Political activism / Political engagement Books

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Book SynopsisVáclav Havel’s remarkable and rousing essay on the tyranny of apathy, with a new introduction by Timothy Snyder Cowed by life under Communist Party rule, a greengrocer hangs a placard in their shop window: Workers of the world, unite! Is it a sign of the grocer’s unerring ideology? Or a symbol of the lies we perform to protect ourselves? Written in 1978, Václav Havel’s meditation on political dissent – the rituals of its suppression, and the sparks that re-ignite it – would prove the guiding manifesto for uniting Solidarity movements across the Soviet Union. A portrait of activism in the face of falsehood and intimidation, The Power of the Powerless remains a rousing call against the allure of apathy.'Havel’s diagnosis of political pathologies has a special resonance in the age of Trump' Pankaj MishraTrade ReviewHavel’s diagnosis of political pathologies has a special resonance in the age of Trump -- Pankaj MishraFew voices did more to undermine the foundations of the Berlin Wall and the entire edifice of Soviet-imposed totalitarianism than this shy bourgeois, this sly, reticent, playwright and essayist -- David Remnick * New Yorker *In gentle, ironic but scathing prose, Havel's The Power of the Powerless exposed the lies and cowardice that made possible the communist grip on power * The Economist *In his now iconic 1978 essay, which circulated in underground editions in Czechoslovakia and was smuggled to other Warsaw Pact countries and to the West, Havel foresaw that the opposition could eventually prevail against the totalitarian state * The New York Times *

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Book SynopsisThe first-ever biography of Mozhdah Jamalzadah: refugee, pop singer, and champion of women’s rights.Many have tried to silence her, but Mozhdah Jamalzadah remains the most powerful female voice of her generation in Afghanistan, boldly speaking out about women’s rights. Voice of Rebellion charts her incredible journey, including arriving in Canada as a child refugee, setting her father’s protest poem to music (and making it a #1 hit), performing that song for Michelle and Barack Obama, and, finally, being invited to host her own show in Afghanistan. The Mozhdah Show earned her the nickname “The Oprah of Afghanistan” and tackled taboo subjects like divorce and domestic violence for the first time in the country’s history. But even as her words resonated with women and families, Mozhdah received angry death threats—some of them serious—and was eventually advised to return to Canada.Traversing Central Asia and North America, Voice of Rebellion profiles a devoted singer and activist who continues to fight for change, even from afar.Trade Review"Refugee stories are too seldom hopeful. But Voice of Rebellion, the story of one of Afghanistan’s most remarkable women, is an inspiration—a gripping tale of triumph and of breaking barriers."—Melissa Fleming, chief spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and author of A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea“Women can see themselves in the heroine of this story, Mozhdah, and find true inspiration from her strength and courage to return to Afghanistan. This book cries out with passion to follow your true calling despite overwhelming obstacles.”—Nazanin Afshin-Jam MacKay, human rights activist"A heartbreaking and empowering tale of self-discovery, Voice of Rebellion offers chilling insights into the plight of refugees and invokes incredible empathy for those adjusting to life in a new country. Mozhdah's journey from trying to fit in to embracing her identity and speaking up against injustice is something all can relate to, while her rebellious courage to drive change is awe-inspiring. I found it difficult to put this book down!"—Samra Zafar, bestselling author of A Good Wife“Voice of Rebellion is a book that should be read for a better understanding of the current war in Afghanistan, the destruction it has ravished, and how one voice can begin to make changes despite all the obstacles which may lie in the path ahead.”—The Girly Book Club

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Book SynopsisBig ideas that just might save the world. the Guardian A serious book on an important subject. Without imagination, where are we? Sir Quentin Blake What if we took play seriously? What if we considered imagination vital to our health? What if we followed nature’s lead? What if school nurtured young imaginations? What if things turned out okay? Rob Hopkins asks the most important question that society has somehow forgotten – What If? Hopkins explores what we must do to revive and replenish our collective imagination. If we can rekindle that precious creative spark, whole societies and cultures can change – rapidly, dramatically and unexpectedly – for the better. There really is no end to what we might accomplish. From What Is to What If is the most inspiring, courageous and necessary book you will read this year; a call to action to reclaim and unleash the power of our imaginations and to solve the problems of our time. Meet the individuals and communities around the world who are doing it now – and creating brighter futures for us all. At last, we have a design for our dreams. I believe we have a debt of honour to take action. Please read this book and defy the herd. Are we golden or are we debris? Mark Stewart, musician, The Pop Group and Mark Stewart & The MaffiaTrade Review“Big ideas that just might save the world”—The GuardianForeword Reviews— "An inspirational manifesto, From What Is to What If offers a template for creating dramatic, positive change." “A serious book on an important subject. Without imagination, where are we?”—Sir Quentin Blake“Rob Hopkins has long been a leader in imagining how we could remake our societies for the benefit of nature and humankind. His new book is a powerful call to imagine a better world. It should be widely read and appreciated.”—Christiana Figueres, former Executive Secretary, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; lead negotiator, Paris Climate Agreement“Few things distinguish human beings from the rest of life on earth. Among the most important are our unique powers of imagination. Ironically, our use—and abuse—of those powers has now wrought a complex crisis in our relationships with the planet and with each other. As Rob Hopkins eloquently shows in this powerful and passionate book, to survive and thrive we have to become more imaginative, not less, in how we live, work and connect. He demonstrates the transformative power of imagination in all areas of our lives and the dangers of its neglect, especially in the education of our children. From What Is to What If? takes us on an inspiring and urgent tour of the people and communities around the world that are reimagining the present to create more hopeful and sustainable futures for us all.”—Sir Ken Robinson, educator; New York Times best-selling author“Day after day, week after week, the climate is changing and biodiversity is fading away. For a long time we tended to look the other way, but now, being on the edge of the cliff forces us to understand that we must act urgently. And because of this emergency it is our utmost duty to join forces. Not only among states, but among mayors, NGOs, associations, companies, and citizens. Among all those who are determined to act here and now. “Towns and cities have already begun transition. Together, mayors have chosen to press ahead toward a healthier and safer world. Whether in Paris or in Totnes, initiatives are being launched and are encouraging us to shift from ‘why not’ to ‘how’ and from ‘how ‘ to ‘when.’ The movement must gain momentum and expand. “We must act wherever we are with the resources we have at our disposal to fight global warming. It’s no longer about thinking global and acting local; it’s about acting local in order to act global in a better way. “People like Rob Hopkins give us the courage to move forward. By setting an example, he shows us that we are right to place our hopes in a future in which men and women can act as stewards of their environment. The many stories in this book are evidence of the fact that for some people this future has already become a reality.”—Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris“If we could set our imaginations free to explore the possibilities of how to make this world a better place, it would be remarkable indeed. And as this brave and powerful book argues, our very survival may depend upon it. We have nothing to lose by following the ideas set out in these pages, and everything to gain.”—Scott Barry Kaufman, psychologist, Columbia University; coauthor of Wired to Create“I couldn’t stop reading this book, and ideas just wouldn’t stop popping into my head. Rob Hopkins puts imagination back at the heart of future-dreaming, offering us an irresistible invitation to dream bigger and then make those dreams a reality. For anyone seeking a renewed sense of possibility, this one’s for you.”—Kate Raworth, author of Doughnut Economics“What if we are looking for solutions to our myriad challenges in all the wrong places? Hopkins, cofounder of the global Transition movement, reminds us that an essential ingredient to navigating the various unravelings of the coming decades isn’t just our community resilience, reskilling, and activism—but our civic imagination.”—Chuck Collins, Institute for Policy Studies; author of Born on Third Base“I love this book. It is an extraordinary, reality-based report on people around the world applying the power of imagination to rebuild relationships and create a fulfilling, creative, and possible human future together. An essential read for all who care.”—David C. Korten, author of Change the Story, Change the Future and When Corporations Rule the World“When it comes to tackling climate change or the numerous other threats to our global environment, the greatest challenge we face today may be the belief that the damage is beyond the point of repair, that we lack agency in addressing the problem, for that leads us down the same path as outright denial—a path of inaction. In From What Is to What If, Rob Hopkins shows us a different path, one of action, hope, and engagement. Read this book and join the battle to preserve our planet.”—Michael Mann, distinguished professor, Pennsylvania State University; coauthor of The Madhouse Effect“Reading this book is like listening to the voice of Rob Hopkins. A voice full of kindness, optimism, brightness, humor, and imagination. And that spirit is precisely what we need to build a better future and to reconnect with each other and the better part of ourselves. With this book, Rob poses a crucial question: How could we create another world, one in which human beings live in harmony with each other and with nature, if we are not able to imagine it first? We can’t—and that’s why this book is so necessary.”—Cyril Dion, writer, filmmaker, and producer of the film Tomorrow“At last, a design for our dreams. I believe we have a debt of honour to take action. Please read this book and defy the herd. Are we golden or are we debris?”—Mark Stewart, musician, The Pop Group and Mark Stewart & The Maffia“From What Is to What If is a profound look at imagination’s potential to enact progress and a call for us to make space for the things we often overlook. Hopkins confronts the most pressing issues of our times and urges us to look closer, reconnect with our roots, adapt slower modes of production, and work collectively. Imagination is within reach; it can and it will continue to salvage and elevate communities while driving us towards more sustainable and resilient futures.”—Theaster Gates, artist; founder and director, Rebuild Foundation“Today our choice is simple: Change quickly or contribute to a catastrophic collapse. It’s a daunting challenge, and it will be impossible unless we can imagine what a low-carbon, high-cohesion society looks like—not on paper, but in our towns and neighborhoods day-to-day. Here Rob Hopkins helps us envision a dramatically different, ecologically sustainable social environment, and invites us to build it together. This is a powerful, inspiring book.”—Eric Klinenberg, author of Palaces for the People

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewI just adore this human—Naomi Klein

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Book Synopsis"as indispensable to confronting, say, your domineering mother-in-law or your local city council as it is to helping foment an ongoing and ever-escalating insurrection against, say, a sexist, racist, nepotistic power-mad oligarchy threatening to destroy democracy as we know it...My advice: Buy one" - VOGUEA guerrilla guide to radical protest and joyful political resistance from artist, activist and Pussy Riot founder Nadya Tolokonnikova. The face of modern protest is wearing a brightly colored ski mask.Nadya Tolokonnikova, founding member of the Russian activist group Pussy Riot, is a creative activist, professional protestor, brazen feminist, shocking visual artist, and force to be reckoned with. Her spontaneous, explosive approach to political action has involved jumping over barbed wire, kissing police officers, giving guerilla performances in crowded subway cars, and going on a hunger strike to protest the abuse of prisoners. She's been horse-whipped by police in Sochi, temporarily blinded when officers threw green paint in her eyes, and monitored by the Russian government. But what made Nadya an activist icon overnight happened on February 21, 2012, when she was arrested for performing an anti-Putin protest song in a Moscow church.She was sent to a Russian prison for 18 months and emerged as an international symbol of radical resistance, as calls to "Free Pussy Riot" resounded around the world. With her emblematic ski mask, black lipstick, and unwavering bravery, Nadya has become an emissary of hope and optimism despite overwhelming and ugly political corruption.Read & Riot is structured around Nadya's ten rules for revolution (Be a pirate! Make your government shit its pants! Take back the joy!) and illustrated throughout with stunning examples from her extraordinary life and the philosophies of other revolutionary rebels throughout history. Rooted in action and going beyond the typical "call your senator" guidelines, Read & Riot gives us a refreshing model for civil disobedience, and encourages our right to question every status quo and make political action exciting--even joyful.

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Book SynopsisWhen the tech platforms promised a future of 'connection,' they were lying. They said their 'walled gardens' would keep us safe, but those were prison walls.The platforms locked us into their systems and made us easy pickings, ripe for extraction. Twitter, Facebook and other Big Tech platforms are hard to leave by design. They hold hostage the people we love, the communities that matter to us, the audiences and customers we rely on. The impossibility of staying connected to these people after you delete your account has nothing to do with technological limitations: it's a business strategy in service to commodifying your personal life and relationships.We can - we must - dismantle the tech platforms. In The Internet Con, Cory Doctorow explains how to seize the means of computation, by forcing Silicon Valley to do the thing it fears most: interoperate. Interoperability will tear down the walls between technologies, allowing users to leave platforms, remix thei

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Book Synopsis'Everything a manifesto should be: heartfelt, hectoring, impassioned, rousing.' The i__________________________________________________'Your country needs you. Your world needs you. Your time is now.'Our politics is a mess. Leaders who can't or shouldn't be allowed to lead. Governments that lie, and seek to undermine our democratic values. It's no surprise that so many of us feel frustrated, let down and drawn to ask, 'But what can I do?'That question is the inspiration behind this book. It's a question regularly posed to Alastair Campbell, not least in reaction to The Rest is Politics, the chart-topping podcast he presents with Rory Stewart. His answer, typically, is forthright and impassioned. We cannot afford to stand on the sidelines. If we think things need to change, then we need to change them, and that means getting involved.But What Can I Do? provides each of us with the motivation and the tools to effect change for the better. It draws on Alastair's long experience to offer practical tips on putting together and leading a campaign team. It provides priceless advice on developing confidence and coping with criticism and setbacks. And it sets out the practical steps by which we can become political players ourselves. Part call to arms, part practical handbook, But What Can I Do? will prove required reading for anyone who wants to make a difference.

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Book SynopsisWe often think of making a difference' as an individual endeavour, a hero's journey. Popular movements and protests have proliferated in the many crises of the last few years. Some expressions of change are deemed too weak, others too disruptive: from Instagram tiles to orange spray paint. This book spends time with three prominent movements across environmental justice, land reform, and a fight for rent controls, seeking to recalibrate activist thinking from the individual responsibility to the collective by asking, truly: how does change happen?

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Book SynopsisNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERAn extraordinary insight into life under one of the world's most ruthless and secretive dictatorships and the story of one woman's terrifying struggle to avoid capture/repatriation and guide her family to freedom.As a child growing up in North Korea, Hyeonseo Lee was one of millions trapped by a secretive and brutal communist regime. Her home on the border with China gave her some exposure to the world beyond the confines of the Hermit Kingdom and, as the famine of the 1990s struck, she began to wonder, question and to realise that she had been brainwashed her entire life. Given the repression, poverty and starvation she witnessed surely her country could not be, as she had been told the best on the planet?Aged seventeen, she decided to escape North Korea. She could not have imagined that it would be twelve years before she was reunited with her family.Trade Review‘The most riveting TED talk ever’ Oprah ‘Harrowing’ Wired ‘A sad and beautiful story of a girl who could not even keep her name, yet overcame all with the identity of what it is to be human’ Jang Jin-sung, author of ‘Dear Leader’ ‘Stirring and brave … true, committed, unvarnished and honest. Lee has made her own life the keyhole to the present, inside and outside of North Korea’ Scotsman ‘Remarkable bravery fluently recounted’ Kirkus

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Book SynopsisThe science on climate change has been clear for a very long time now. Yet despite decades of appeals, mass street protests, petition campaigns, and peaceful demonstrations, we are still facing a booming fossil fuel industry, rising seas, rising emission levels, and a rising temperature. With the stakes so high, why haven't we moved beyond peaceful protest? In this lyrical manifesto, noted climate scholar (and saboteur of SUV tires and coal mines) Andreas Malm makes an impassioned call for the climate movement to escalate its tactics in the face of ecological collapse. We need, he argues, to force fossil fuel extraction to stop--with our actions, with our bodies, and by defusing and destroying its tools. We need, in short, to start blowing up some oil pipelines. Offering a counter-history of how mass popular change has occurred, from the democratic revolutions overthrowing dictators to the movement against apartheid and for women's suffrage, Malm argues that the strategic acceptance of property destruction and violence has been the only route for revolutionary change. In a braided narrative that moves from the forests of Germany and the streets of London to the deserts of Iraq, Malm offers us an incisive discussion of the politics and ethics of pacifism and violence, democracy and social change, strategy and tactics, and a movement compelled by both the heart and the mind. Here is how we fight in a world on fire.Trade ReviewA powerful sketch of a political theory for a time of climate change. -- David Wallace-Wells, author of The Uninhabitable EarthThe definitive deep history on how our economic system created the climate crisis. Superb, essential reading from one of the most original thinkers on the subject. -- Naomi Klein, author of This Changes Everything and The Shock DoctrineThe best book written about the origins of global warming ... Like Naomi Klein's This Changes Everything, Fossil Capital trenchantly demonstrated that capitalism and capitalists are responsible for climate change. -- Michael Robbins * Bookforum *How to Blow Up a Pipeline is a challenge to the left, and an important one. -- John Foster * The Battleground *A short and gripping manifesto which aims to wrench the climate movement out of its complacency * Bright Green *Timely ... Malm delivers the essay in his usual lucid and fiery style * Ecologist *One of the most important things written about the climate crisis. -- Wen Stephenson * LARB *A profoundly necessary book -- Scott W. Stern * LARB *Advocates powerfully against despair and powerlessness. -- Tatiana Schlossberg * New York Times *Written passionately...Malm argues that it may be too late to avert climate crisis, but it is far from too late to ameliorate suffering. -- Sawarin Suwichakornpong * Bangkok Post *Malm offers a critical, passionate and hopeful assessment of where it might go next. Malm's refreshing humanist ethos combined with his Marxist radicalism make him one of the most exciting contemporary writers on the climate crisis, this forceful new entry into his repertoire is no exception, though perhaps a different beast from his more academic work. * Political Economy Research Centre *Refreshing and provoking * It's Freezing in LA *How to Blow Up a Pipeline makes a strong case for looking beyond non-violent activism * VICE *A humble and nuanced case... it's hard to read this book without daydreaming about sabotaging the private jets of the ultra-rich. -- Tim DeChristopher * Yes Magazine *While the book does not live up to its titular promise of providing instructions to detonate a pipeline, it does make an unflinching case for carrying out such activities in advanced capitalist countries. -- James Wilt * Canadian Dimension *Malm [has] captured the rising fury of climate activists -- Pilita Clark * Financial Times *Impossible to dismiss -- David Wallace-Wells * Times Literary Supplement *Malm is right. Shunning all violent acts will only prolong the worst. No new fossil fuel infrastructure can be created, and we need, as a society, to dismantle what we already have -- Devi Lockwood * VICE *By ruling out direct action, the climate movement robs itself, in Malm's view, of its only serious means of leverage. -- Adam Tooze * London Review of Books *Bracing * Financial Times *If you want to do something about the climate crisis instead of wallowing in despair, there's no better place to start than Andreas Malm's short treatise on the virtues of eco-sabotage. Provides a radical sort of hope. -- Abigail Weinberg * Mother Jones *Malm calls for the formation of a radical flank to the popular climate movement...[he] finds the peaceful discipline of the climate movement to be remarkable but stifling in its single mode of action, calling it gentle and mild in the extreme. -- James Mumm * Social Policy magazine *An impassioned argument for climate activists to move beyond non-violent protests...Even for those who disapprove of How to Blow Up a Pipeline, it is a useful guide to the noisiest climate activist voices. * Economist *A seductively well-written and well-researched book that argues climate activists should abandon their longstanding "commitment to absolute non-violence", and instead "escalate" their campaign by "physically attacking the things that consume our planet", such as fossil fuel infrastructure. -- Andy Beckett * Guardian *Dynamite -- David Hughes * Time Out *[A] persuasive and optimistic rebuttal of climate fatalism * Glasgow Guardian *A rousing case for property destruction as a tactic in the pursuit of climate justice. -- Simran Hans * Guardian *This is a book as weapon, a manifesto for forcing change framed by the legacy of the suffragettes' direct action, civil rights movement protests, anti-apartheid boycotts, national liberation armed striggles. * Philosophy Football *

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Book SynopsisA testament to resilience of thought, and a searchlight for freedom.

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Book SynopsisOver the last five years, transgender people have seemed to burst into the public eye: Time declared 2014 a ‘trans tipping point’, while American Vogue named 2015 ‘the year of trans visibility’. From our television screens to the ballot box, transgender people have suddenly become part of the zeitgeist.This apparently overnight emergence, though, is just the latest stage in a long and varied history. The renown of Paris Lees and Hari Nef has its roots in the efforts of those who struggled for equality before them, but were met with indifference – and often outright hostility – from mainstream society.Trans Britain chronicles this journey in the words of those who were there to witness a marginalised community grow into the visible phenomenon we recognise today: activists, film-makers, broadcasters, parents, an actress, a rock musician and a priest, among many others.Here is everything you always wanted to know about the background of the trans community, but never knew how to ask.Trade Review'One of the most interesting books I read this year' Guardian Best Books of 2018

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Book Synopsis''A towering achievement. There is simply nothing like it in the history of Black radical thought'' Cornel West''Cedric Robinson''s brilliant analyses revealed new ways of thinking and acting'' Angela Davis''This work is about our people''s struggle, the historical Black struggle''Any struggle must be fought on a people''s own terms, argues Cedric Robinson''s landmark account of Black radicalism. Marxism is a western construction, and therefore inadequate to describe the significance of Black communities as agents of change against ''racial capitalism''. Tracing the emergence of European radicalism, the history of Black African resistance and the influence of these on such key thinkers as W. E. B. Du Bois, C. L. R. James and Richard Wright, Black Marxism reclaims the story of a movement.Trade ReviewA towering achievement. There is simply nothing like it in the history of Black radical thought -- Cornel WestCedric Robinson's brilliant analyses revealed new ways of thinking and acting -- Angela DavisI can say, without a trace of hyperbole, that this book changed my life. -- Robin KelleyBlack Marxism shattered the taken-for-granted of understanding the modern world, allowing us to see the racist nature of capitalism. There are very few books that transform how we have to approach the world and Black Marxism is one of them -- Kehinde AndrewsA handbook for a new generation of radicals and activists ... Robinson's work helpfully points to the tension in Marxism between the march towards progress and the spontaneous character of revolution... offers a sense of belonging and a means of imagining a common future -- Kevin Okoth * London Review of Books *

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Book SynopsisAlaa Abd el-Fattah is arguably the most high-profile political prisoner in Egypt, if not the Arab world, rising to international prominence during the revolution of 2011. A fiercely independent thinker who fuses politics and technology in powerful prose, an activist whose ideas represent a global generation which has only known struggle against a failing system, a public intellectual with the rare courage to offer personal, painful honesty, Alaa’s written voice came to symbolize much of what was fresh, inspiring and revolutionary about the uprisings that have defined the last decade. Collected here for the first time in English are a selection of his essays, social media posts and interviews from 2011 until the present. He has spent the majority of those years in prison, where many of these pieces were written. Together, they present not only a unique account from the frontline of a decade of global upheaval, but a catalogue of ideas about other futures those upheavals could yet reveal. From theories on technology and history to profound reflections on the meaning of prison, You Have Not Yet Been Defeated is a book about the importance of ideas, whatever their cost. Trade Review‘Don’t read this book to be comforted. Read it to be challenged, terrified, enlightened, moved, and amazed.’ — Kamila Shamsie, author of Home Fire‘Alaa is the bravest, most critical, most engaged citizen of us all. At a time when Egypt has been turned into a large prison, Alaa has managed to cling to his humanity and be the freest Egyptian.’ — Khaled Fahmy, author of All The Pasha’s Men ‘Alaa is in prison not because he committed a crime, not because he said too much, but because his very existence poses a threat to the state. Those who are bold, those who do not relent, will always threaten the terrified and ultimately weak state which must, to survive, squash its opponents like flies. But Alaa will not allow himself to be crushed like that, I know.’ — Jillian C. York, director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation‘Alaa is a philosopher of everyday life and life-long struggle; he doesn’t merely find meaning in that which we go through, especially in dark political moments, but creates meaning and gives it form in writing. And he does so from a highly entrenched and implicated place in the present. His thoughts know no frontiers; they pierce through local contexts to inspire new modes of thinking about the chaotic substance of politics.’ — Lina Attalah, editor in chief of Mada Masr‘The text you are holding is living history.’ — Naomi Klein, author of This Changes Everything‘“Fix your own democracy,” Abd el-Fattah encourages us, from his cell; Egypt’s rulers attempt to isolate, fragment and conceal resistance because it needs a global ecosystem to flourish. What can any one person do with a legacy of pain, struggle and courage? There are no easy solutions here, but You Have Not Yet Been Defeated is a heartbreaking, hopeful answer.’ — Guardian

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Book SynopsisThe first major book on the new Iranian revolution''A document of real optimism.'' Guardian An indispensable account of the Women, Life, Freedom uprising as it unfolded in real time On Tuesday 13 September 2022, all Mahsa Amini has planned is a day shopping in Tehran. Her birthday is next week. But she is arrested as she comes out of the subway - the Guidance Patrol deem her hijab inadequate. On Friday she is pronounced dead. By Sunday, women have taken to the streets across Iran, setting their headscarves on fire and cursing the Supreme Leader. Months later, workers down their tools and businesses close. The battle cry everywhere: Women, Life, Freedom. Arash Azizi guides us through the new history being written on the streets of Iran. From an International Women’s Day celebrated inside Iran’s most notorious prison to mass strikes in Kurdistan, ordinary Iranians remain prepared to fight for a better future. The 2022-3 uprising may have been crushed in blood. But millions of women in Iran today walk with their heads uncovered. Their revolution - Women, Life, Freedom - was, is and will be.

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Book SynopsisIt is easy to feel helpless in the face of the torrent of information about environmental catastrophes taking place all over the world. In this powerful and provocative book, Scottish writer and campaigner Alastair McIntosh shows how it is still possible for individuals and communities to take on the might of corporate power and emerge victorious. As a founder of the Isle of Eigg Trust, McIntosh helped the beleaguered residents of Eigg to become the first Scottish community ever to clear their laird from his own estate. And plans to turn a majestic Hebridean mountain into a superquarry were overturned after McIntosh persuaded a Native American warrior chief to visit the Isle of Harris and testify at the government inquiry. This extraordinary book weaves together theology, mythology, economics, ecology, history, poetics and politics as the author journeys towards a radical new philosophy of community, spirit and place. His daring and imaginative responses to the destruction of the natural world make Soil and Soul an uplifting, inspirational and often richly humorous read.Trade Review'Make no claim to know the world if you have not read this book' -- George Monbiot 'No Logo in a Fair Isle jumper' Sunday Herald

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Book Synopsis'A lifetime spend fighting the powers that be and turning personal pain into collective power. Take care of this book because you are holding our history in your hands.' - LOWKEY'Michael Mansfield is the greatest civil liberties lawyer this country has ever produced' - Baroness HELENA KENNEDY of the Shaws KC'Michael Mansfield has given power to the voiceless, the innocents ... For this, he too is a hero' - JOHN PILGER'Michael Mansfield combines rare humanity with a brilliant understanding of the law' - JON SNOW'A book of great importance ... Mr Mansfield's thoughtful reflections demand our attention' - KEN LOACH'An impressive and inspiring read' - DUNCAN CAMPBELL 'I want this book to inspire people, give them a blueprint for fighting their own battles, and challenge the status quo. To see that together, we are always stronger. To understand that those who stand in the way of change cannot do so forever.' Michael Mansfield, KCBarrister Michael Mansfield, KC, has spent his career fighting injustice, persecution and corruption. And be it the Birmingham Six, Bloody Sunday, Stephen Lawrence, the Marchioness, Hillsborough or Grenfell, he has come to learn one thing - that people power is unstoppable.Time and again he has witnessed governments, police forces, legal institutions and the establishment, try to block change and maintain the status quo in order to protect their interests. But almost every time he has seen that passion, perseverance, collectivity and courage create a powerful momentum which is increasingly difficult to stop.In this short but powerful book, the veteran barrister draws upon his 50 years of fighting for justice and revisits his most important cases and clients, proving without doubt that when people get together they can make lasting and positive change.The power is in the people - not the people in power.Trade ReviewMichael Mansfield is the greatest civil liberties lawyer this country has ever produced. He charts many of his cases in this extraordinary book. A titanic lawyer, a brilliant history of struggle for justice. What a legacy -- Baroness HELENA KENNEDY of the Shaws KCMichael Mansfield's work has often given the law undeserved distinction. In a remarkable career, he has given power to the voiceless, the innocents of a justice system corrupted by political miscarriage: from the miners to the Birmingham Six to the Hillsborough families: they who stand and fight and are the heroes of our society. For this, he too is a hero. -- JOHN PILGERMichael Mansfield combines rare humanity with a brilliant understanding of the law. Reading this book one realises the exceptional talent he was prepared to devote to the needs of those seeking his legal skills, whatever their status. -- Jon SnowThis is a book of great importance. It asks a simple but profound question: how can the law and legal process fulfil our demand for natural justice? Michael Mansfield examines notorious miscarriages of justice and the tenacity of those who fought to reverse them. Then he describes the long struggles to demand truth and accountability from those in power. The trials, the campaigns, and particularly the Public Enquiries are recorded here with the authority of someone who was a leading figure in most of them.What emerges is the necessity of struggle, and the strength, courage and determination it demands. Those in power resist being held responsible for their failures. How long did the victims of Bloody Sunday wait for justice? Or the families of those who died in Hillsborough? Or the Birmingham 6, Guildford 4, and so many others, including the survivors of the Grenfell fire?It is clear that the rule of law is only sufficient if the law will give us justice. This is a class issue. Those with wealth and property have their interests better served than the ordinary citizen.Mr Mansfield has spent a lifetime at the forefront of this struggle, and is considered by many to be the outstanding barrister of his generation. His thoughtful reflections on these questions demand our attention. This book is a challenge, certainly, but also an act of solidarity. -- Ken LoachPart-memoir, part-manifesto, The Power in the People, by one of our finest and most outspoken lawyers, should be read by anyone concerned about our justice system, our wilting democracy - and the planet. From his involvement in cases like the Birmingham Six and the Mangrove Nine, through those of Stephen Lawrence, Hillsborough and Grenfell, Mansfield has seen the world at its worst - and its best - and argues that we can learn much from the campaigns that fought against injustices and against the odds. An impressive and inspiring read. -- Duncan Campbell

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Book SynopsisIn twenty short books, Penguin brings you the classics of the environmental movement.No One is Too Small to Make a Difference collects Greta Thunberg''s history-making speeches, from addresses at climate rallies around the world audiences at the UN, the World Economic Forum, and the British Parliament.Over the past 75 years, a new canon has emerged. As life on Earth has become irrevocably altered by humans, visionary thinkers around the world have raised their voices to defend the planet, and affirm our place at the heart of its restoration. Their words have endured through the decades, becoming the classics of a movement. Together, these books show the richness of environmental thought, and point the way to a fairer, saner, greener world.Trade ReviewI just adore this human—Naomi Klein

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Book SynopsisFemale prisoners of conscience and activists speak out against torture in Iranian prisonsTrade Review'The testimonies of 14 women collected in White Torture read like a charge sheet against the Islamic Republic. Fortunately for future prosecutors, this book is full of inquisitors’ names. Should the ayatollahs and their bully boys fall, it will surely form part of the case against them. And, as it did for Mr Khamenei, the torment of Iran’s prisons might yet propel their inmates to power.' Economist'Narges still roars like a lioness. This is why the regime wants to crush her. White Torture is another roar of this lioness.' Shirin Ebadi'Ms Mohammadi’s research from prison, based on interviewing inmates, resulted in a book about the emotional impact of solitary confinement and prison conditions in Iran.' New York Times'The testimonies of these brave women are made more effective for being delivered in Amir Rezanezhad’s calm, understated translation. They reveal an awe-inspiring capacity for resilience and resistance… Their courage is beyond imagination.' Irish Times'The women interviewed in this book narrate their experiences of solitary confinement in the Islamic Republic’s jails, revealing the extent of the regime’s unimaginable brutality and Iranian people’s immense suffering under its rule. But as unspeakably brutal as this regime is, its violence reveals another truth: its helplessness and defeat in the face of women like these, and the courageous resistance of so many Iranians who like these women risk so much, including their lives, but refuse to succumb to the regime. This is where hope lies, in their resilience, in their power to stand up to the totalitarian regime, in their determination to preserve their sense of dignity and individual identity. This is what makes the regime so incompetent and its violence so ineffectual. These women reveal the truth about the Islamic republic and they pay the price for it. Through reading their testimonials we too learn the truth. The question every reader should ask herself is, now that we know the truth, what are we going to do about it?' Azar Nafisi, author of Reading Lolita in Tehran'White Torture is a must-read for anyone concerned with human rights in Iran. A gripping, moving and utterly shocking account of the horrific abuse suffered by female political prisoners at the hands of the Iranian regime, Narges Mohammadi's interviews with her fellow detainees provide an invaluable window into the capricious and cruel world of Iran's prison system.' Kylie Moore-Gilbert, author of The Uncaged Sky'The personal stories compiled in White Torture offer an insight into the especially grim way Iranian authorities dole out punishment.' New Statesman'Small details shine out, speaking of strength of will and a refusal to be broken…heartrending.’ New Internationalist'White Torture is [Mohammadi’s] most thorough crie de coeur yet, combining as it does her own heart-rending testimony with interviews of 12 other imprisoned women… These testimonies are uniquely powerful, as all the interviews were carried out while the women were in jail, and make the book White Torture an important document in the fight for human rights... compelling reading on many levels, not least when it comes to showing the extraordinary spirit of Iran’s women and their devotion to justice and freedom.' The Markaz Review

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Book SynopsisChronicles the story of the ZAD (zone to defend), a resistant land occupation emerging out of a decades-long struggle which stopped a new airport projectTrade Review'We need stories of victory! We need stories of transformative imagination and wild adventures that somehow succeed against all odds. Jay and Isabelle think about organizing and activism like nobody else. They've given us more than an account--they've created a new myth that has the added benefit of being true' -- StarhawkTable of ContentsPreface by Marc Herbst Tempests Part I: Seeding Scream —Disobedient Desires—Following Swallows—Extinction Machine—Rebel Bocage Part II: Germinating Departure Lounge—Desertion—Mud and ACAB—Insurrectionary Inhabiting—Building in the Ruins—A Discipline of Attention—Love and Forgetting Part III: Rooting Offensive Defense—Everyday Magic—Compos(t)ing Together—Medieval Futurisms—Victory and Revenge—Gambles and Barricades of Paper Part IV: Flourishing No Commoning without Commoners—Synergies and Regards—No Commoners without Rituals—Life is Feeling—200 Years of Art and the World Is Getting Worse—An Art of Life FUCK ‘IT’! Gratitudes Notes

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Book SynopsisThe exciting history of the fight against against fascism

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF A 2024 PULITZER PRIZE IN BIOGRAPHY  A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER *SELECTED AS ONE OF  BARACK OBAMA'S FAVOURITE BOOKS OF 2023*Vividly written and exhaustively researched, Jonathan Eig’s King is the first major biography in decades of the civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. – and the first to include recently declassified FBI files.   In this revelatory new portrait of the preacher and activist who shook the world, the bestselling biographer gives us an intimate view of the courageous and often emotionally troubled human being who demanded peaceful protest for his movement but was rarely at peace with himself.   He casts fresh light on the King family’s origins as well as MLK’s complex relationships with his wife, father, and fellow activists. King reveals a minister wrestling wi

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Book SynopsisAngela Harrelson, George Floyd’s aunt and closest relative in Minnesota, tells the behind-the-scenes story of George’s family—how he lived and why he died—and how the world can find a solution to racism through his death.Angela Harrelson grew up poor, one of thirteen brothers and sisters raised in a shack in the North Carolina woods. She was first in her family to go to college, first to be commissioned in the military, and first to have a career as a professional nurse. Along the way, she and her family were exposed to the harshest forms of racism—from her childhood riding the school bus with white children who made the Black kids stand, to racist commanding officers in the Air Force who told her they wanted her to fail. Nothing stopped Angela, and nothing removed the hope in her heart that America could learn to stop hating people based on the color of their skin. This is the story of George Floyd’s aunt, Angela Harrelson, and how, after being suddenly thrust into the spotlight, she went on a quest to make sure her nephew did not die in vain. Lift Your Voice is a memoir of faith, hope, and bravery, of what we all—Black and white—need to do to eradicate racism from our society. It’s a story of tragic loss and a worldwide uprising to ensure Perry’s death ushers society into a time where people are no longer judged, hated, or killed because of the color of their skin.Trade Review“The publicly witnessed murder of George Floyd ignited an acute awareness that racism is still prevalent in America, perhaps unlike anything experienced in decades. This moving book will ensure that the legacy of George Floyd lives on, and challenges those left behind to effect change—and ultimately work together to prevent the repeat of such tragedies.” -- John Hope Bryant, Founder and CEO, Operation Hope

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Book SynopsisDo leaders make history, or does history make leaders? What should we do when the wrong people are in power? And how can we harness the answers to find and become better leaders today? This book offers a deep-dive into the art, science and practice of leadership around the world and across ages, led by a Harvard professor and historian. Through wide-ranging and lively stories, Moshik Temkin considers the lessons, and warnings, we can take from leaders such as Franklin D Roosevelt and the suffragettes, the Civil Rights struggle and anticolonial wars. From the necessary qualities of leaders in a crisis, to how to lead when you don't have any power, this book also examines how, in a world desperate for good leadership, we might draw lessons for ourselves today.

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Book SynopsisAn essential overview of the problems of our world today -- and how we should prepare for tomorrow -- from the world''s leading public intellectualWe have two choices. We can be pessimistic, give up, and help ensure that the worst will happen. Or we can be optimistic, grasp the opportunities that surely exist, and maybe help make the world a better place. Not much of a choice.From peerless political thinker Noam Chomsky comes an exploration of rising neoliberalism, the refugee crisis in Europe, the Black Lives Matter movement, the dysfunctional US electoral system, and the prospects and challenges of building a movement for radical change.Including four up-to-the-minute interviews on the 2016 American election campaign and global resistance to Trump, this Penguin Special is a concise introduction to Chomsky''s ideas and his take on the state of the world today.Trade ReviewHighly informative ,deftly organized... Noam Chomsky teaches us-yet again-so much on a huge range of issues... If you haven't read Chomsky before, this book will open your eyes. Even if you have, reading this book will make you realize that you still have more eyes to be opened. A beacon in this turbulent and darkening world -- Ha-Joon Chang, author of '23 Things They Don't Tell You About Capitalism'Especially valuable in helping us navigate the dreadful challenges of the Trumpian era... For all those of us who have always dreamed of spending a day with Noam Chomsky and getting his answers to all our questions about the (sorry) state of the world, here's the next best thing: a collection of interviews with our greatest living intellectual on capitalism, empire, and social change -- Michael KlareAstonishing, fundamental, urgent... Demonstrating anew that Noam Chomsky is the world's most humane, philosophically sophisticated, and knowledgeable public intellectual. I cannot imagine a better primer for anyone seeking a better, safer, fairer future -- Professor Richard Falk, International Law Emeritus at Princeton UniversityIn this brilliant series of recent and wide-ranging interviews, Noam Chomsky combines an astounding breadth of knowledge, great depth of insight, clarity and a relentless commitment to social and economic justice. Simply exhilarating, especially in our current dismal era of Donald Trump. Optimism over Despair is a book to devour -- Professor Robert Pollin, Codirector of the Political Economy Research Institute, University of Massachusetts

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Book Synopsis''A fascinating story of courage, doubt and defiance across three generations'' SARAH WATERS''A fierce and beautiful book'' EDMUND DE WAAL''Heartfelt and upfront... A grieving daughter rediscovers her mother''s political past'' BLAKE MORRISON, Guardian''A compelling reconstruction of her mother''s life as a young anti-nuclear activist defying her suburban parents'' CATHERINE TAYLOR, Financial Times''Eloquent, piercing, gloriously humane'' PHILIPPE SANDSAfter the sudden death of her mother at age 75, Natasha Walter was thrown into a time of bewilderment and sadness. It was only when she began to search back through Ruth''s history, that she began to understand how her life led to death by her own hand. She learns that Ruth had been brought up to be a conventional young woman, but chose to take huge risks and even break the law for her beliefs in the nuclear disarmament movement of the 19Trade ReviewWalter's wise, thoughtful memoir is both deeply affecting and unexpectedly inspiring. A fascinating story of courage, doubt and defiance across three generations, it's the perfect read for daunting times. * Sarah Waters *An eloquent, piercing, gloriously humane memoir on the wonders of life in the most difficult of moments. It touched me very much. * Philippe Sands *An important and beautiful memoir about how a daughter's feelings for the loss of her beloved mother changes and evolves through grief... dark, painful but also illuminating and healing * Julia Samuel *Deeply passionate and humane... [a] compelling reconstruction of her mother's life as a young anti-nuclear activist defying her suburban parents... Walter writes powerfully in the book's conclusion about the current challenges facing refugees to the UK -- Catherine Taylor * Financial Times *Heartfelt and upfront... A grieving daughter rediscovers her mother's political past -- Blake Morrison * Guardian *Truly fascinating... A powerful reminder that our actions really do matter -- Lucy Atkins * Sunday Times *This is a potent book... Walter spreads it out before us with great tenderness, exquisite writing, clear eyes and an open heart -- Louisa Young * Perspective *A book about sadness and memory and the attempts people make to come to terms with overwhelming pain... provides an interesting contrast between the feminist issues that ran through her mother's life and those that have determined her own -- Caroline Moorehead * Times Literary Supplement *In this succinct and deeply serious memoir, Natasha relives the days and weeks after her mother's death... the book demonstrates fascinatingly is how children react against their parents -- Ysenda Maxtone Graham * Daily Mail *An examination, both glancing and gripping, of [her mother's] life... Walter's familiarity with the displaced and fearful makes her a gentle chronicler of the lives of her grandparents -- Claudia Fitzherbert * Literary Review *Walter writes brilliantly about how little a child knows about their parents, and uncovers Ruth's life as the daughter of Jews who fled persecution, and became a Sixties' activist. This is unflinchingly honest: the best book I have read this year * The Tablet *In the course of deeply pondering her mother's legacy, Walter does indeed find meaning, though it's bitter and hard won... The light may well be fading, she concedes; the challenge is to make your stand all the same * Spectator *

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisFrom two New York Times bestelling authors, a disarmingly honest and propulsive investigation that will do for antisemitism what How to Be Antracist did for racism by connecting the dots between the tropes and hatred of the past to our current controversial and complicated moment.

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Book Synopsis**The New York Times and Sunday Times Bestseller**''An ordinary person''s guide to hope. Read this book'' Arundhati Roy''As accessible as it is brilliant'' Owen Jones''A genuine page turner'' Michelle Alexander Naomi Klein - award-winning journalist, bestselling author of No Logo, The Shock Doctrine and This Changes Everything, scourge of brand bullies and corporate liars - gives us the toolkit we need to survive our surreal, shocking age.''This is a look at how we arrived at this surreal political moment, how to keep it from getting a lot worse, and how, if we keep our heads, we can flip the script.'' Remember when love was supposed to Trump hate? Remember when the oil companies and bankers seemed to be running scared? What the hell happened? And what can we do about it? Naomi Klein shows us how we got here, and how we can make things better. No Is Not Enough revealTrade ReviewNaomi Klein's new study in shock politics is a warning of the enormous toxic potential of the Trump presidency and a call to oppose it. Refusal needs to turn into resistance -- Hari Kunzru * Guardian *A rare thing in political writing: both rousing and profoundly sensible -- Laurie Penny * New Statesman *Naomi Klein anatomises the roots of Trump in the already dystopian world of corporate-ruled America and predicts the "end run around democracy". A clear and readable guide to action -- Paul Mason * Guardian *Klein moves beyond mere outrage and hand-wringing to offer a practical manifesto for opposition * Financial Times *As accessible as it is brilliant, No is Not Enough is an essential blueprint for a worldwide counterattack -- Owen JonesAn ordinary person's guide to hope. Read this book -- Arundhati RoyNaomi Klein's new book incites us brilliantly to interweave our No with a programmatic Yes. A manual for emancipation -- Yanis VaroufakisLike so many of my generation, I've been a reader of Naomi Klein's since the late 90s, always finding something to learn from her rigorous reporting and thoughtful analysis -- Ada Colau, mayor of BarcelonaMagnificent ... a courageous coruscating counterspell -- Junot DíazUrgent, timely, and necessary -- Noam ChomskyWho better than Naomi to make sense of this madness, and help us find a way out? A top-of-the-stack must read -- Michael StipeNaomi is like a great doctor - she can diagnose problems nobody else sees -- Alfonso CuarónNaomi Klein constructs a common story that allows us to sustain the effects of being shocked. We can act upon that, with intelligence and happiness, to recover our world -- Gael García BernalIf you're wondering how Naomi Klein has managed to produce an essential and gripping book so early in the Trump presidency, it's because she's spent her whole intellectual life preparing for just this moment. Trump is the ultimate logo. Every day we watch him try to exploit yet another shock to the system. So this is the book to read - not just the first word on Trump, but in powerful ways the last word as well -- Bill McKibben, author of RADIO FREE VERMONTA genuine page-turner - highly engaging and provocative - and provides a fascinating lens through which we can view our current moment. Klein is not preaching to the choir, but framing the moment, connecting necessary dots, and outlining the challenge that lies ahead in clear terms that anyone can understand -- Michelle Alexander, author of THE NEW JIM CROWNo Is Not Enough is the accumulation of years of brilliant and layered analysis applied with lightning precision to an understanding of how we got to Trump, and how we can use this moment to bring about another system and world -- Eve Ensler, author of IN THE BODY OF THE WORLDNaomi Klein has written a compelling book that we all need to read and act on. No Is Not Enough is an essential handbook for all people, especially young people, who want to understand the economic, social, and political forces that produced the current crisis we are facing - and how we can effectively organize to win a better world -- Danny Glover, actor

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Book SynopsisA powerful, comprehensive guide to spotting, responding to and proactively defending yourself from online abuse - and learning how to be a good ally to those experiencing it.''The need-to-know, must-have and barrier breaking book on fighting online abuse that everyone must have a copy of'' Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu''A book written from the front line of life online - heartfelt, heart-breaking, practical, brilliant'' Richard Curtis ______________________________________ Digital spaces are a positive force for change, connection and community, but left unregulated, they are not always safe. Globally, women are 27 times more likely than men to be harassed online. Black women are 84% more likely to face online harassment than white. There has been a 71% rise in online disability abuse and 78% of LGBTQ+ people have experienced hate speech online. How to Stay Safe Online is an urgent, necessary digital selTrade Review'Seyi Akiwowo's work to make the online world safer, especially for Black women, is not only powerful, it's necessary' -- Nova Reid, Anti-racism activist and author of 'The Good Ally''Seyi Akiwowo's book is the need-to-know, must-have and barrier breaking book on fighting online abuse that everyone must have a copy of. This book is the knowledge that gives you power. It is conversational, current and relevant. Seyi talks you through it like she's right there with you - letting you know that you are not alone' -- Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu'Seyi Akiwowo has been at the forefront of campaigning for more intentional social media usage throughout the years, and this book highlights the various ways one goes about doing that. It is the first book of its kind to highlight how we go about being safe online as well as providing the nuance required of minoritised and marginalised people's experience of the internet. This is essential reading for the times we live in' -- Kelechi Okafor Actor Director Podcaster Writer'This book needed to be written and thankfully it finally has. Seyi's experience, and those of countless others, are full of valuable lessons for keeping us safe and empowered online' -- Kajal Odedra. Author of Do Something: Activism for Everyone'I wish the Internet was a safer place, but until that day comes, this helpful book is a crucial companion. How wonderful to have Seyi on our side as we navigate through the stormy seas of the online world which she, sadly, knows all too well. The brilliant tools in this book will help you set better boundaries, protect your mental health, be a better digital citizen, and in general look after ourselves and each other' -- Emma Gannon, bestselling author of The Multi-Hyphen Method'Seyi Akiwowo is a force of nature and this book is a godsend. She exposes the depth and urgency of the online abuse crisis, explores the hypocrisy and inefficacy of tech companies and government, and explains what readers can do to improve their online lives. Accessible, empowering and potentially life-changing, this is a book everyone should read' -- Laura Bates, feminist activist and bestselling author of Everyday Sexism'Educational and entertaining. No one should be using the internet without having read this book' -- Alex Holder, journalist and bestselling author of Open Up: The Power of Talking About Money'The digital world is evolving far faster than our brain can keep up. Seyi's powerful story of the impact of the online world provides important lessons for how to navigate this to keep our mind and ourselves healthy and safe' -- Dr Emma Hepburn, clinical psychologist and bestselling author of A Toolkit for Modern Life'Such a relevant, thoughtful and practical book which has important lessons for us all whilst we learn to navigate this digital world' -- Natalie Evans, co-founder of Everyday Racism and co-author of The Mixed Race Experience'Seyi's... vibrant and robust approach to how we navigate social media and use it more mindfully. This book [is] refreshing... empowering us with tools and providing guidance on how we can collectively make digital spaces safer and better for our communities' -- Ronke Lawal, PR and Comms consultant'I loved this! Such a powerful personal story, and actually doable practical advice. Social media can be like the Wild West for women, so we need strategies and boundaries to protect ourselves. Seyi Akiwowo's book is an indispensable handbook for being online in a way that is safe, intentional and - importantly - fun!' -- Rosamund Dean, journalist and author of Mindful Drinking:'The online world can be a scary place. Seyi's book will help us protect our online communities and the vulnerable people who need them. An urgent, powerful book' -- Ian Wright, Footballer, Pundit'A book written from the front line of life online - heartfelt, heart-breaking, practical, brilliant' -- Richard Curtis, Writer, Director, United Nations SDG Advocate'Online abuse is at an all-time high, with significant consequences. Read this book before you think you need it, it could save your life, or at least protect your sanity' -- Dr Soph'A clever and timely toolkit, Seyi is brilliantly leading the charge in navigating vital conversations around online abuse and digital self-care. This book is both honest and practical, offering wisdom we should all put into practice right now!' -- Amika George'Digital self care is critical to mental health and Seyi has written a thought provoking and highly practical guide to living a happier and safer life online and off. Millions of people have been victims of online abuse and I am so inspired and grateful to Seyi and her work for ensuring no one feels alone. Her mission is one that affects us all and this book is one of the most important topics of our generation' -- Poppy Jamie

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Book SynopsisA practical and succinct A to Z guide to Planet Earth with advice for how everyone can take positive action and combat the issues facing our environment.

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Book SynopsisMake Your Voice Heard Through Nonviolent Resistance Craft “This book is a must for anyone who loves to make, and who seeks inspiration to make a more compassionate world though the art of craft.” ―Dr. Cathy Hope, Director of the Play, Creativity and Culture Project at the Centre for Creative and Cultural Research at the University of Canberra # 1 Best Seller in Crafts & Hobbies, Stenciling Craft Consciously. Craftivism can be your voice of resistance. Craftivism is a form of activism that gives people a voice when they feel voiceless and power where they feel powerless. Noted craftivism expert Sayraphim Lothian has put together the first-ever tutorial book on craftivism. Join us in the craftivism movement. Craftivism is a movement growing worldwide. Hand-crafted works are being used to highlight political issues, creatively engage in activism, and encourage change in the world. Craftivists employ their works to open a space for people to be introduced to issues and to broaden the discussion surrounding them. While it might seem that this most colorful movement began recently, creative resistance has been with us for centuries around the globe, and craftivism and makers stating their mind through the medium of art is here to stay. Tap into creative resistance. Artist, scholar, activist, and YouTube art teacher Sayraphim Lothian gives you an introduction to the art of craftivism and provides a brief history of creative resistance. Learn how to make and use various crafts for protest and political purposes. You will learn: Embroidery Cross stitch Knitting Stenciling Decoupage Stamping and much more If you have read Craft Activism, Crafting the Resistance, or Feminist Cross Stich, Guerrilla Kindness and Other Acts of Creative Resistance should be your next read.

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Book Synopsis*A Times, Financial Times, Observer and Nature Book of the Year*Spectacular ... this work is planetary in scale' IndependentIt offers real, rich hope' Observer, Books of the YearWe still have time to change the world. From the world''s leading climate activist, this is the essential book for making it happen.Created by Greta Thunberg in partnership with over 100 climate experts working around the globe, with her commentaries throughout and updates for this new paperback edition to reflect the latest research, The Climate Book equips us with knowledge, and gives us hope. Together, it shows, we can do the seemingly impossible. But it has to be us, and it has to be now.Trade ReviewWith The Climate Book, a stunning and essential new work, Greta Thunberg takes her mission to the next level ... [It is] an incredible and moving resource. There are chapters on almost everything you might need to know about ... the book is a curated, portable library of knowledge, full of classics. Everyone will get something different from reading this book ... It is an extraordinary body of work and I can't recommend it highly enough. You feel the passion as well as the intellectual heft of the authors, and that is what is so moving about it. It is time for all of us to rise up -- Rowan Hooper * New Scientist *I would hope it is the kind of book everyone feels they should buy, read and act on: if you've tried to recycle a coffee pod, bought an electric car or started using a reusable water bottle, this book knows the combination of fear, hope and duty that made you do it and has a million more suggestions. It should be a bookcase staple, like Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time or Yuval Noah Harari's Sapiens -- Caitlin Moran * The Times *Spectacular ... The scope of this work is planetary in scale. It is a massive undertaking in which Greta Thunberg calls on the best people possible to help her make sense of the rapid trashing of the natural world and the ecosystems life depends on ... Ultimately, this is an unexpectedly uplifting volume, fizzing with the world's best science and analysis, and what we can now do with it -- Harry Cockburn * Independent *This book is superb at explaining the urgency and importance of preventing climate change... its writers weave messages with skill and beauty... this is a campaigning book of course, but much more than that -- Gaia Vince * Guardian *A compelling read... Thunberg has called upon some of the brightest minds in the fight against global warming * Herald *Important and stunningly handsome... this is a superb vademecum -- Steven Poole * Telegraph *Most of us don't know very much about climate science. More than a rallying call, what we need is a crash course. So [Thunberg] has gathered together an anthology of essays from more than a hundred scientists, journalists and activists-a kind of beginner's guide to global warming ... [It] looks fantastic, with beautifully rendered charts and haunting photographs... My copy is dotted with annotated exclamation marks -- Rhys Blakeley * The Times *As brave as it is accomplished and succeeds well beyond any reasonable expectation -- John Gibbons * Business Post *An admirable and monumental effort...[Thunberg] is a truly exceptional figure, fluent way beyond her years in grasping and communicating the complexity and connectedness of these crises * Irish Times *A valuable resource for anyone who wants an ironclad summary of the problems, combined with some credible remedies -- Dorian Lynskey * Observer *A compendious introduction to climate change's impacts and solutions by more than 100 writers, activists, and academics. Together, they break down the sometimes overwhelming complexity of climate change into manageable chunks -- Ben Cooke * The Times Books of the Year *I'll be giving Greta Thunberg's The Climate Book to everyone: for the way it urges us to refuse to acquiesce in the destruction of the living world. It offers real, rich hope: but only if that hope is active -- Katherine Rundell * Observer Books of the Year *Impressive... the cumulative impact on my understanding of the [climate] crisis through its data, cross-cultural reflections, and paths for step-by-step change became mesmerizing -- Barbara J. King * NPR *

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Book SynopsisExplores queer craft and the material cultures of LGBTQ+ activism in Britain since the 1980s. From handmade clothing and protest banners to radical self-published zines and manifestos, there is a long history of using craft and DIY processes to explore identities, bring communities together, and encourage social and political change. Yet, many of these histories remain undocumented and are insufficiently researched. This collection sheds light on these important histories and includes a range of contributions from academics, artists, activists, curators, and heritage professionals. Case studies discussed include Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp, the Museum of Transology, Lesbians and Gay Men Support the Miners (LGSM), the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt, Islington’s Pride, Queer Zine Library, Glasgow Women’s Library, Queer Journeys, and more. These critical essays and oral histories are complemented by short reflections from contemporary creative practitioners including Matt Smith, Tanoa Sasraku, Sarah-Joy Ford, Rachael House and Raisa Kabir. Taken together, this collection weaves together an important web between craft, queerness, and activism in Britain. As the first book of its kind, it will likely be of interest to a range of students and academics, as well as cultural producers and creatives more broadly.Trade Review'Fountain's book fills a gap that has been left unfilled for far too long. Through sharing previously unheard histories of activism – given from a wide range of perspectives – Crafted with Pride is sure to spark debate, discussion and, well, pride. [...] This book shows how LGBTQ+ activists have long harnessed the power of craft to protest and tell their stories, creating objects that come alive through collective making and use.' -- Isabella Smith, Deputy editor, Crafts magazineTable of ContentsList of Figures Acknowledgements About the editor Introduction: Crafting Identity and Community Thread One: Fashioning the Self 1. Lesbian Activism and Crafted Fashion – Eleanor Medhurst 2. Trans Craft and the Museum of Transology – Lois Stone Thread Two: Pride, Publics, and Preservation 3. Protest with Pride: Lesbians and Gay Men Support the Miners – Mark Etheridge 4. Pride of Place: Remembering, Collecting, and Preserving Islington’s LGBTQ+ Heritage – Seán McGovern 5. (Re)Collecting Queer Craft: Ownership, Identity, and Remembrance in Queer Zine Collecting – Allan Madden Thread Three: Collaborative Craft 6. Navigating Queerness and Trauma Through Collaborative Craft – Dan Vo in conversation with Youcef Hadjazi 7. Stitching Together: The UK AIDS Memorial Quilt and Its Oral Histories – Daniel Fountain Plus, an in-conversation with Graeme Lavery and Karina Thompson Thread Four: Contemporary Practices 8. Making Things Perfectly Queer – Matt Smith 9. A Tower to Say Goodbye – Tanoa Sasraku 10. Quilting Intergenerational Intimacies in Fisch’s Rebel Dykes Archive – Sarah-Joy Ford 11. Queer Voices – Rachael House 12. NO PROTECTION – Raisa Kabir Glossary National Support Organizations Contributor Biographies Index

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Book SynopsisBetween 1965 and 1972, political activists around the globe prepared to mount a revolution, from the Black Panthers to the Gay Liberation Front, from the Yippies to the IRA. Rock and soul music supplied the revolutionary tide with anthems and iconic imagery; and renowned musicians such as John Lennon, Mick Jagger and Bob Dylan were particularly influential in the movement. This is the definitive account of this unique period in modern history; a compelling portrait of an era when revolutionaries turned into rock stars, and rock stars dressed up as revolutionaries.Trade ReviewPeter Doggett's weighty tome is a treasure trove of countercultural anecdotes and reportage. * * New Statesman * *Tells the story in an exemplary way. * * Financial Times * *Doggett has mastered hundreds of interviews, contemporary accounts and documents to put together this meticulously researched, scholarly and often gripping portrait of an era. * * Sunday Telegraph * *Doggett's encyclopaedic account of Sixties counter-culture is a fascinating history of pop's relationship with politics, examining the establishment's skill at assimilating rock 'n' roll rebellion into the mainstream. * * Independent * *Doggett has a brisk, readable style, with an astute eye for the idiosyncrasies of the period. * * Telegraph * *...a fresh and near-definitive slant on a subject you might have thought had been picked clean by journalists and historians. * * Time Out * *Peter Doggett's There's a Riot Going On is a lot of fun, but it also needs to be read by anyone who wants to understand the significance of the 60s or the role of pop culture. It is a very important book and I am sure I will go back to it numerous times. * * Mark Kurlansky, author of 1968 and Salt * *An impressive account. * * Observer * *Doggett examines the era with brilliant, creative meticulousness, song by song, riot by riot, poem by poem, dispelling myths...and uncovering truths...until you get caught inextricably up in the whirlwind of the greatest decade on record. Absolutely unmissable. * * Maxim * *Doggett's voluminous record unveils the hippie dream of remaking the world as mere fashion. * * Sunday Herald * *

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Book Synopsis2023 WINNER OF THE BOLOGNA RAGAZZI AWARD!2022 WINNER OF THE BRITISH BOOK DESIGN & PRODUCTION AWARDS IN THE CHILDREN'S TRADE 9 TO 16 CATEGORY!"Start making. Start being the change you want to see in this world." - De NicholsFrom Keith Haring to Extinction Rebellion, the civil rights movement to Black Lives Matter, what does a revolution look like? Discover the power of words and images in this thought-provoking look at protest art by highly acclaimed artivist, De Nichols. With an emphasis on design, analyse each artwork to understand how colour, symbolism, technique, typography and much more play an important role in communication, and learn about some of the most influential historical movements.Tips and activities are also included to get you started on making some of your own protest art.Guided by activist, lecturer and speaker De Nichol's powerful own narrative and stunningly illustrated by a collaboration of young artists from around the world, including Diana Dagadita, Olivia Twist, Molly Mendoza, Raul Oprea and Diego Becas, Art of Protest is as inspiring as it is empowering.

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of The Ministry of Utmost HappinessAn extraordinary secret meeting between four brilliant political activists: Booker Prize-winner Arundhati Roy, NSA whistle-blower Edward Snowden, Pentagon Papers insider Daniel Ellsberg and acclaimed actor John Cusack''What sort of love is this love that we have for countries? What sort of country is it that will ever live up to our dreams? What sort of dreams were these that have been broken?''In 2014, four people met in secret in a hotel room in Moscow. Each was a leading global advocate for government transparency and accountability: they had come together to talk. Over the course of two days, Arundhati Roy, Edward Snowden, John Cusack and Daniel Ellsburg shared ideas and beliefs - about the Vietnam War and the Pentagon Papers, the NSA and the ongoing crises in the Middle East, the American government and the nature of activism.Co-authored by Roy and Cusack, Trade ReviewPublisher's description. The historic account of a once-in-a-lifetime meeting between four of the modern world's most influential figures: NSA whistle-blower Edward Snowden, Pentagon Papers whistle-blower Daniel Ellsburg, tireless political activist Arundhati Roy and Hollywood superstar John Cusack. * Penguin *Arundhati Roy is one of the most confident and original thinkers of our time * Naomi Klein *A political critique of everything ... the book will make you sit up and question things * Financial Express *[Roy is] an electrifying political essayist. . . . So fluent is her prose, so keen her understanding of global politics, and so resonant her objections to nuclear weapons, assaults against the environment, and the endless suffering of the poor that her essays are as uplifting as they are galvanizing * Booklist *The fierceness with which Arundhati Roy loves humanity moves my heart * Alice Walker, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of THE COLOR PURPLE *

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Book SynopsisJournalist Rebecca Traister’s New York Times bestselling exploration of the transformative power of female anger and its ability to transcend into a political movement is “a hopeful, maddening compendium of righteous feminine anger, and the good it can do when wielded efficiently—and collectively” (Vanity Fair). Long before Pantsuit Nation, before the Women’s March, and before the #MeToo movement, women’s anger was not only politically catalytic—but politically problematic. The story of female fury and its cultural significance demonstrates its crucial role in women’s slow rise to political power in America, as well as the ways that anger is received when it comes from women as opposed to when it comes from men. “Urgent, enlightened…realistic and compelling…Traister eloquently highlights the challenge of blaming not just forces and systems, but individuals” (The Washington Post). In Good and Mad, Traister tracks the history of female anger as political fuel—from suffragettes marching on the White House to office workers vacating their buildings after Clarence Thomas was confirmed to the Supreme Court. Traister explores women’s anger at both men and other women; anger between ideological allies and foes; the varied ways anger is received based on who’s expressing it; and the way women’s collective fury has become transformative political fuel. She deconstructs society’s (and the media’s) condemnation of female emotion (especially rage) and the impact of their resulting repercussions. Highlighting a double standard perpetuated against women by all sexes, and its disastrous, stultifying effect, Good and Mad is “perfectly timed and inspiring” (People, Book of the Week). This “admirably rousing narrative” (The Atlantic) offers a glimpse into the galvanizing force of women’s collective anger, which, when harnessed, can change history.Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR GOOD AND MAD BY REBECCA TRAISTER “[A] rousing look at the political uses of this supposedly unfeminine emotion...written with energy and conviction...galvanizing reading.”—NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW “Urgent, enlightened… well timed for this moment even as they transcend it, the kind of accounts often reviewed and discussed by women but that should certainly be read by men…realistic and compelling…Traister eloquently highlights the challenge of blaming not just forces and systems, but individuals.”—WASHINGTON POST "While the anger of men is seen as 'stirring' and 'downright American,' women's is 'the screech of nails on our national chalkboard,' asserts journalist Traister in this invigorating look at the achievements of angry women from Carrie Nation to Beyoncé to the Parkland high school students. Through this lens she revisits the 2016 election, #blacklivesmatter and the #metoo movement (including her own Harvey Weinstein story) and cites a study showing you can tolerate pain longer - damn! - if you curse. Perfectly timed and inspiring.”—PEOPLE (BOOK OF THE WEEK) “Traister specializes in writing about feminism and politics, and she knows the turf…especially astute in emphasizing the ways in which black women laid the cornerstones for women’s activism in this country…Feminism forces certain complexities into the stream of our daily lives, and Traister has a great gift for articulating them.”—TIME MAGAZINE "Cathartic...a celebration of a catalytic force that burns ever brighter today."—O MAGAZINE “From suffragettes to #MeToo, Traister’s book is a hopeful, maddening compendium of righteous feminine anger, and the good it can do when wielded efficiently—and collectively.”—VANITY FAIR "An admirably rousing narrative."—ATLANTIC "A resounding polemic against political, cultural, and personal injustices in America...With articulate vitriol backed by in-depth research, Traister validates American women's anger.... Traister has meticulously culled smart, timely, surprising quotations from women as well as men. The combined strength of these many individual voices and stories gives the book tremendous gravity.... A gripping call to action that portends greater liberty and justness for all.”—KIRKUS REVIEWS (STARRED REVIEW) “A trenchant analysis… Traister argues forcefully that women are an ‘oppressed majority in the United States,’ kept subjugated partly by racial divisions among the group. Traister closes with a reminder to women not to lose sight of their anger—even when things improve slightly and ‘the urgency will fade... if you yourself are not experiencing’ injustice or look away from it.”—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (STARRED REVIEW) "Timely and absorbing, Traister's fiery tome is bound to attract attention and discussion. Traister takes a deep dive into the current political climate to explore the contemporary and historical relationship women have with anger and the ramifications of expressing and suppressing feminine rage. Traister uses…startlingly obvious double standard[s] to explore how attaching negative connotations to women's anger has always been used to silence and dismiss them."—BOOKLIST (STARRED REVIEW) “Good and Mad is Rebecca Traister's ode to women's rage—an extensively researched history and analysis of its political power. It is a thoughtful, granular examination: Traister considers how perception (and tolerance) of women's anger shifts based on which women hold it (*cough* white women *cough*) and who they direct it toward; she points to the ways in which women are shamed for or gaslit out of their righteous emotion. And she proves, vigorously, why it's so important for women to own and harness their rage—how any successful revolution depends on it.”—BUZZFEED "Women are angry, and Rebecca Traister is just the person to chart the topography of their rage, its causes, and its effects....A galvanizing, timely study of righteous rage.”—ELLE "With Traister’s incisive prose and a topic that couldn’t be more timely, this book is sure to be a fiery read.”—HUFFINGTON POST "A deeply research treatise on female anger - its sources, its challenges, and its propulsive political power.”—ESQUIRE "Brilliant and bracing."—THE NATION "[Traister] writes with convincing clarity...a feel-good book."—JEZEBEL "A bracing, elucidating look at how transformative it can be for women to harness our rage, and how important it is to use that anger, that energy, for revolution." —NYLON "Brilliant and impassioned and, yes, angry." —MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE "Good and Mad comes out at just the right time...the [Kavanaugh] hearing and its aftermath just proved the point Traister was making all along."—MOTHER JONES "Traister's reported manifesto on feminism after Trump...offers a forceful...inventory of the ways in which women’s anger in the public sphere is exaggerated, pathologized, and used to discredit them in a manner unimaginable for men."—BOOKFORUM "An exploration of the transformative power of female anger and its ability to transcend into a political movement…Read this."—PUREWOW "One of our country’s wisest writers on gender and politics."—PORTLAND MONTHLY “Every fifty years since the French Revolution there’s been an uprising on behalf of women’s rights—we’re in the middle of one right now—and each time around a fresh chorus of voices is heard, making the same righteous bid for social and political equality, only with more force and more eloquence than the time before. Among today’s strongest voices is the one that belongs to Rebecca Traister. Deeply felt and richly researched, her new book, Good and Mad, is one of the best accounts I have read of the cumulative anger women feel, coming up against their centuries-old subordination. Read it!”—VIVIAN GORNICK “Rebecca Traister has me convinced in this deftly and powerfully argued book that there will be no 21st century revolution, until women once again own the power of their rage. Righteous fury leaps off every page of this book, with example after example, from the present and the past, coaxing, chiding, and indeed reminding us, that the political uses of women's anger have been good for America. As I read, my blood started pumping, my fist tightened and my spirit said, "hell yeah! We aren't going down without a fight." Women's anger rightly placed and soundly focused can be good for America, once again. In fact, it is essential. Tell the truth: We're all sick and tired of being sick and tired. It's high time we got good and mad.”—DR. BRITTNEY COOPER, author of Eloquent Rage

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Book SynopsisThe incredible memoir of Elaine Brown - the first woman leader of the Black Panthers''Here I was, a woman, proclaiming supreme power over the most militant organization in America''In 1974 Elaine Brown became the first woman leader of the Black Panther Party. This is her unforgettable memoir, charting her rise from an impoverished neighbourhood in Philadelphia, through her political awakening during a bohemian adolescence, and on to her time as a foot soldier for the Panthers and ascent into its male-dominated upper ranks. It is a seminal exploration of power, racism and one woman''s revolutionary struggle.''Heart-wrenching, wild and moving ... a glowing achievement'' Los Angeles Times''What Elaine Brown writes is so astonishing, at times it is even difficult to believe she survived it. And yet she did, bringing us that amazing light of the black woman''s magical resilience'' Alice WalkerTrade ReviewHonest, funny, subjective, unsparing, and passionate ... A Taste of Power weaves autobiography and political history into a story that fascinates and illuminates * The Washington Post *A stunning picture of a black woman's coming of age in America. Put it on the shelf beside The Autobiography of Malcolm X * Kirkus *What Elaine Brown writes is so astonishing, at times it is even difficult to believe she survived it. And yet she did, bringing us that amazing light of the black woman's magical resilience, in the gloominess of our bitter despair -- Alice WalkerAstonishing [and] heart wrenching ... Movie makers, where are you? This narration is as wild and moving as Bonnie and Clyde ... It also has beautiful, touching, heartbreaking accounts of a lonely black childhood ... Brown sees racial oppression in national and global context; every political word she writes pounds home a lesson about commerce, money, racism, communism ... A glowing achievement ... A profound, funny and heartbreaking American story * Los Angeles Times *A Taste of Power is chilling, well-written, and profoundly entertaining * The New York Times Book Review *This is the kind of book you develop a relationship with - one of those tumultuous, passionate relationships commonly reserved for lovers ... Fascinating ... Remarkable * Boston Review *

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