I finished this book and feel like I've been taught something extremely important that the school systems have ignored. I had so many jaw dropping moments, it was shocking how this all went down, and who was behind it. :O This wasn't that long ago, and it is still out there, not that well hidden. Some events during this time looked very familiar to events happening in the last few years. Time to wake up and learn history so we don't repeat it. 5 + stars - I read it twice one on audio on in print, excellent both ( )

Rachel Maddow’s nonfiction Prequel- An American Fight Against Fascism takes the reader back to WWII. In the run-up to WWII, Adolph Hitler and the Nazi Party decide that the key to winning the war in Europe is to keep the United States out of the war.

Many Americans were reluctant to get involved another world war far from our shores, particularly wary after the loss of life in WWI. The Nazis used that reticence to their advantage, and they stoked the divisions in American life to accomplish their goal.

The Germans used money to influence Congressmen, religious leaders, and other influential people to achieve their goal. The Nazi Party had many members in the United States, even filling Madison Square Garden with an event.

(If you read Susan Elia MacNeal’s fascinating novel Mother Daughter Traitor Spy you will be familiar with the popularity of the the Nazi Party in Los Angeles at this time.)

Maddow lays out in meticulously researched detail how the German government used antisemitic feelings in the United States to turn people against President Roosevelt and members of his government.

One of the most interesting parts of the book shows how the Germans used the franking program to spread their propaganda to the American people. Congresspeople are allowed to send mail for free to their constituents, and everything that gets read into the Congressional Record (like speeches made on the House floor) is eligible to be mailed for free.

The German government hired people to write speeches for certain Congresspeople who would then read those speeches verbatim, get them into the Congressional Record, and then mailed across the country. It was actually a direct mailing advertising company owner who figured out this scheme and blew the whistle on them.

Prequel reads like a fictional thriller yet it is reality. It’s got a suspiciously timed deadly plane crash, a trial that is part Marx Brothers movie, and an intrepid reporter who gets directly involved in the story. It resonates with current events and I’m not sure if that is frightening or reassuring.

For podcast fans, Maddow’s podcast Ultra is the companion to Prequel and also very well done. I give Prequel my highest recommendation as well. History fans will love it. ( )

Prequel is informative, engaging, and damn scary. The author, Rachel Maddow, is a cable news journalist I admire and listen to often. In her book, Rachel has detailed the disturbing history of a fascist movement that occurred in the United States before and during WWII. Not only did this movement flourish with the help of Nazi spies and financial support from Hitler, it was supported and advanced by many US Senators and other public figures in America. Fortunately, a few brave patriots risked their lives and careers to gather evidence and expose these traitors. Rachael’s straightforward thought process and ability to relate the facts clearly made this detailed account easy to read and understand. I found this information well-documented and, unfortunately, believable. It’s depressing to think so many people would support and sow such hatred and racism. Following today’s headlines, it’s also terrifying to know this could happen again. This book is a must-read for every American concerned about our current volatile political climate. ( )

This is a very detailed discussion of the events that occurred prior to, during, and after World War Two regarding a propaganda campaign waged by Germany in the America. The personalities and events are described in detail especially the failed trial of the conspirators. While interesting, the facts and events are beyond what is needed. A section on the implications for our current events would have made it more meaningful. I was disappointed that the information was presented with little consideration of its significance. ( )

Should be required reading. ( )