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A New Kind of Party Animal

How the Young Are Redefining "Politics as Usual"

About The Book

In this provocative and timely book, twenty-seven-year-old political correspondent Michele Mitchell explores how the younger generation, contrary to popular opinion, is redefining politics. It is the multimillion-dollar question asked by marketing strategists, political pundits, and older Americans: Who are these people and where will they lead us?
It's an eighty-million-strong group that includes trust fund babies and welfare kids, from Daughters of the American Revolution to descendants of slaves and new immigrants, found from Berkeley to the Bible Belt, raised by both parents or single or divorced parents. It's a group connected through the technology they created. It's a group that now says "show me" when offered a promise.
Mitchell explores six factors that not only set this generation apart but are transforming the political world: lack of party affiliation, diverse interest in a range of issues, grassroots-based approaches to problem solving, lack of gender bias, skepticism of marketing and advertising, and computer savvy. Insightful, succinct, and engaging, A New Kind of Party Animal is our road map to understanding the future of American society and politics.

About The Author

Michelle’s books and resources have been called an ‘encouraging and guiding light’ for parents and professionals. She has a marvellous way of speaking truth in a way that all appreciate  National Day of Thanks
The Importance of Five More Squats Michelle Mitchell says parents should think of a young person’s life like a big gym session (with lots of squats), and a parent like a personal trainer. Just like a personal trainer, a parent needs to help their child develop a tolerance for ‘the burn’ that comes from doing life’s squats. Child Magazine Michelle
Mitchell’s book SELF HARM is a much needed really valuable exploration of one of the most misunderstood and frightening behaviours that occurs for many young people on their adolescent journey. Michelle’s wisdom, warmth and compassion mirror what is really needed for those who are supporting a young person who is self-harming. This is a must for families, schools and community organisations that work with young people. Together we can all make a positive difference with really accurate knowledge and understanding that is found is this excellent book. Maggie Dent (Author, Educator and Parents and Resilience Specialist)
Parents are often frightened and overwhelmed when they discover their child is self-harming. It is an issue that is not spoken about enough. This book is packed with research, expert advice and very brave personal stories, which will provide many parents with support and hope. Michelle has done an incredible job in addressing a very sensitive topic. 

Product Details

Raves and Reviews

Clarence Page Chicago Tribune If you think of today's young voters as apathetic slackers who don't care about their political futures, this book is here to set you straight. Michele Mitchell explodes the stereotypes to take us inside the generation that will inherit the leadership of the next century. Read it and be amazed, even as you are amused.

Denhis McLellan Los Angeles Times In A New Kind of Party Animal...the former Capitol Hill press secretary and political reporter shakes up preconceptions about Generation-X.

Natasha Stovall The Village Voice [Mitchell] is a gifted writer, and her descriptions often shimmer.

Jonathan Yardley The Washington Post [Mitchell] makes useful points: that older people have always belittled the political interests and commitment of the young, that there is a far stronger political community within Generation X than is generally acknowledged and -- this is perhaps most important -- that rather than automatically allying themselves with the major parties, the young are "hesitant to embrace a single ideology" and often describe themselves as "independent."

Jennifer Nix On the Issues A New Kind of Party Animal is an intelligent, even inspirational, opening salvo in what could result in further discussions of the many true and diverse states of young political minds and where they will lead us in the next century. A New Kind of Party Animal goes to the heart of common misconceptions, proving that 18-35s do vote and do get involved.

Senator Bob Kerrey This is an important read for anyone who wants to lead in the twenty-first century. Goethe once said: "knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do." This generation -- my children's generation -- is learning, applying, and doing. They are our nation's future and cannot and should not be ignored.

Tanya Melich author of The Republican War Against Women If you believe that young Americans are disengaged from public service, Michele Mitchell will prove you wrong. Her feisty book is a splendid addition to the political debate, illustrating that her generation is, indeed, revitalizing our dismal politics.

Tom Brazaitis Washington Bureau Chief, The Plain Dealer (Cleveland) and coauthor of War without Bloodshed: The Art of Politics On just about every page, Michele Mitchell deftly punctures another stereotype about her generation. Political operatives, the press, and the public will learn a lot in these pages about the attitudes and motivation of the young men and women who will shape the first part of the twenty-first century in America.

Louis Jacobson The Plain Dealer (Cleveland) Brisk and colorful prose...[Mitchell] faithfully records the activities of young people across the ideological spectrum.

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