Book Review: The New Civic Path: Restoring Our Belief in One Another and Our Nation by Richard C. Hardwood
By Francesca Rompal, MA
Image courtesy of Studio Books
Review:
This book couldn’t have arrived at a better time. The New Civic Path is an energizing, much-needed guide for anyone who cares about rebuilding trust, repairing broken systems, and nurturing real community connection. Drawing from decades of hands-on experience as a public servant, the author makes the case for a healthier, more empathetic civic culture — one grounded in respect, lived experience, and showing up for each other.
I especially appreciated the book’s focus on “public capital” (a powerful take on social capital) and how the author draws on cross-regional insights, case studies, and data to explore what’s working — and what’s not — in our shared civic lives. There’s a strong emphasis on nonpartisan collaboration, empathy-driven leadership, and the deep value of meeting people where they are.
As someone working in sociology and justice, these ideas hit home. We are living through a time of serious division, and this book doesn’t shy away from that. But it also doesn’t wallow in it — instead, it offers a path forward that is realistic, compassionate, and incredibly actionable. I’ve already recommended this to friends, family, and colleagues; highly recommended for our current and future climates.
Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
If you care about your community, if you're feeling overwhelmed by polarization, or if you're just looking for a little hope and direction — read this. It matters.
Available now on Amazon:
If you liked this, you might also enjoy:
Palaces for the People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life by Eric Klinenberg
The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion by Jonathan Haidt
We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy by Eboo Patel
Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit by Parker J. Palmer
Thank you to Studio Books and BookSirens for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
