In a period of global uncertainty and democratic backsliding, Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan’s latest book, Grieving Our Loss of Democracy, offers a compelling and much-needed framework for understanding, grieving, and responding to the rise of authoritarianism and fascism in the United States and beyond.
Blending data, story, and spiritual insight, Rev. Dr. Egan takes readers through the stages of grief, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, applying Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s renowned framework to the collective experience of democratic erosion. Drawing parallels to Naomi Klein’s Shock Doctrine, she illustrates how destabilizing federal changes mirror devastating societal shocks, leaving individuals and communities grappling with profound losses.
But this is not a book of despair. Instead, Grieving Our Loss of Democracy invites readers to honor their grief, find sustenance in shared experiences, and ultimately transform that grief into purposeful resistance. With real-life stories spanning generations and countries, Rev. Dr. Egan highlights the resilience of people navigating turbulent times, from World War II through today. The book concludes with practical resources, including a toolkit and discussion questions designed for book clubs, activists, and communities seeking connection and strength.
“Democracy’s unraveling causes real grief,” writes Rev. Dr. Egan. “We must acknowledge the pain, but also channel it into compassion, justice, and the common good.”
Grieving Our Loss of Democracy is both a roadmap and a lifeline, an urgent read for citizens, leaders, and communities searching for clarity, courage, and hope amid democratic decline.
Honor the grief. Resist the tide. Reclaim democracy.
Grieving Our Loss of Democracy will be available starting September 1, 2025. Don’t miss this timely and transformative book that helps us honor our grief and reclaim our power in the face of authoritarianism.
Order your copy on Amazon beginning release day, and join the movement to resist, reflect, and rebuild with compassion and courage.
About the Author
Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan is a retired Presbyterian minister, mindfulness practitioner, and seasoned community development consultant who has dedicated her life to guiding individuals and communities through change, grief, and transformation. Over the past several decades, she has led more than one hundred community and state-level initiatives to strengthen health and behavioral health systems, community schools, aging programs, and cross-sector collaborations.
Her leadership has helped communities raise over $17 million in funding within the past five years, and her contributions span more than 60 articles and five books. Among her notable works are Moving Mama: Taking Care of Mother During Her Final Years with Alzheimer’s; Building Communities of Hope: How People are Making Positive Change; and God’s Eyes: A Vision for Us: Presence, Promise, and Power. She also contributed to Social Policy and Aging by Carroll L. Estes, Ph.D.
Rev. Dr. Egan brings decades of experience at the intersection of spirituality, civil society, and social justice, offering wisdom, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to the common good.
Media Contact
Company Name: Literary Titan
Contact Person: Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: https://amzn.to/4mmVM3C
