Beyond the Messy Truth

How We Came Apart, How We Come Together

By: Van Jones

Narrated by: Prentice Onayemi

A passionate manifesto that exposes hypocrisy on both sides of the political divide and points a way out of the tribalism that is tearing America apart - by the CNN political contributor and host hailed as "a star of the 2016 campaign" (New York Times) who tries to "fight the right way" (New Yorker).

Van Jones burst into the American consciousness during the 2016 presidential campaign with an unscripted, truth-telling style and an already established history of bridge-building across party lines. His election night commentary became a viral sensation. A longtime progressive activist with deep roots in the conservative South, Jones has made it his mission to challenge voters and viewers to stand in one another's shoes and disagree constructively.

Now, in Beyond the Messy Truth, Jones offers a blueprint for transforming our collective anxiety into meaningful change. Tough on Donald Trump but showing respect and empathy for his supporters, Jones takes aim at the failures of both parties before and after Trump's victory. He urges both sides to abandon the politics of accusation and focus on real solutions. Calling us to a deeper patriotism, he shows us how to get down to the vital business of solving, together, some of our toughest problems.

"The entire national conversation today can be reduced to a simple statement - 'I'm right, and you're wrong,'" Jones has said. But the truth is messier; both sides have flaws. Both parties have strayed from their highest principles and let down their core constituencies. Rejecting today's political tribalism, Jones issues a stirring call for a new "bipartisanship from below". Recognizing that tough challenges require the best wisdom from both liberals and conservatives, he points us toward practical answers to problems that affect us all regardless of region or ideology: rural and inner-city poverty, unemployment, addiction, unfair incarceration, and the devastating effects of the pollution-based economy on both coal country and our urban centers.

In explaining how he arrived at his views, Jones shares behind-the-scenes memories from his decades spent marching and protesting on behalf of working people, inspiring stories of ordinary citizens who became champions of their communities, and little-known examples of cooperation that have risen from the fog of partisan conflict. In his quest for positive solutions, Van Jones encourages us to set fire to our old ways of thinking about politics and come together where the pain is greatest.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2017 Van Jones (P)2017 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Van Jones is a light in the darkness when we need it most. Beyond the Messy Truth breaks with the tribalism of today's politics and offers us a way forward. In the tradition of the great bridge builders of our past, Van's love for this country and all its people shines through." (Cory Booker, US senator, New Jersey)

"Speaking with heartfelt conviction and clarity of purpose, [Van] Jones proffers an achievable pathway to harmony for ideologues of both conservative and liberal persuasions." (Booklist)

"Part manifesto, part manual for activism, [Beyond the Messy Truth] is enlivened by case histories and personal anecdotes that serve as support for the author's assertions.... The author proposes common projects that may bring opposing sides together...[and] offers concrete suggestions to revive democracy, heal culture wars, and prevent a Trump victory in 2020." (Kirkus Reviews)

I loved this book

My only complaint would be a disappointment in it not being read by Van himself.
Great job.

This book opened my eyes.

My eyes were opened to several ways to make out country better. Ideas which include all Americans are the ideas that have a chance of working.Thank you for telling your story to me a liberal who needed fresh prospective.

A must read for any true Patriot!

This book artfully finds common ground in our political divide. Democrat or Conservative it challenges your stereotypes, and pushes you to think critically, and honestly about your own positions and your opponents. A practical book that leaves you with practical ways we can work together locally with our political opposites to better our communities. Thank you, Van Jones!

The Messy Truth, But Where Do We Go From Here and How??

It was a wonderful, eye-opening book of factual information that we all need to pay attention to, NOW!! As a private citizen, where do we go from here? I’m ready to begin the parade to “bettering” our Universe. I’m calling my Senator, not certain that will help. Thank you for the book!!

Insightful outlook for change...

This book presented itself to be an insightful outlook on how to invoke change. Vans approach is insightful and intriguing while presenting the harsh realities of the current climate in this country. I found the book to be amazing, informative, trailblazing and motivational.

Good read

Great book love it i recommend reading or listening to either way good choice. Great job Van

great deep dive into what's plaguing our country

whatever your politics or opinion of Van this book is a fair assessment and offers some awesome advice

A must read

A wonderful look into his life..his views and his thoughts. everyone must read or listen to this book!!!

Finally a balanced perspective of the Red and Blue

The final chapter of the book is brilliant. I would love to see his name on a future presidential ballot.

A fair, balanced view on the issues that affect us

Well worth the read. Van Jones offers his personal view on the issues that affect us today and attempts to give a moral view rather than a political view for the solutions and a way out of this madness!