upcoming read along: Taking Sides

This past spring, for my 30th birthday, my wife Stevie took us up the mountain to Firestorm in Asheville. Firestorm is a worker-owned bookshop and serves as a hub for critical organizing work in Western North Carolina. Recently, they announced their plans to relocate in order to create a better and more durable space for their work; Firestorm is partially crowdfunding this endeavor, so if you’re able to give, please consider sending them some funds. And next time you’re in Asheville, make sure to swing by — their selection is incredible!

During that birthday trip, I purchased Taking Sides: Revolutionary Solidarity and the Poverty of Liberalism. I devoured this book. The thirteen essays inside enlivened my imagination, arrested my inner cop, and were surprisingly both pragmatic and tender. It is essential reading for anyone who wonders what allyship looks like in practice, who worries about how liberalism might dismantle movement-building (and wishes to resist this in themselves & the world!), and who is ready to take action, but perhaps uncertain how they might start.

Stevie and I are currently in the middle of a move. Most of our books are packed away in boxes. However, today I revisited Taking Sides since it managed to escape the moving purge. The essays are short, but full of powerful ideas that deserve further reflection in order to dive deeper. I had intentions of reading it in the context of a book club some day, but time in Greenville ran out more quickly than I expected. Hence: this read along!

Beginning in August, I will write a reflection on each essay from Taking Sides. I hope you’ll join me in reading along and adding your reflections to the comments. This little collection has so much to offer, and I cannot wait to learn from you as you bring your own perspective to this work.

So, go ahead and grab your copy! If you’d like a physical copy, consider buying one from Firestorm (in person or online!) or pick up a digital ebook for just $6 from the publisher.

I’m excited to experiment in building community with you in this way. Looking forward to learning together. If you get yourself a book, please let me know!

ever forward,
F

Here’s a little teaser of the table of contents, just to get y’all stoked for what’s to come.