AK Press & PM Press Book Recommendations
Book Recommendations via Romy Ruukel and AK Press & PM Press
Cindy Milstein, Anarchism and Its Aspirations (Milstein gives a great
"Anarchism 101" talk & apparently has been doing so in Occupy Philly!
An easy introduction for anyone curious about, but wary of, the
A-word. Includes a great take on direct democracy, an essential
component of the Occupy movement.)
David Graeber, Direct Action: An Ethnography (Graeber has been right
in the middle of the action at Wall Street, but this book is about the
Quebec City protests of 2011)
Dara Greenwald & Josh MacPhee, eds. Signs of Change: Social Movement
Cultures, 1960s to Now (Today's political posters and graphics draw
inspiration from the rich history of movement artwork catalogued in
this book.)
Delfina Vannucci & Richard Singer, Come Hell or High Water: A Handbook
on Collective Process Gone Awry (Whether you're new to collective
process or so old-school that you twinkle in your sleep, you know that
those General Assemblies can bring out the best and worst aspects of
directly democratic group decision-making. This book is a helpful
resource, with some great cartoons for comic relief.)
Michael D. Yates & Fred Magdoff, The ABCs of the Economic Crisis: What
Working People Need to Know (Let's call the economic crisis what it
is: the expected outcome of a destructive system. Capitalism, when it
functions correctly, is based on the exploitation of the majority by a
tiny minority in control of business interests. Read more about it in
this book.)
Scott Crow, Black Flags and Windmills: Hope, Anarchy, and the Common
Ground Collective (By the co-founder of the collective in New Orleans.
Crow’s vivid memoir maps the intertwining of his radical experience
and ideas with Katrina’s reality, and community efforts to translate
ideals into action.A story of resisting indifference, rebuilding hope
amidst collapse, and struggling against the grain.)
Gary Phillips & Andrea Gibbons, eds. Send My Love and a Molotov
Cocktail!: Stories of Crime, Love and Rebellion. (Edited by people i
love and respect a great deal. A collection of short stories about
riots, revolts, and revolution. From the turbulent days of unionism in
the streets of New York City during the Great Depression to a group of
old women who meet at their local café to plan a radical act that will
change the world forever, these original and once out-of-print stories
capture the various ways people rise up to challenge the status quo
and change up the relationships of power. Ideal for any fan of noir,
science fiction, and revolution and mayhem.)