New Review Recommends My Book "Liberally Speaking"

I am happy to see a new review of my book has just come out. It's by Anita Lock in the US Review of Books, and I am pleased to share it with you. You can go to the original here.

Liberally Speaking: Why Liberalism is Right for America
by Stephen J. Natoli
Branden Books

 

Reviewed by Anita Lock

 

"Liberal ideas have been the ones that have made society more just, more prosperous and better for people to live in."

 

Liberally Speaking is a guidebook designed so that "moderates will see the wisdom, sense and success of liberal positions" and to help liberals who "are starving for some affirmation of their views and some explanations they can use to defend and promote the principled positions they hold dear." Complete with a questionnaire, plenty of history, and an in depth explanations on issues, Natoli's attention to liberalism raises awareness of the basic needs and desires of all Americans.

Natoli offers a step-by-step approach to understanding liberalism. He opens by describing his shift from conservative to liberal thinking, followed by providing his audience with a "personal inventory" questionnaire before detailing what the liberal perspective looks like. Divided into five sections, Natoli explains what it means to be a liberal utilizing his 18-point constitution on what liberals believe. Section 2 covers the historical highlights "the liberal record of success" from the early 1600s to present day and the foundations to liberal thought. 

While the preceding material is highly educational, the next several chapters under part 3 serve to crystallize liberalism as Natoli addresses where liberals stand on issues. Examples include human rights, health, defense, war and peace, as well as gun issues—just to name a few topics. Part 4 offers balance as Natoli includes a historical perspective on the conservative record of failure, what conservatives believe, and why their thinking doesn't work.

Natoli offers plenty to ruminate on, plus a word of encouragement for his readers, in the last section, to engage in the political process by getting involved in organizations. In closing, Natoli states his groundbreaking read the best: "The American people deserve to see that liberal values are American values, and to appreciate that much of what has made America free and prosperous is a result of great liberal leaders and great liberal ideas."

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

 

Book Appearance in Fresno

I've been invited to introduce my book Liberally Speaking: Why Liberalism is Right for America to the Fresno County Democratic Party Central Committee's monthly meeting tonight.  This will be a 5-10 minute thumbnail near the beginning of the meeting's agenda. The meeting begins at 6:30 P.M. I will be able to offer signed books for sale, which are $21.60 including tax.

The Fresno Democratic Party meets at its office, 1035 U Street, Fresno, California, 93721-1419. I would like to thank Fresno Central Committee members Doug and Estella Kessler for extending this invitation and getting me on the agenda. They have also been good friends of the College of the Sequoias Young Democrats.

Book Update

Just a quick note to report I am so busy finishing my book project I haven't had time to post much lately. I'm working on correcting the index of Liberally Speaking and should be finished this week. The release should come very shortly now. 

Book: Graphic Artist Needed for Cover

Everything is ready for the release of my book, Liberally Speaking, except for the cover. The latest concept involves the Statue of Liberty. We are trying to get a good graphic artist for the project. If you know of anyone, get in touch!

My Book to Be Published

I haven't posted in 10 days and have been pretty busy. My book, Liberally Speaking, has been picked up by Branden Books of Wellesley, Massachusetts. I've signed a contract and have been engaged in  pre-production chores. Today after work it's been proofing the publisher's master file for errors. I've managed to get through four chapters of the 20 so far. It will be released soon,  perhaps as early as next month. I will keep you posted on the progress. 

I'm Working on a Book

In my spare time I have been writing a book.  It's about my conversion to a liberal political philosophy and a defense of the liberal perspective on many issues of the day.  The working title is Proud to be a Liberal.

I am drawing some of the material from my blog posts and am generating generating quite a bit more from new research and contemplation.  I count about 157 pages in 8 1/2 by 11 format, which, I am told, will come to approximately 105 pages in book form.  I'm probably about two-thirds finished with the project.

Here's a brief excerpt:

Being liberal is fun.  It’s fun to be right on the questions of the day, it’s fun to be on the right side of history and it’s fun to have a clear moral conscience about human issues.  A liberal is motivated out of a sense of love and community spirit, beginning with a belief in the equality and dignity of every human being.  That is why liberals have always been the strongest defenders of civil and political rights.  A liberal is concerned first with human needs—what do people need to make their lives freer, healthier and more prosperous—and then looks for opportunities to help secure them. 

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines liberalism as: ”a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties; specifically: such a philosophy that considers government as a crucial instrument for amelioration of social inequities (as those involving race, gender, or class).”

That means a liberal is an idealist, someone who envisions a better world and wants to help bring it about.  Because a liberal is an idealist who wants to make things better in the world, liberals tend to embrace beneficial change, that is, change for the good.  Another term for beneficial change is progress and so liberals are often referred to as progressives.  At one time there was even a political party in America called the Progressive Party that embodied these ideals.    

I am happy to get your reactions, feedback and suggestions.

Steve