Wake Up: Why the world has gone nuts by Piers Morgan

Wake Up: Why the world has gone nuts by Piers Morgan is a call to “get back to common sense” and a challenge to what the author describes as cancel culture and “woke” political correctness. Written for readers who feel they are being told how to think, speak, eat and behave, it argues for the right to free speech and the ability to express an honestly held opinion.

Set against the events of 2020, the book reflects on the COVID-19 pandemic as a major crisis that, in the UK, exposed deep divisions and brought an ongoing culture war into sharper focus. Morgan describes urging the nation to “come to its senses” and holding the Government to account over its handling of the crisis, while also contrasting examples of self-interest with acts of public spirit and bravery.

Key details

• Author: Piers Morgan
• Title: Wake Up: Why the world has gone nuts

Synopsis

The book argues that debate on issues including feminism, masculinity, racism, gender, body image, veganism, mental health and competitiveness at school is being constrained by a culture of cancellation and fear of speaking openly. It presents the pandemic as a moment that revealed both societal flaws, such as stockpiling and lockdown cheating, and strengths, including the efforts of healthcare staff, community spirit, appreciation of migrant workers and public acts such as those associated with Captain Sir Tom Moore.

Described as a rallying cry for a more united future, it calls for a return to what the author terms true liberalism, with freedom of speech at its centre, and argues that the world has started to “wake up” and should not “go back to sleep again”.