Shameless by Brian Tyler Cohen

 

I've had a busy start to my year. So, essentially, I haven't had much time to read this month.

Additionally, I totally switched gears and ended up starting and finishing Shameless by Brian Tyler Cohen as my first read of 2025 (vs. starting and finishing Burial Rites by Hannah Kent as my first read of 2025).

I first became acquainted with Brian Tyler Cohen through watching his very popular YouTube channel. Cohen's YouTube channel discusses all things politics.

When I learned last year that Brian Taylor Cohen was coming out with his very first book, Shameless, I decided to read it. I listened to the unabridged audio version of Shameless, which is narrated by the author. Shameless is a quick listen at 4 hours, 38 minutes.

So, what did I think of Brian Tyler Cohen's book Shameless? First of all, I loved that Brian Tyler Cohen narrated his own book. As it would have been weird for me to listen to someone else read Shameless when I'm use to listening to Brian Tyler Cohen speak on his YouTube channel. 

As far as Shameless itself goes, I enjoyed it overall. I felt like Brian Tyler Cohen covered the history of the Republican Party and how Republicans have gone about sabotaging Democrats and undermining democracy by citing specific examples throughout Shameless. The Republican Party seems to have drastically changed since Abraham Lincoln's time. 

I also learned how Democrats could improve their effectiveness in the political arena by not falling for the Republican Party's tactics for misdirection. Many other things were discussed on the topic of how Democrats and Republicans interact and function, providing food for thought.

The last chapter of Shameless focuses on how we as individuals can empower others close to us to take action and change the fate of our nation and democracy for the better.

Below is the publisher's summary for Shameless by Brian Tyler Cohen from Chirp's website:

Written by an MSNBC contributor, this #1 New York Times bestseller and 2024 release offers an analysis of the current state of US politics — and outlines its impact on the present and future of democracy.

Publisher Description

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

From the first content creator to interview President Biden, leading progressive voice Brian Tyler Cohen takes a step back from the day-to-day news cycle to explain how American politics has turned into such a dumpster fire—and what Democrats need to do to get us out of it.

In Shameless, Brian Tyler Cohen lays bare the long con of the modern Republican Party. While the radical right continues hiding behind gaslighting maneuvers, artificial slogans, and hollow catchphrases, Cohen’s unflinching narrative illuminates the realities and dangers of the ever-widening gulf between the vaunted Republican brand and their actual behavior.

With a foreword by Congressman Jamie Raskin, drawing on interviews and insights from Pete Buttigieg, Mehdi Hasan, Jen Psaki, and other luminaries of the Left, Cohen reveals:How Republicans have leaned on their histor­ical branding to give themselves a permission structure to behave antithetically to everything they say; Why the mainstream media has proved itself a willing participant in this ongoing farce— particularly since the rise of toxic, sensational­ist MAGA mania; and What lessons Democrats can glean from a clear-eyed view of the landscape we’re operating in—and the steps we must take to rebalance our political landscape.

During this all-hands-on-deck moment in our his­tory, Shameless is essential reading for those seeking to understand our dire situation, and a rallying cry for those fighting to preserve democracy.

I am giving Shameless by Brian Tyler Cohen a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!