We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders: A Memoir of Love and Resistance

Written by:
Linda Sarsour
Narrated by:
Linda Sarsour

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
21
Narrator
7
Release Date
March 2020
Duration
7 hours 35 minutes
Summary
Linda Sarsour, co-organizer of the Women’s March, shares an “unforgettable memoir” (Booklist) about how growing up Palestinian Muslim American, feminist, and empowered moved her to become a globally recognized activist on behalf of marginalized communities across the country.

On a chilly spring morning in Brooklyn, nineteen-year-old Linda Sarsour stared at her reflection, dressed in a hijab for the first time. She saw in the mirror the woman she was growing to be—a young Muslim American woman unapologetic in her faith and her activism, who would discover her innate sense of justice in the aftermath of 9/11. Now heralded for her award-winning leadership of the Women’s March on Washington, Sarsour offers a “moving memoir [that] is a testament to the power of love in action” (Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow).

From the Brooklyn bodega her father owned, where Linda learned the real meaning of intersectionality, to protests in the streets of Washington, DC, Linda’s experience as a daughter of Palestinian immigrants is a moving portrayal of what it means to find one’s voice and use it for the good of others. We follow Linda as she learns the tenets of successful community organizing, and through decades of fighting for racial, economic, gender, and social justice, as she becomes one of the most recognized activists in the nation. We also see her honoring her grandmother’s dying wish, protecting her children, building resilient friendships, and mentoring others even as she loses her first mentor in a tragic accident. Throughout, she inspires you to take action as she reaffirms that we are not here to be bystanders.

In this “book that speaks to our times” (The Washington Post), Harry Belafonte writes of Linda in the foreword, “While we may not have made it to the Promised Land, my peers and I, my brothers and sisters in liberation can rest easy that the future is in the hands of leaders like Linda Sarsour. I have often said to Linda that she embodies the principle and purpose of another great Muslim leader, brother Malcolm X.”

This is her story.
Reviews
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christina Poulos

As an immigrant myself i can say this book is full of hatred, ungratefulness for the country that gave her and her family the opportunities and blessings she takes for granted daily. We have left our countries to escape poverty, tyranny , discrimination. We came to a country that have us voice and LIFE in general. Why Linda and the likes of her, migrate to America, USING and Abusing its resources in order for her to end up crying the victim! She has the kind of PRIVILEGED LIFE , she WOULDNT DARE to have in her home country who treat us women as second class citizens. I dare her to go back to her mother land and play the activist there! Use her voice for the women over there ego experience REAL TYRANNY. LINDA wont go though, because she knows the kind of fate will be waiting for her as a woman. Only in a country like America can play the hero, stepping on the freedom she takes for granted! Linda, learn to thank your lucky starts, and if you hate America that much, have some pride and STOP using their resources and leave. If you want to be angry at someone, be angry at your OWN mother land leaders that forced your family to migrate. Hold them accountable! You are a disappointment in the eyes of all us the migrants who choose appreciation instead hostility and hate. We LOVE AMERICA.

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Anonymous

As a Jewish LGBTQ woman, and dual citizen of Israel doing Palestinian-Jewish peace work in the Middle East and US, I was very moved to hear Linda's story of passionate work on behalf of her own people, and all those targeted, marginalized, and living without their full human rights. The book was full of love, and courage, and appreciation, not a word of hatred expressed anywhere. We need the kind of broad-minded and deep-hearted leaders that Linda so clearly is. We all must open to understanding one another and working together, for all of our sakes, and for peace sake. Thank you.

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Jess B.

Linda is an amazing human, her story is filled with love, compassion, and heroic efforts! I recommend this book to everyone!

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Ellia A.

I dint just with Linda, I stand in front of Linda. GO get em sHERO Wonderful listen. I was so moved by each and every chapter in this book. From nascar to election, Linda talks about it all.

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