They Knew: How a Culture of Conspiracy Keeps America Complacent

By Sarah Kendzior

Book Overview

FINALIST FOR THE LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE

"Every sentence delivered. The pathos of truth-seeking left me thinking of Herman Melville."
--Timothy Snyder, #1 New York Times bestselling author of On Tyranny

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING author Sarah Kendzior delves into the difference between conspiracy and conspiracy theory, "deftly separat ing] fact from fiction in a conspiracy-addled nation" (VANITY FAIR).

Conspiracy theories are on the rise because officials refuse to enforce accountability for real conspiracies. Uncritical faith in broken institutions is as dangerous as false narratives peddled by propagandists.

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--"From Norman Baker to Jeffrey Epstein, Iran-Contra to January 6" (VF)--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.

Here, for the first time, Kendzior blends her signature whip-smart prose and eviscerating arguments with lyrical and intimate examinations of the times and places that haunt American history. "America is a ghost story," writes Kendzior, as she unearths decades of buried history, providing an essential and critical look at how to rebuild our democracy by confronting the political lies and crimes that have shaped us.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1250878608
• ISBN13: 9781250878601
• Release Date: April 2024
• Publisher: Flatiron Books
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.2" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

They Still Know…

Not easy reading, but I loved it, as I love all of Sarah‘s books. I wish I had discovered her sooner. I’ve always known our government was corrupt, but not all of the connections. By reading Sarah Kendzior I have learned so much history about the state and the country where I was born. And I’ve even read The People’s History of the United States! When I could stomach it. Anyway, They Knew, not only connects the dots, it illuminates our human tendency to inquire. How the fragility of the truth plays an offensive role, by evil avatars, in molding our collective psyche. The risks involved in the search for truth. I’m paying for it now with cynicism and an upset stomach. It’s a scary world so thankfully there are brave, truth-seekers like Kendzior willingly to shine a light into the creepy abyss that is our world politics. It’s no wonder so many turn a blind eye… We must reach out our sturdy arms to undo the cult of us vs. them. Stop the hate conferences. ‘They’ won WW3. We’re divided. Let’s bring them back to shore. Trust me, it’s good to be in the know.

Presents a well referenced explanation for how national and international criminals are looting Amer

"They Knew" and did nothing to prevent it because "They" are in on the scam. The evidence provided by open source documents is undeniable but will never be presented in MSM.