational and a great way to keep up on current politic issues. Thank you to NetGalley and Nelson books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.