Rating: 3/5 stars

Kat Timpf is a comedian, political television personality and author. She recently published a new book about binary thinking and how politics get in the way of meaningful relationships, only if you let them. The book, titled “I Used To Like You Until… (How Binary Thinking Divides Us),” expresses the importance of putting politics in a separate sphere from your relationships with family, friends and romantic partners, leaving stereotypes from politics alone. In reality, it is when we get too caught up in politics we lose not only ourselves but those around us.

Timpf’s book varies on subjects such as mental health, LGBTQ+ discussions and politics ranging from both the far right and left sides. Timpf’s writing can come across as awkward and satirical, but overall makes amazing points about the ridiculousness that comes with politics. In doing so, she shares her own experiences working at Fox News as a non-Republican, the backlash that comes with her job, trolls on social media, her observations of those around her and how she handles being in association or friends with someone who does not share her views/beliefs. 

Since its publication, the book has racked up mixed reviews that vary from, “so bad you’ll wish you never learned to read,” to others who enjoyed Timpf’s perspective, “when we become tribal over politics we lose and powerful people we don’t know and never will, win.” The majority of the reviews consist of the relatable feeling of losing someone because of politics or a controversial joke, as well as the reflection upon themselves and others around them.

In brutal honesty, some parts of the book appeared to be Timpf rambling and reaching for the word count rather than actual writing. Cluttered, off-track and more self-centered than going back to the book’s point of binary thinking. Timpf attempted to weave comedy into personal remedies, but most of the time she diverted away from the main point. The book itself started to pick up in the last half of the book, in chapters 6-11. There she dives into the discussions of social media, mental health and politics that have allowed society to adapt to the norm of being blind to who we follow and idolize. 

Despite the awkward and stiff writing, Timpf highlights sufficient points about politics and society as a whole; as well as how we as citizens should strive to think on our own and not let our identity or individuality be compromised because we care about politics so deeply. This book will make you sit with yourself and the uncomfortable moments you have been a part of or have observed, online or in person. 

Those who enjoy a narrative that focuses on the harsh reality of politics and the dangers of idolization alongside losing critical thinking will love this book and the deep-rooted reflection that comes with it.

Image from Fox News via YouTube