Speaking to Reconciliation

“Speaking to Reconciliation is a masterful collection of speeches … Hatch provides both a theoretical rationale and powerful practical examples of how reconciliation might begin. This is a must-read book for all scholars of rhetoric and race.” —Martin J. Medhurst, Distinguished Professor of Rhetoric and Communication, Baylor University
“In Speaking to Reconciliation, John B. Hatch has assembled an important collection of voices that will illuminate efforts and conversations on racial reconciliation for years to come. As an Obama scholar, I found Hatch’s analysis of Obama’s eulogy following the terrorist attack at 'Mother Emanuel' in Charleston, South Carolina, to be especially valuable. I look forward to using this timely book in my research and teaching.” —Theon Hill, Assistant Professor of Communication, Wheaton College
"John Hatch's Speaking to Reconciliation will be a welcome addition to my undergraduate rhetoric curriculum. Distilling Kenneth Burke's frames of acceptance and directing its focus on reconciliation rhetorics, this book can help students craft connections across the humanities—in communication, religion, and politics. If my undergraduates can imagine a just and peace-building discourse in this increasingly divisive civic sphere, they will have the skills to engage and improve our world. Hatch’s text skillfully provides both the theory and the practice for my students to understand that reconciliation." —Camille K. Lewis, Visiting Professor, Department of Communication Studies, Furman University
“The importance of reconciliation in our world today cannot be overstated, yet the concept is frequently presented in confusing or vague terms. Not so in Speaking to Reconciliation. The speeches in this book, together with John B. Hatch’s insightful comments about them, bring reconciliation’s meanings in particular situations into sharp focus. What is more, Hatch’s commentary illuminates how the speeches—drawn from different contexts and diverse faith traditions—speak to one another in significant ways. Students and practitioners of reconciliation stand to benefit greatly from the rich, and even transformative, conversations in this book.” —James E. Beitler, Associate Professor of English, Wheaton University
"Speaking to Reconciliation provides a thoughtful, unique and in-depth analysis of speeches.  The tragic-comic rhetorical framework Hatch uses for the speech analysis elucidates themes and meaning that might otherwise be missed.  This approach to rhetorical analysis is very much needed and will enable faculty and students to engage in meaningful discussions about reconciliation, a theme and practice that is needed in current political and community discussions."  —Van Dora Williams, Champlain College