They Knew: How a Culture of Conspiracy Keeps America Complacent -- Sarah Kendzior, Hardcover

In They Knew, New York Times bestselling author Sarah Kendzior explores the United States' "culture of conspiracy," putting forth a timely and unflinching argument: uncritical faith in broken institutions is as dangerous as false narratives peddled by propagandists. Conspiracy theories are on the rise because officials refuse to enforce accountability for real conspiracies.

"The pathos of truth-seeking left me thinking of Herman Melville. I can't remember the last time I read a book where every sentence delivered.--Timothy Snyder

The truth may hurt--but the lies will kill us.

They Knew discusses conspiracy culture in a rapidly declining United States struggling with corruption, climate change, and other crises. As the actions of the powerful remain shrouded in mystery--like the Jeffrey Epstein operation--it is unsurprising that people turn to conspiracy theories to fill the informational void. They Knew exposes the tactics these powerful actors use to placate an inquisitive public.

In Kendzior's signature whip smart prose and eviscerating arguments, They Knew unearths decades of buried American history, providing an essential and critical look at how to rebuild our democracy by confronting the political lies and crimes that have shaped us.

Author: Sarah Kendzior
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Published: 09/13/2022
Pages: 256
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 9.70h x 6.40w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9781250210722

Review Citation(s):
Library Journal Prepub Alert 04/01/2022 pg. 11
Kirkus Reviews 07/15/2022
Publishers Weekly 07/25/2022
Booklist 08/01/2022 pg. 9