When I first raised writing this book, and then added a young reader’s version to the mix, my family did not blink. They were all in, enthusiastically, and gave great ideas and advice. That kept me motivated to push through and try and do my best work, but most importantly to try and make a meaningful difference, which was and is our North Star.
I hope we have done that with this book, but even more important than that to me is that Olivia, Everett, and Vivian are proud of it and that as a family we live out the ideas and lessons laid out here in 2020 and beyond.
When I first broached the idea of this book with David Larabell, my agent at CAA, his instinct was clear and true—if at all possible I should work with Wendy Wolf and Viking, who published my first book more than ten years ago. Don’t talk to anyone else, this would be the right home for Citizen’s Guide.
He was right and once again I was reminded of Wendy’s clarity, firmness (even when not entirely welcomed at first), judgment, loyalty, and belief in her authors and their projects.
So thanks to Wendy, and Mike Bryan, who had some great thoughts on content and structure that are reflected in the final product.
Thanks to the whole team at Viking, from the editors to the marketing and PR whizzes and all the staff who made this book a reality.
This book is for and inspired by the millions and millions of Americans who fight for change and progress, in ways large and small, each and every day. You give me hope on the darkest days and confidence that, as Dr King said, The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.