In her book How to Talk About Guns With Anyone, Katherine W. Schweit approaches the issue intending to promote awareness and debate. The author spent time as a lawyer before she became an FBI agent, and for the last five years of her FBI career, she focused on active shooter programs. Schweit quotes key statistics as she discusses the history of firearms and the evolution of gun laws. She clarifies terms associated with guns and gun violence and cites the events that precipitated certain legislation. The author includes children and teens in her discussions, citing ways to include them in age-appropriate conversations. Schweit provides points to establish common ground with people of opposing opinions and other ways to approach the topic without fueling anger.

Katherine W. Schweit is aware of both sides of opinion in the gun debate, but she advocates an open discussion of the issues instead of heated conversations. Several hypothetical conversations are included in the text, raising points that may come up in conversations about guns, and “conversation starters” are addressed at the end of the book. A topic is aired, and the author expertly provides a rational reason for her opinion while encouraging individuals to explore their options or reasons for standing by their views. The text is well-researched and delivered in a format that is easily digestible. I was surprised by some loopholes in gun laws and the statistics on gun violence over the past three decades. Readers who are open-minded or interested in presenting well-informed points during discussions about guns will benefit from reading How to Talk About Guns With Anyone.

The recent spate of shootings in public locations across the United States has led to increased pressure from concerned individuals for tougher laws on gun control. What is truly disturbing about this unending tussle is the way politicians, the media, and the judiciary have constantly turned a straightforward matter into a complicated circus. It has reached the point where fact and fiction are almost impossible to distinguish. In How to Talk About Guns with Anyone, Katherine W. Schweit sifts through the morass to separate the propaganda from the details as she presents the basics involving everything a person interested in becoming a part of this ongoing debate should know before proceeding.

Katherine W. Schweit takes on one of the most contentious issues on the planet with How to Talk About Guns with Anyone. She approaches her subject matter meticulously from multiple points of view. From the historical angle right up to the judicial position, nothing is left unexamined. Her work has a certain orderliness to it that comes from analyzing the available data according to the timeline. She uses a question-and-answer approach to make her book an immersive resource that covers a wide spectrum of views concerning the possession and use of firearms in America. Her comparisons are tidy and specific so you won't get lost in the narrative. The best part of this book is the way she sticks to the facts while allowing the reader to form their own opinions. I may not be comfortable with all of her suggestions but there is no denying that they are well thought out and prioritize safety at all times. Schweit’s book is a breath of fresh air in a toxic environment.

How To Talk About Guns with Anyone by Katherine W. Schweit is written on the premise that people, even those on different sides of the issue, can talk about guns without acrimony. The author is a former prosecutor and FBI agent. She also is a television commentator on gun issues and an adjunct professor. Schweit thus has expert knowledge on the subject of guns. The topics covered include gun regulations, court decisions about guns, an analysis of the meaning of the Second Amendment, red flags and background check laws, and the role of guns in U.S. culture. The author’s goal is to provide the information people need to discuss all aspects of firearms calmly and intelligently. The book includes scores of reasonable recommendations to deal with the issue of gun violence. Schweit also includes many theoretical, but realistic and believable discussions between people on opposite sides of gun issues, along with conversation starters about the topic.

How To Talk About Guns with Anyone by Katherine W. Schweit is remarkable in that it delivers what it promises in presenting all sides of a controversial issue without politicking or bias. Because of the author’s career experience, the book is filled with factual information. It doesn’t only rely on Schweit’s expertise as it’s also well-researched. Schweit succeeds admirably in her goal of providing the information people need to engage in a rational debate. Political and community leaders, parents, and anyone who sells or uses guns need to read this book. Thoughtful discussion of Schweit's information and the adoption of many of her suggestions would go a long way to reduce the plague of gun violence, but without violating the Second Amendment. I give this book my highest recommendation.

The issue of gun ownership and control is a thorny one, with people making compelling arguments for both sides. Instead of avoiding the arguments, it is better to start a conversation that could potentially come up with possible solutions. Various studies have shown that people on both sides of the divide agree on various aspects of gun safety. This can be used as the basis for finding solutions to gun violence, suicides, and mass shootings. It is also important for people to talk to children about gun safety and other issues surrounding this contentious debate. To learn about the historical background and the laws surrounding gun ownership, get a copy of How to Talk About Guns with Anyone by Katherine W. Schweit.

I loved the unique perspective offered by How to Talk About Guns with Anyone by Katherine W. Schweit. We all have a role to play in starting the conversation that could help solve the current gun crisis. I loved how the author acknowledged that exposing children to things such as violent video games and toy guns could potentially cause a problem and highlights the need to educate them on gun violence and safety from an early age. The statistics provided and the additional resources quoted show that the book is well-researched. Readers will find the information provided, especially on the existing laws, most useful. I also loved the fact that the author accepts that some proposals, such as repealing the Second Amendment, might not be applicable, but she also provides practical solutions to some of the problems. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.