Anarchist Book Club: November Reading Guide
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I want to give up. There's too much to do. Nothing seems to change. I can't keep up. It's too hard. I'm not doing enough. I don't know what to do. I feel alone. I'm exhausted. The news just keeps getting worse. I can't focus.
You’ve probably had a few of these thoughts circling your brain lately. How exactly does a book club address the stuckness?
It’s fair to be skeptical. A lot of book clubs popped up in the summer of 2020, when white people felt like we should finally “do something” and learn about the history of anti-Blackness, and how to engage in anti-racist movements. However, a lot of the momentum died out before long, with little long-term change put into effect by the majority of these participants.
The Anarchist Book Club is different.
While there will be internal reflection, and time to do inner work that's absolutely necessary for sustainable and effective activism, the real point is to do shit without trying to reinvent the wheel. We are learning and incorporating the wisdom of our elders and comrades. My goal is to connect you with essential, practical tools, and systems that work. Then you play, practice, and experiment as we go. Some books will have more theory than others, but we're not preparing to write our own dissertations. I want you to be a motivated and present activist, confident in your role—not held back by perfectionism.
The goal is to take what we learn, make it our own, and take direct action on a regular basis. To get out there and do the work.
It’s all too easy to burn out when you don’t take the time to lay the groundwork and learn how to pace yourself. Recognizing how you fit into the movement as a whole, rather than taking on personal responsibility to FIX EVERYTHING BY YOURSELF RIGHT THIS MINUTE, gives you a dose of realism along with essential motivation.
To engage effectively in change work, you must:
Believe that change is possible.
Feel connection (and ideally a sense of belonging) with other changemakers.
Release self-judgment and practice self-compassion.
Ask for help often.
Listen to your inner wisdom.
All of the books we’ll read in the Anarchist Book Club will help you with one or more of these aspects. Some will focus more on your inner work, others on practical skills, while others will give historical and sociological perspectives on the successes and failures of specific movements.
This month’s Anarchist Book Club pick is Let This Radicalize You by Kelly Hayes and Mariame Kaba. You can purchase the ebook for $2 at Haymarket books.
Here’s the November reading plan…
Week 1—Nov 2-8: Both introductions & chapters 1-3
Week 2—Nov 9-16: Chapters 4-7
Week 3—Nov 17-23: Chapters 8-10 & both conclusions
Week 4—Nov 24-30: Reflection & action plan
Make sure you upgrade now ($7/mo or $70/yr) to join the Signal group chat and get all the paid posts. I can’t wait to dive into this inc-read-ible book together!
Much love,
Nat
P.S. I’ve been preparing for my next court date, and I could use your help with lawyer fees. I’m hoping that we’ll finally get a temporary restraining order soon. You can donate here! Thank you for helping to keep my toddler & me safe.