One of the most absorbing books I've read this year

Margaret Renkl, The New York Times

Really important . . . Amanda Jones really sticks up for herself and fights against book bans. A fantastic book.

Ann Patchett

An important and engrossing story . . . while the book makes clear the importance of libraries, what it makes even more clear is the importance of conscientious citizens, like Jones, willing to speak up and stand up for their libraries.

The Washington Post

A stark reminder of just how fraught the censorship debate has become and a testament to the power of fighting back against hate speech and political extremism.

San Francisco Chronicle

A full-throated defense of the freedom to read, to discover, and to think.

California Review of Books

[Jones] is frank, open, emotionally raw, and unwavering. What she endured is every librarian's worst nightmare, yet she perseveres, offering tips and playbooks for how readers can defend books about LGBTQIA+ topics of interest, sexual health, and more in their own public libraries. A must-read in order to understand the deep and lasting impact of online smear campaigns and enduring need to stand up for books. Jones is an inspiration to everyone combating book bans and her memoir/guidebook should be available to all to help us defend our right to read.

Booklist, Starred Review