Brilliant, galvanizing, and inspirational, Joyce Vance offers, like nobody else can, an assessment of the current state of our troubled politics, a reminder of the important and essential truth that democracy is a process not a goal, and a rousing clarion call to action for anyone who values a future in which American democracy can not only survive but thrive. A searing, sobering, and hopeful examination of where we are and how we got here, Giving Up Is Unforgivable is a vital and essential tour de force but, above all, what we all now so desperately need—a road map to help us find our way out of the darkness.” —Mary L. Trump, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Too Much and Never Enough
“In a time of fear and shadow, Giving Up Is Unforgivable offers a clear-eyed analysis of what we have at stake and why we can still prevail. Joyce Vance draws on historical and modern warriors for justice to illuminate a path forward, if only we are wise enough to take it. I’m in.” —Stacey Abrams, former minority leader of the Georgia House of Representatives and New York Times bestselling author of Lead from the Outside
“This is the book we need right now: a clear and concise analysis of our democratic emergency by a nationally known legal expert, but also a guide to how we as individuals and communities can rise to meet this challenge. Joyce Vance’s optimism and faith in America is present on every page of this timely and inspiring book.” —Ruth Ben-Ghiat, New York Times bestselling author of Strongmen
“The most frequent question I get, from frustrated citizens worried about our democracy, is this: What can I do? In Giving Up Is Unforgivable, Joyce answers that question with actual action items. She inspires as she informs and offers pragmatic advice even as she waxes poetic about all that America is and can be. This is a shining tutorial and a reminder that we the people still have the power. This book is essential reading. Buy it yesterday.” —Preet Bharara, former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and New York Times bestselling author
“Joyce Vance knows the cost of complacency and encourages us to confront what we must to save what we value: a diverse democracy that brings us together.”
—Maya Wiley, president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and author of Remember, You Are a Wiley
“Joyce Vance brings her conversational style to the page in this immensely readable book about the importance of democracy, government institutions, and voting. Most significantly, she offers concrete ideas for all of us who want to work to save America from the urgent crisis we face. This insightful book will inspire activists and reignite the patriotic instincts of all but the most cynical of our citizens.”
—Barbara McQuade, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan and New York Times bestselling author of Attack from Within
A politico manifesto for our present moment-part history lesson, part call to save the Republic
"Brilliant, galvanizing, and inspirational. A road map to help us find our way out of the darkness." -Mary L. Trump
We're in this together.
For the past two years, Joyce Vance has signed off posts on her chart-topping Substack, "Civil Discourse", with these four words. In that time, she has guided readers through a continued erosion of democratic norms, the unprecedented felony conviction of an ex-president, and the constitutionally calamitous beginning to the second Trump administration. Here, Vance offers a blueprint for avoiding burnout and despair, and for strengthening our democratic muscle.
Giving Up Is Unforgivable is a clarion call to action, putting our current crisis in historical context and sketching out a vision for where we go next. Vance's message is hopeful at its heart, even as it acknowledges the daunting challenges that lie ahead. She is the constitutional law professor you never knew you needed, explaining the legal context and the political history- and why the rule of the law still matters. At the same time, she empowers the reader to do something, both as individuals and collectively.
Consider this the birth of a countermovement to Project 2025, a rallying cry for citizen engagement to combat the second Trump administration and save American democracy.
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"Brilliant, galvanizing, and inspirational. A road map to help us find our way out of the darkness." -Mary L. Trump
We're in this together.
For the past two years, Joyce Vance has signed off posts on her chart-topping Substack, "Civil Discourse", with these four words. In that time, she has guided readers through a continued erosion of democratic norms, the unprecedented felony conviction of an ex-president, and the constitutionally calamitous beginning to the second Trump administration. Here, Vance offers a blueprint for avoiding burnout and despair, and for strengthening our democratic muscle.
Giving Up Is Unforgivable is a clarion call to action, putting our current crisis in historical context and sketching out a vision for where we go next. Vance's message is hopeful at its heart, even as it acknowledges the daunting challenges that lie ahead. She is the constitutional law professor you never knew you needed, explaining the legal context and the political history- and why the rule of the law still matters. At the same time, she empowers the reader to do something, both as individuals and collectively.
Consider this the birth of a countermovement to Project 2025, a rallying cry for citizen engagement to combat the second Trump administration and save American democracy.
Giving Up Is Unforgivable: A Manual for Keeping a Democracy
A politico manifesto for our present moment-part history lesson, part call to save the Republic
"Brilliant, galvanizing, and inspirational. A road map to help us find our way out of the darkness." -Mary L. Trump
We're in this together.
For the past two years, Joyce Vance has signed off posts on her chart-topping Substack, "Civil Discourse", with these four words. In that time, she has guided readers through a continued erosion of democratic norms, the unprecedented felony conviction of an ex-president, and the constitutionally calamitous beginning to the second Trump administration. Here, Vance offers a blueprint for avoiding burnout and despair, and for strengthening our democratic muscle.
Giving Up Is Unforgivable is a clarion call to action, putting our current crisis in historical context and sketching out a vision for where we go next. Vance's message is hopeful at its heart, even as it acknowledges the daunting challenges that lie ahead. She is the constitutional law professor you never knew you needed, explaining the legal context and the political history- and why the rule of the law still matters. At the same time, she empowers the reader to do something, both as individuals and collectively.
Consider this the birth of a countermovement to Project 2025, a rallying cry for citizen engagement to combat the second Trump administration and save American democracy.
"Brilliant, galvanizing, and inspirational. A road map to help us find our way out of the darkness." -Mary L. Trump
We're in this together.
For the past two years, Joyce Vance has signed off posts on her chart-topping Substack, "Civil Discourse", with these four words. In that time, she has guided readers through a continued erosion of democratic norms, the unprecedented felony conviction of an ex-president, and the constitutionally calamitous beginning to the second Trump administration. Here, Vance offers a blueprint for avoiding burnout and despair, and for strengthening our democratic muscle.
Giving Up Is Unforgivable is a clarion call to action, putting our current crisis in historical context and sketching out a vision for where we go next. Vance's message is hopeful at its heart, even as it acknowledges the daunting challenges that lie ahead. She is the constitutional law professor you never knew you needed, explaining the legal context and the political history- and why the rule of the law still matters. At the same time, she empowers the reader to do something, both as individuals and collectively.
Consider this the birth of a countermovement to Project 2025, a rallying cry for citizen engagement to combat the second Trump administration and save American democracy.
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Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940193960713 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Penguin Random House |
| Publication date: | 10/21/2025 |
| Edition description: | Unabridged |
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