Grieving Our Loss of Democracy – Book Review
I was very excited to get a review copy of this new release, Grieving the Loss of Democracy, because I think it’s exactly the book that many of us need right now. Let’s talk about it.
There are times when the world feels upside down – when every headline reads like a gut punch, when institutions we thought unshakable begin to crumble, and when even hope feels like it’s slipping through our fingers. In Grieving Our Loss of Democracy: How We Can Navigate Our Grief When Nothing Makes Sense Any More (part of the Community Uplift Series), Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan tackles this raw, collective wound head-on.
It jumps in with a discussion on the systematic deconstruction of democracy. This may be a hard read because it deals with such an important but heavy topic, or it may feel very affirming and validating to have words to all the things you’re already feeling. For me, I feel like the first step to fixing a problem is identifying it, and that’s what this chapter (and this book) does.
This is not just a book about politics. It’s a book about humanity, resilience, and the very real grief so many are carrying as democracy falters. Egan acknowledges the chaos and polarization we live in but refuses to leave us stranded in despair. Instead, she offers a roadmap, guiding us through the recognizable stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance – reimagined for the civic sphere. It’s a bold, necessary framework for understanding not only what we feel but how we can move forward.
If you’ve felt the fear and frustration of the world we live in today, but felt frozen or stuck on what to do about it, this book will help you with actionable steps to help create change. The formatting and break-out sections help you process all the information the book is offering. It gives practical advice on how to address healthy, unhealthy, and justified anger.
What makes this book stand out is its balance between emotional honesty and practical guidance. Egan weaves together psychology, spirituality, and decades of community leadership to show that grief, far from being a sign of weakness, can actually be a catalyst for transformation. Through reflective questions, inspiring historical parallels, and actionable strategies, she helps readers honor their pain while also discovering their power.
One of the most powerful takeaways is that grief doesn’t have to isolate us. By naming and sharing our pain, we uncover common ground, and with it, the seeds of collective strength. Egan’s message is clear: the process of grieving is also the process of reclaiming agency. Anger, sadness, confusion – they’re not endpoints, but energy we can redirect toward justice, healing, and rebuilding.
Editorial reviewers have already praised the book as “brilliant and necessary” and “a groundbreaking manifesto on social transformation”. I have to wholeheartedly agree. I think this is a book everyone should read and you can get it right now on Amazon.
At its heart, Grieving Our Loss of Democracy is a book of courage. It invites us to sit with uncomfortable truths, to acknowledge that something precious is slipping away, and then to rise – not in denial or despair, but in determination. It’s a call to honor the grief, resist the tide, and reclaim the values we hold most dear.
If you’ve been struggling to make sense of today’s fractured world, this book doesn’t just validate your feelings – it offers a path through them. It’s a reminder that within the chaos lies the potential for renewal, and within our grief lies the power to transform.
Highly recommended for readers who refuse to give up on democracy, who seek both solace and direction, and who want to turn sorrow into strength.