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With a mix of memoir and social critique, this book wades into the rough waters of controversial topics, offering insight, advice, and a way forward. Sommerlynn begins with an emphasis on gender roles and expectations by breaking down her own beliefs about what constitutes a real man and about how women should conduct themselves in the world. She moves quickly forward into a wide range of political and social issues, including illegal immigration, feminism, and white privilege. Sommerlynn relies on personal, cultural, and historical anecdotes to support a conservative viewpoint on these issues. Part advice, part commentary, Sommerlynn’s writing unpacks the issues with fiery accusations and clear-eyed assessments of modern society.
As Sommerlynn rambles through the hot button issues of our time, she settles on behavioral extremes from her own life and from the lives of her friends. She tells stories of her three marriages, parenting pitfalls, and step-parenting woes. She also includes observations from pop culture, from her work life, from the news, and from history to support her opinions and ideas. For example, in one chapter titled “When Did the End Begin?” Sommerlynn gives an overview of the Civil War which leads to a discussion of slavery, reparations, and the increasing power of African-Americans. She debunks liberal white guilt and racism, and she blames liberals for creating the divide in our country. Her views go well beyond the basic talking points of conservative commentators to include a resounding call to men and women to behave with more dignity and respect for all people.
Sommerlynn’s whiplash narrative style moves fast and furious through many topics within one chapter. “Liberals Are Lost” begins with a discussion of Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Aniston having trouble finding good men even when they have so many talents. Then she careens to a memory of visiting Southern California and digresses to an analysis of Obama’s presidency, the mayor of New York banning soda, the teachers’ union in Chicago, and the Detroit police department. Clearly, Sommerlynn’s knowledge of current news and recent history is fully realized. She is engaged with the times we are living in and is committed to critiquing society and offering advice for improvement. No subject is off-limits or outside her purview. Every argument is explained with rationales and supported with evidence.
Sometimes, Sommerlynn makes sweeping generalizations about society based on her singular experiences, but many of her stories will ring true for readers and are shining with authenticity and relatability. Readers might even find themselves nodding their heads in solidarity. While the book clearly portrays the author’s intentions as passionate and strong, the text itself would be enhanced by some additional editing. The author strikes a tone somewhere between conservative talk show host and a tell-it-like-it-is girlfriend. She has opinions to share and tales to tell about living as well as about being engaged with the world and with the politics shaping the country. She is not content to sit quietly by while her vision of America fades with liberalism and political correctness. Her voice has entered the conversation with clarity and purpose. As more and more people plead for civil discourse, Sommerlynn has answered the call with this engaging and far-reaching examination of modern society.