NCSA National Grassroots Network Book Club

Together We Learn, Together We Rise

We get it. Your life is a masterclass in superhuman endurance. This book club? It's your secret weapon for keeping your brain as flexible as your daily schedule.

By Those Who Know, For Those Who Care
Forget another "self-help" something. This is your chance to breathe, think, and maybe even laugh a little. Connect with other advocates across the nation who also understand that "self-care" sometimes means celebrating small victories like matching socks.

Beyond Autism, Beyond Policy
We know your life demands everything you have - this is a space to reclaim a piece of yourself, one chapter at a time. Our carefully curated books are your cheat codes for understanding complex systems, challenging narratives, and communicating with confidence.

Flexible, Supportive, Accessible
Your participation is perfect, whatever that looks like today. One earbud in. Camera off. Multitasking between care and learning. We see you. We value you. Just being here is enough.

BOOK CLUB FORMAT: Reading goals that understand your life: approximately 2 printed chapters or one hour of audiobook per week, designed to be conquered in sporadic moments. We'll provide a PDF workbook with your reading list, making it easy to dive in whenever you can. Sunday evenings at 7 PM ET are our connection point, but your reading journey? Completely on your terms.

The Age of Magical Thinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality

Starting May 18, 2025!
Sunday Evenings, 7 PM ET

In "The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality," acclaimed author and linguist Amanda Montell takes us on a fascinating journey through the landscape of human cognition. The book offers crucial insights into how our minds process information, make decisions, and navigate an increasingly complex world.

“Written with wit, smarts, and self-deprecating charm, “The Age of Magical Overthinking” is at once a guidebook for the era of misinformation and an illuminating, palm-to-the-forehead reveal of the delusions that underlie our own beliefs. Rarely have so few pages explained so much, so entertainingly”
— Mary Roach, New York Times bestselling author of "Stiff, Gulp, and Fuzz"

About the Author
Amanda Montell is a New York Times-bestselling author and iHeart Radio Award-winning podcaster. Montell brings her expertise as a linguist and cultural critic to examine how our thinking patterns shape our actions and beliefs.

What We'll Explore

  • What role does emotional vs. data-driven storytelling play in our advocacy?

  • How do we establish credibility while acknowledging uncertainty?

  • How do we maintain realistic expectations while pushing for systemic change?

  • What digital advocacy strategies ensure effective online communication?

  • How do we maintain credibility while challenging flawed policies?

Next Steps to Join

Ready to become part of our NCSA National Grassroots Network Book Club? Here's how to get started:

  1. Get your copy of the book. Available in print, ebook, and audiobook formats.

2. Already a member of the NCSA National Grassroots Network? Skip to 3. Not a member yet? Join here.

3. You’re ready! Register for the book club. Your PDF workbook will be sent via email on May 11th.

2nd book starts end of July 2025.