Hold the Line by Michael Fanone

Hold the Line

The Insurrection and One Cop's Battle for America's Soul

Michael Fanone, John Shiffman

Atria Books · Print & ebook · September 12, 2023

From a twenty-year police veteran and former Trump supporter who nearly lost his life during the insurrection of January 6th, this instant New York Times bestseller is also an urgent warning that “offers a stark message for this uncertain moment, making crystal clear the urgency and importance of defending our precious democracy” (Nancy Pelosi).

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Who it’s for
A police veteran’s firsthand account links January 6 with questions of policing, race, politics, and democracy.
Themes
Democracy and political extremism, Policing and accountability, Race and personal growth
Genres
Lives in Law Enforcement, 21st-Century America, Policing & Law Enforcement

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About this book

From a twenty-year police veteran and former Trump supporter who nearly lost his life during the insurrection of January 6th, this instant New York Times bestseller is also an urgent warning that “offers a stark message for this uncertain moment, making crystal clear the urgency and importance of defending our precious democracy” (Nancy Pelosi). When Michael Fanone self-deployed to the Capitol on January 6, 2021, he had no idea his life was about to change.

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When he got to the front of the line, he urged his fellow officers to hold it against the growing crowd of insurrectionists—until he found himself pulled into the mob, tased until he had a heart attack, and viciously beaten with a Blue Lives Matter flag as shouts to kill him rang out. Now, Fanone is ready to tell the full story of that infamous day, along with exploring our country’s most critical issues as someone who has had firsthand experience with many of them. A self-described redneck who voted for Trump in 2016, Fanone’s closest friend was an informant—a Black, transgender, HIV-positive woman who has helped him mature and rethink his methods as a police officer. With his unique insight as an undercover detective and intense desire to do the right thing no matter the cost, Fanone provides a nuanced look into everything from policing to race to politics in a way that is accessible across all party lines. Determined to make sure no one forgets what happened at the Capitol on January 6th, Fanone has written a timely and “important” (Kirkus Reviews) call to action for anyone who wants to preserve our democracy for future generations.

Democracy Under Pressure

A police veteran’s firsthand account links January 6 with questions of policing, race, politics, and democracy.

Come here for

  • A firsthand view of the Capitol attack from an officer caught in the mob
  • Reflections from a former Trump voter on policing, race, and changing views

Expect

  • A direct personal account grounded in Fanone’s police experience
  • An urgent argument about remembering January 6 and defending democracy

Where it sits

Lives in Law Enforcement90%
21st-Century America28%
Policing & Law Enforcement25%

Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.

Publisher categories

  • Lives in Law Enforcement
  • 21st-Century America
  • Conservatism & Liberalism
Authors
Michael Fanone, John Shiffman
Publisher
Atria Books
Published
September 12, 2023
Format
Print & ebook
Theme
Democracy and political extremism · Policing and accountability · Race and personal growth
Reading lane
Lives in Law Enforcement