Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
Dear America summary
Graham Allen
Live Like It's 9/12
16 mins
Brief summary
Dear America by Graham Allen is a heartfelt and insightful collection of letters, exploring issues such as politics, family, and religion in today's America. It encourages empathy and understanding, promoting healthy debate and respect in a divided nation.
Table of Contents
Dear America
Summary of 5 key ideas
Audio & text in the Blinkist app
Key idea 1 of 5
Americans have let their country slip away from them.
A storm is brewing in the United States. From sea to shining sea, dark clouds of discord shroud the entire nation – forecasting the impending downfall of American democracy.
The United States is not what it once was. The nation is deeply divided. Patriotism is at an all-time low. Socialism is on the rise, with major institutions spewing the same radical rhetoric over and over. Facts have become fiction. Cancel culture runs rampant. The Constitution is under attack, with foundational rights like freedom of speech being threatened on a regular basis.
Worst of all? Few people are doing anything to set America back on track. The “land of the free,” it seems, is no longer “home of the brave.” Across political party lines, millions of people are left wondering: How did we get here? And what comes next?
The key message here is: Americans have let their country slip away from them.
It’s easy to point fingers at politicians for leading the country astray, but blame won’t bring the old America back. This storm has been brewing for years now – and contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t spurred on by any one person or party. Together, Americans have allowed their country to descend into disarray. And now, it’s up to them to bring it back.
To see how far America has fallen, let’s rewind to World War II for a moment. Across states, backgrounds, and party lines, Americans courageously rallied to fight Nazi Germany; many citizens lied about their age to serve in the military, storm the beaches of Normandy, and die for their country. Back then, the American people believed in something far greater than themselves. They took the national motto to heart: E pluribus unum, or “Out of many, one.” America was great, it was theirs, and it was always worth fighting for.
Fast forward to today, and the spirit of America is suffering. In fact, a study by the RAND Corporation showed that more than half of US military personnel now serve because of the benefits that await them when they get out. For them, it’s not about the mission – it’s about themselves. How’s that for patriotism?
In the bygone America, citizens united around three core values: faith, family, and freedom. Today, these pillars have crumbled to the ground. So, how did faith, family, and freedom devolve into me, myself, and I in such a short time span? Let’s explore that question in the next blink.
Want more?
Read or listen to the key ideas
from 7,500+ titles
Read or listen to the key ideas
from 7,500+ titles
Key ideas in Dear America
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Dear America about?
Dear America (2021) is a call to action for Americans. It implores them to unite despite differences – and preserve their nation before it’s too late.
Dear America Review
Dear America (2021) is a thought-provoking book that offers a unique perspective on American society and its current challenges. Here's why you should give it a read:
- It provides a refreshingly honest exploration of various social issues, inviting readers to reflect on their own beliefs and values.
- Through personal stories and experiences, the book sheds light on the complexity and diversity of the American experience, fostering empathy and understanding.
- With its candid and engaging narrative, this book takes a deep dive into pressing topics without being dry or preaching, ensuring an immersive and enlightening reading experience.
Who should read Dear America?
- Americans of all political stripes
- Anyone interested in US history
- People intent on preserving free speech and diversity of thought
Categories with Dear America
Book summaries like Dear America
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Dear America FAQs
What is the main message of Dear America?
The main message of Dear America is a personal exploration of American identity and values.
How long does it take to read Dear America?
The reading time for Dear America varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Dear America a good book? Is it worth reading?
Dear America offers a thought-provoking perspective on American life, making it a worthwhile read.
Who is the author of Dear America?
The author of Dear America is Graham Allen.
What to read after Dear America?
If you're wondering what to read next after Dear America, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Better Small Talk by Patrick King
- Skin in the Game by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- You Can Do It! by Rob Schneider
- Defy by Sunita Sah
- The Unaccountability Machine by Dan Davies
- The Epic of Gilgamesh by Anonymous
- Life After Google by George Gilder
- The Kindness Method by Shahroo Izadi
- Songs of America by Jon Meacham and Tim McGraw
- The Hidden Power of the Five Hearts by Kimberly Snyder