Don't expect a dispassionate or objective account of the rise and expansion of the Tea Party from this book, as it is written by a self-described founder and charter member. What you will find here is a first-person account of how and why the movement began, which is interesting and valuable in its own right. If you're looking to understand the movement and its members, better to read Theda Skocpol's excellent book that is based on pollng and interviews. It's a more objective and useful account for scholars and interested bystanders. ( )

“Tea Party Patriots: The Second America Revolution” was, to my surprise, much better and more informative than I had expected. The introductory bios were weak but relatively short and did not interfere with the intent of the book which was to introduce the Tea Party and explain their Constitutional inspirations and actions
Mark Meckler and Jenny Beth Martin effectively dispel the “major media” notion that Tea Partiers are some sort of fringe, right-wing group reacting to specific, transient government policies. Instead they demonstrate issues with both major political parties going back nearly one hundred years, and that their members are from every walk of life, joined by the common love of country and Constitutionality. Democrats, Republicans, independents and everything in between are active members. But most importantly, “Tea Party Patriots” not only explains what they don’t like, it goes on to propose numerous alternative solutions and suggests – indeed implores – the reader to get active and do the same.
Agree or disagree you will learn that the Tea Party Patriots are indeed your friends, neighbors, and family, their ultimate goals being to restore the American culture and return sovereignty to the people where it righty and Constitutionally belongs. ( )

This book very effectively outlines the evolution and philosophy of the Tea Party. It directly examines economics, politics, education, the judicial system and popular culture. I particularly enjoyed the quotes from historic figures which are pertinent today. ( )

The Tea Party movement's mission "is to attract, educate, organize and mobilize our fellow citizens to secure public policy consistent with our three core values of Fiscal Responsibility, Constitutionally Limited Government and Free Markets" ...Issues like abortion and gay marriage have little to do with our core principles, and therefore we leave these issues for other groups to advocate.'

This book informs the reader on what the Tea Party strives for-- not what the media reports. This book does a good job laying out the concerns felt by Tea Party members about the out of control government spending and increasing regulations.

The Tea Party movement means something a little different to each involved; this book showcases the uneasiness felt toward a government that is out of touch with the people. ( )

This book is highly recommended. Read it prepared to challenge what you read, but also read it being prepared to be challenged by what you read. You may disagree with what you read, but you will hard pressed to prove they are wrong. Read it with an open mind, even though that might be hard to do. You will benefit from it. You might lose some of the garbage you have picked up regarding the Tea Party, and you will gain a more honest opinion of the movement. ( )