Beyond the Messy Truth

How We Came Apart, How We Come Together

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • 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—from the CNN host hailed as “a star of the 2016 campaign” (The New York Times), now seen on The Van Jones Show

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, during which he coined the term “whitelash,” 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.

In Beyond the Messy Truth, he offers a blueprint for transforming our collective anxiety into meaningful change. Jones urges both parties to abandon the politics of accusation. He issues a stirring call for a new “bipartisanship from below,” pointing us toward practical answers to problems that affect us all regardless of region or ideology. He wants to tackle 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. Along the way, Jones shares memories from his decades of activism on behalf of working people, inspiring stories of ordinary citizens who became champions of their communities, and little-known examples of cooperation in the midst 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 to help those most in need.

The audio edition includes a PDF of resources for getting involved and making a difference.

“Van Jones is a light in the darkness when we need it most. 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, U.S. senator, New Jersey

“Van Jones’s voice has become an integral part of our national political debate. He is one of the most provocative and interesting political figures in the country.”—Bernie Sanders, U.S. senator, Vermont

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.