A New Kind of Party Animal: How the Young Are Redefining Politics as Usual

by Michele Mitchell

Book Overview

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...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B007CKX5TY
• ISBN13: 9780684854410
• Release Date: September 1999
• Publisher: Touchstone Books
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.66 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Perfect for 2000

I felt compelled to write a review of this book after reading the pompous piece by the self-promoter below. It was no surprise to learn he is a freelance writer and a baby boomer and that he assumes the author of this book, who obviously (if you read her bio) has a writing background, would be based in video. I liked this book a lot--if he found it so distasteful, how does he explain how right on it was on nailing the political trends of 2000, considering the book came out two years earlier? The breezy, informal style made it readable, something that I can't say for many political books. I suggest the bitter reviewer below keep his advice to the author to himself. She doesn't need it.

Wonderful Book!

As a member of the 18-35 generation, I found Mitchell's book to be an excellent reminder of all the good things young people can do in politics. The different "snapshots" of individuals around the country were enjoyable, varied, and insightful. I am so motivated to take a more active role in government now! I read this book in one night and felt it was an evening well spent.

A totally worthwhile read

I really liked the pace of this book. Frankly, I have little time to read, and this book has been one of the few to hold my interest. Anyone who thinks all poli sci books are supposed to be as thick as doorstops wouldn't like this one, but I suspect those readers aren't the author's target, anyway.

An excellent preview of the upcoming election

After reading this book, I can't help but think that the "yadda yadda" comment came from someone who was jealous they hadn't written the book first. The points made by the author have been adopted by the mainstream press in the last few months, so she must have gotten something right. As a member of the "older" generation, I am eager to see what the Gen-Xers do in the 2000 election. I believe this book will be an important reference resource.

A keen glimpse into a powerful political revolution

I can't help but think the first review on this page was written by a scared status-quo politician with an axe to grind against Ms. Mitchell. But this book is too insightful and true to be so easily dismissed. The book provides a very keen look at the political attitudes of the so-called generation X. As a person in this age group (I'm 27) it provided a sense of validation and a real epiphany for me. We've been stereotyped as apathetic and uninvolved, but this book exposes that as myth and shows that we're merely involved in a new and unconventional way. This has confounded career politicians who don't know how to buy our vote by luring us into the "goodie system." We simply will not be bought and it frustrates the career politicians.The book provides a fascinating look at what politics in the future may be like. And I can tell you, this book's observations are very on-the-mark. The book gives a glimpse at a developing political revolution that is being brought on by the 18-35 generation. It is sure to catch many politicians off guard.Highly recommended. If you want to see the future of politics, you can't afford to miss this book.