“An important and extremely timely book. Get it, read it, and talk to others about it.”
Also available for purchase at Barnes & Noble, Politics & Prose, Hudson Booksellers, ChristianBook.com, Hearts & Minds Books or IndieBound.
Available in the United Kingdom at Amazon UK, Eden.co.uk, CLC or Book Depository
As a young Christian in his early twenties, Michael Wear found himself deep inside the halls of power in the Obama administration as one of the youngest ever White House staffers. Throwing himself wholeheartedly into transforming hope into change, Wear experienced first-hand the highs and lows of working as a Christian in government. From the central role of Christians in achievements such as the adoption tax credit and directing the president’s attention to human trafficking to the religious controversies and tensions that defined much of the president’s time in office, Reclaiming Hope gives an unvarnished account of life inside the most powerful office in the world. At a time when large numbers of thoughtful Christians argue for a withdrawal from participation in public institutions, Wear uses his experience at the white-hot center of civic life to show how and why Christians must be involved in every aspect of cultural life—even if failures seem to outnumber successes—while working on behalf of the nation’s common good.
“This is an important and extremely timely book. It is partly a memoir, partly a reflection on the relationships between faith and governing power, and partly a road map for navigating the unprecedented social and cultural changes we are facing. It’s readable and thought-provoking. Get it, read it, and talk to others about it.”
“Michael Wear is a man of deep faith who clearly brought his love for Jesus to his work in the White House. Reclaiming Hope offers important insight about his time working in the public square for the legitimate and necessary place of both faith and people of faith in today’s political environment, and it deserves serious attention.”
“This book offers Oval Office insight with road-to-Damascus vulnerability. Whether or not you agree with the author’s politics, you can learn what it means to bear witness in a time riddled with culture wars and political strife. Michael Wear is part of why I think a new generation can bring a new shape to American public life, one in which we can disagree without tearing each other apart. We can hope and this book can help us.”
“Michael Wear’s Reclaiming Hope is an engaging, sympathetic but not uncritical account of life in the Obama White House. Wear cares about politics, but he cares about his Christian faith even more. The result is a balanced, thoughtful look at how politics and faith intersect, what the pitfalls and possibilities are, and why we cannot give up hope. At a time when too many Christians in public life are discrediting their public witness, Michael Wear is offering an admirable alternative.”
“Reclaiming Hope should be read by Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives, and all who are concerned about the state of our politics. Wear’s refreshingly earnest book offers rare insight that just might help us reject the harsh polarization of today’s politics, embrace a redemptive faith, and find hope once again.”
“According to my friend Michael Wear, too many of us left the party early! I’ve known Michael for years and greatly appreciate his commitment to the church and his personal faith in Jesus. Reclaiming Hope will certainly give you a fresh perspective on politics— but, more importantly, it may also give you a fresh perspective on faith.”
“As a pastor who has been close to President Obama’s personal journey of faith, I was fascinated by Michael Wear’s insider account of the events and influences that formed this administration. Surprisingly honest and compelling, this book helps us understand the forces at play in President Obama’s leadership decisions. Reclaiming Hope will give you a sense of hope for a future we can help shape.”
“Transparent. Timely. Helpful…Reclaiming Hope is a timely and important call for people of faith to rise above the clamor of dissension and work together to make liberty and justice a reality for all.”
“A warm, engaging read of the author’s experience with faith, politics, and the intersection (and sometimes collision) of the two. Reclaiming Hope is an important contribution in this age of religious and political polarization.”
“In my eighteen years as a leader of the congressional coalition on adoption, I happily witnessed countless times when members of Congress from opposite ends of the political spectrum united behind their shared belief that children belong in families. Revealing such opportunities for common ground was what Michael was uniquely good at. During a time when the political discourse has strayed more to what we don’t agree on, Reclaiming Hope reminds us all of what can be achieved when we come together.”
“More than a story about how faith and politics entangle in the rarified atmosphere of the White House, this fine memoir is also a road map for how we can pick up the broken pieces of our political life and reassemble a national commitment to a common good.”
“Reclaiming Hope is both a fascinating insider’s look into the Obama administration’s faith- based initiatives and a stirring call for Christians— indeed for Americans of all faiths— to rediscover a sense of hopefulness. Even as we find ourselves in a crisis of disillusionment, and even despair, about the state of American politics, Wear reminds us that we must hold fast to the belief that we can change our country and our world for the better. Each of us would do well to adopt at least a bit of Wear’s realistic hopefulness.”
“This is an important book on many levels: it addresses faith’s role in politics and public policy; it reveals Barack Obama’s personal faith and beliefs; it calls for Christians to engage in the public square; and it offers hope for America’s future. For anyone interested in the intersection of faith and politics, Reclaiming Hope is a must read.”
“Michael Wear makes a powerfully compelling case for engaging the inter-section of politics and religion. Drawing from his personal and singular experience in the White House under the Obama administration, Wear writes a lifeline for these times— that despite any personal differences, hope can unite. The pages in your hand could give you hope and lead and guide us forward as a nation. We can all reclaim hope and carry it with us.”
“Reclaiming Hope is a timely reminder that in politics, ordinary acts under-gird extraordinary moments. Behind every policy, speech, and vote lies endless hours of listening, reflecting, debating — even singing. But Wear has an even more important message: each of these ordinary acts is enriched by people of faith, whose continued involvement depends both on their willingness to engage and the willingness of others to engage with them.”
