Once pitted as adversarial counterparts as the opinion editors of Detroit's most prominent right- and left-leaning newspapers, veteran journalists Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson come together, with friend and colleague Lynne Golodner, in this timely and groundbreaking work to champion a novel approach to political discourse. The Civility Book furthers their mission to demonstrate that civil conversation is possible, even across colossal ideological divides, and to teach Americans how it can be done. Offering practical tools and strategies for fostering civility in everyday interactions and an extensive appendix of resources outlining ongoing efforts to advance tolerance and productive dialogue, the authors explain what civility is, why it matters, and how individuals can use it to overcome the antagonistic rhetoric that threatens our society today, one conversation at a time.

A nonpartisan guide to maintaining respectful relationships across political, cultural, and racial divides.

Starred Review in Library Journal!
As seen in USA Today!
"A guide to elevating political discourse in America. ... Empowering." - KIRKUS

Once pitted as adversarial counterparts as the opinion editors of right- and left-leaning newspapers, veteran journalists Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson join forces in this groundbreaking work to champion a novel approach to political discourse. Finley, a resolute conservative, and Henderson, a committed progressive, defy expectations by demonstrating that civil conversation is not only possible but also richly rewarding, even across colossal ideological divides.

In 2020, they launched the Civility Project with journalist and author Lynne Golodner, beginning their journey to teach Americans how to engage in respectful dialogue and maintain relationships despite political differences. The Civility Book is an extension of that mission, offering practical tools and strategies for fostering civility in everyday interactions. At the core of this work, the authors position their four pillars of civility to explain what civility is, why it matters, and how individuals can use it to overcome the antagonistic rhetoric that threatens our society today, one conversation at a time. This conversational, no-nonsense guide provides valuable lessons, a detailed curriculum, probing questions for consideration, and an extensive appendix of resources outlining ongoing efforts to curb unproductive contention and advance a more harmonious society.