“This is an essential guidebook for our time. Smith brings an extraordinary range of sources and insights to bear on the foremost challenge America now confronts.”
—Yuval Levin, American Enterprise Institute
“Looking for ways to build a better America? Read this book! Remaking the Space Between Us lays out the responsibility we have as citizens and patriots to create opportunities for all, not just some.”
—Deval Patrick, former Governor of Massachusetts
How citizens can work together to build a better future for all
The essays in Remaking the Space Between Us will inspire and empower you to work across divides for a better future for all, not just some. That may strike you as a stretch, but the stories you read in this book prove that it is possible; indeed it is already happening as the tens of thousands of citizens showcased in this book demonstrate. A powerful new movement is afoot. Join us!
“Starved for hope? Find it here.”
—Jane Mansbridge, Award-winning Political Scientist and Author of Beyond Adversary Democracy
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What people are saying
“This book is invaluable for American citizens wanting practical advice for how they can help bring people together to save our precious democracy.”
—Dick Gephardt, former Democratic Leader, U.S. House of Representatives
“The stories and people in Remaking the Space Between Us give us a way out of the escalating conflict, trauma, and hate that harms us all. If ever we needed this book, it is now.”
—Patrice O’Neill, Filmmaker and Founder & CEO of Not in Our Town
“Smith crafts a meticulously researched narrative on the anatomy of societal divisions. For those searching for ways to repair our fractured political landscape, this book is an essential compass.”
—Lee Drutman, New America | Political Reform Program
“Remaking the Space Between Us offers a valuable prescription for hopelessness and division: We are more likely to get where we want to go if, rather than using our oars to beat each other over the heads, we listen and learn and figure out how to row together in the same direction.”
—Congressman Derek Kilmer, U.S. House of Representatives
“One thing people on the left, right, and center all agree on is that American democracy is in peril. If you’re in one of those categories, this may be the most important book you’ll read this year.”
—Sheila Heen, Professor of Negotiation, Harvard Law School, Coauthor of the New York Times bestsellers Difficult Conversations and Thanks for the Feedback
“This provocative group of essays calls on Americans to stop caricaturing and get curious. A hopeful book that restores our agency, these are words America needs now.”
—Dr. Rachel Kleinfeld, Senior Fellow, Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program
“This book lays bare the uncomfortable truth that we will never be able to resolve divisions across groups until we look within our own groups and reflect on how we’re contributing to the breakdown.”
—Susan Asiyanbi, Founder and CEO of the Olori Network
“If you've ever wondered how we can heal our fractured society, Remaking the Space Between Us strikes an encouraging note. Smith’s book is a timely call to action, reminding us that, despite our differences, we share more than we lack: a common humanity that will be our saving grace.”
—Alan Coffee, Political Commentator, Researcher at King’s College London
“‘Today one of the biggest risks to our democracy lies not just in our leaders but in our own corrosive behavior as citizens.’ This is a hard truth that needs to be said in a timely and important book that needs to be read.”
—Ian Bassin, Executive Director, Protect Democracy
“Remaking the Space Between Us is refreshing, honest, and challenging. The inclusion of history and the impact of race distinguishes this work from anything similar.”
—James Gee, Founder, Stono Public Affairs
“Remaking the Space Between Us gives us a recipe for hope through common sense, a practical guide for people who want to prepare for peace. Smith inspires us to break out of our echo chambers and to answer a question that lies at the center of the book, ‘Who are we, and who do we want to be?’”
—Samar Ali, Co-Chair on Vanderbilt University's Project on Unity & American Democracy
“In Remaking the Space Between Us, Smith provides useful guidance for how we can embrace our responsibility and power as citizens. Smith invites us to challenge our beliefs about a zero-sum world, so we can build a more inclusive and pluralistic democracy. This is a must-read for 21st century Americans.”
—Yordanos Eyoel, Founder and CEO, Keseb
“Smith isn’t urging us to figure out how to fix the mess we’re in; she demonstrates with a compelling mix of stories and statistics that we already know what to do. We, the people, just have to step up and do it.”
—Doug Stone, Coauthor of the New York Times bestsellers Difficult Conversations and Thanks for the Feedback
Diana McLain Smith
About the author
Diana M. Smith is a renowned thought leader who has led change efforts for 35 years in some of America’s most iconic businesses and cutting-edge nonprofits. Her Leading Through Relationships (LTR)™ approach has been used around the world to convert debilitating intergroup conflict into a constructive force for change.
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