How do we address the deep divisions and tribalism currently dividing America?

George Packer will be here to talk about his new book, Last Best Hope, America in Crisis

and Renewal.

What have scientists learned about the lives and intelligence of trees?

His aunt Samard will join us to talk about her new book, Finding the Mother Tree, Discovering

the Wisdom of the Forest.

Plus, our critics will join us to talk about the latest in literary criticism.

This is the Book Review Podcast from the New York Times.

It's June 18th.

I'm Pamela Paul.

George Packer returns to the podcast with his new book, Last Best Hope, America in Crisis

and Renewal.

He was here, of course, for his previous book, Our Man, Richard Holbrook and the End of

the American Century and is the author of many books, including the National Book Award

winner, The Unwinding and Inner History of the New America, The Assassin's Gate, America

in Iraq, Blood of the Liberals, The Village of Waiting and others.

George, welcome back to the podcast.

So good to be with you, Pamela.

So this is an interesting book.

It's a short book for you.

You say in the book that you modeled this after political pamphlets often written during

periods of crisis.

...