This book investigates how citizens can restore rational discourse and effective deliberation to contemporary political systems. John Gastil and Katherine R. Knobloch draw upon their extensive research in political communication and democratic theory to argue that structured civic engagement is necessary for a functioning democracy. They present a framework for how small-scale deliberative practices can be scaled to influence broader political decision-making processes.

Experts in political science and civic engagement recognize this work as a significant contribution to the study of deliberative democracy. Readers frequently note the academic rigor of the prose, which makes it a valuable resource for students and practitioners interested in political reform.