I didn’t like this book. I didn’t like it because it was too real. It was too spot on. It put me in a bad place, a place where I worry about the decline and ultimate fall of America and what that means for my boys.

It took me longer than usual to get through this book. I kept putting it down because I found myself depressed. I kept picking it back up because it’s beautifully written and well researched. Also because Jonathan Martin is a buddy.

Please don’t get me wrong. This is a great book. But “ignorance is bliss” is such a true cliche. Once you educate yourself you see that our nation is not nearly as strong as we’ve been taught growing up. We’re mostly led by fickle leaders putting us on the edge of disaster. But they are only a reflection of us. Division is the new America. Martin and Burns did a great job showing just how fragile America has become.

I recommend this book even if each page does sadden you. You need to be sad. You need to worry. Open your eyes. See past the bullshit. Realize we are in a lot of trouble. “They” aren’t the problem. Each of us is. Only when we face reality can we come back together as a people and prevent disaster. Still, I fear it’s too late. I agree with them that “this will not pass.”