I'm not a regular Rubin Report viewer. In fact, I might have seen part of an episode? I think? Now I'm interested in seeing more. I got this book because I saw and read about four different segments or interviews with Dave Rubin and while I don't agree with him on every single thing, he seems like someone I could have a conversation with and frankly, would like to sit down and talk to. I enjoyed reading his journey and definitely agree with him on his free speech stance! ( )

This book was kinda rough. He makes a few good points throughout the book and provides a few things that need to be looked into more. But he’s woefully lacking in his criticism of the right and its politics. Maybe there’s a part 2 to come?

I understand the book is about Ruben’s experience “deconverting” from left wing politics to a more centrist view point, but the book lacks almost any criticism of right wing politics. In the age of Trump? Come on, you could find something. It leaves it feeling incredibly biased and like his new opinions have gone just as unexamined as his old ones. Pair that with his snarky writing style and it starts to sound like a teenaged boy’s private thoughts on politics.

I appreciate critiques of my views which is why the book receives 2 stars, but the total absence of contrasting criticism about the right just makes the book feel like a gotcha piece and lacking in journalistic integrity. I don’t feel respected, which is of course his right, and I won’t be burning the book, but it doesn’t help convinced me which I would assume was a primary purpose of writing it.

I think the writing style is what put me off the most. It’s a kind of shruggy “I’m sorry you don’t like what I say but it’s the truth.” Not exactly a mature criticism style but then again maybe this complaint isn’t either. It’s as if he’s smiling and enjoying the imagined outrage his words are eliciting. Look, there are plenty of wilting daisies on both sides of the political spectrum but I would hope they’re the fringe. Maybe this book was more directed at the liberal equivalent of the people upset by kneeling at a football game. Either way, I’m not offended, just annoyed.

There is, of course, room to improve liberal politics. But Rubin offers less critical advise and more boyish giddy at his discovery that the right offers him a guilt free story of self actualization. All he has to do is think of himself as meritorious and spread the good news to others that “they can make it too if they try.” Perhaps a feel good story but wait wasn’t it the left that was suppose to be the one living in a fantasy world? Oh boy there’s Rubin’s snarkiness rubbing off on me. ( )

Don’t Burn This Book, Dave Rubin
Once, Dave Rubin was a liberal supporting Democrats. In this book, he explains how he metamorphosed into what he refers to as a “classical liberal”. He no longer blindly supports the Democrats. He feels that many of Trump’s policies mirror his beliefs. As he explains his current philosophy by exploring liberal issues, like Abortion, LGBTQ rights, Freedom of Speech, Gun Rights, Immigration, police brutality, etc., he highlights events and people affected by these issues and the experiences they have had. He discusses his views on these issues which are far broader and more open minded than those of the radicals on the left. He is much more ready and eager to compromise with the views of those on the right. He highlights certain people who have had to deal with the frustration of being targeted and falsely labeled by the fake news establishment. He is critical of the lack of honest journalists and believes we are now being brainwashed by what was once a critical avenue of news and information, but is now opinion.
He highlights the black conservatives, like Candace Owens and Larry Elder, who have had to deal with the bias and persecution of the left. His argument is that if you want to have your own freedom, you must allow others to also have freedom. You can’t deny the right to speak to anyone if you want the right to speak. You must tolerate the right of others to share in your same freedoms and the left if forbidding those who disagree with them to have those rights. He believes this is wrong. His views are refreshing.
He describes classical liberalism which is a middle road to both the left and right side’s radical views, and he supports compromise rather than extremism. ( )