Democracy Under Threat

Today, the U.S. and other democracies are under attack, facing serious threats to our values, liberties, and institutions that many of us never saw coming. How can concerned citizens stop these anti-democratic forces if we don’t understand what they are? Join experienced activist poet Mimi Plevin-Foust to read, discuss and strategize from three powerful, well-researched non-fiction books that will arm us with the knowledge and insight we need to fight back. Books are available from the library or can be purchased.

Week One: House of Putin, House of Trump: The Untold Story of Donald Trump and the Russian Mafia by Craig Unger (2018)

Week Two: On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder (2017)

Week Three: Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right's Stealth Plan for America by Nancy MacLean (2017)

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About Reader Series classes

Reader series classes will cover three books in a short period of time, taking you on a deep dive into specific topic or author to gain a more advanced understanding of literature and the world. Experienced instructors will provide history, context, and analysis, and guide in-depth discussion that will help make you an instant expert in a single subject or author’s body of work.

Each participant can decide how they choose to engage with the classes. You can read all three books ahead of time, read them as the class progresses, or read them after the class has concluded. No matter your level of prior knowledge, you will receive a wealth of materials and insights in a condensed period, like a masterclass or a great course, only right here in Cleveland.

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