Read & Riot

A Pussy Riot Guide to Activism

By: Nadya Tolokonnikova

Narrated by: Rebecca Gibel

From artist, activist, and Pussy Riot founder Nadya Tolokonnikova, a guerilla guide to radical protest and joyful political resistance.

The face of modern protest is wearing a brightly colored ski mask.

Nadya Tolokonnikova, founding member of the Russian activist group Pussy Riot, is a creative activist, professional protestor, brazen feminist, shocking visual artist, and force to be reckoned with. Her spontaneous, explosive approach to political action has involved jumping over barbed wire, kissing police officers, giving guerilla performances in crowded subway cars, and going on a hunger strike to protest the abuse of prisoners. She’s been horse-whipped by police in Sochi, temporarily blinded when officers threw green paint in her eyes, and monitored by the Russian government. But what made Nadya an activist icon overnight happened on February 21, 2012, when she was arrested for performing an anti-Putin protest song in a Moscow church.

She was sent to a Russian prison for 18 months and emerged as an international symbol of radical resistance, as calls to “Free Pussy Riot” resounded around the world. With her emblematic ski mask, black lipstick, and unwavering bravery, Nadya has become an emissary of hope and optimism despite overwhelming and ugly political corruption.

Read & Riot is structured around Nadya’s ten rules for revolution (Be a pirate! Make your government shit its pants! Take back the joy!) and illustrated throughout with stunning examples from her extraordinary life and the philosophies of other revolutionary rebels throughout history. Rooted in action and going beyond the typical “call your senator” guidelines, Read & Riot gives us a refreshing model for civil disobedience, and encourages our right to question every status quo and make political action exciting—even joyful.

What if Women Ruled the World?

Awesome stuff. I have a whole new reading list, Judy Chicago is up next! Check out the'What if Women Ruled the World?' collaboration between Nadya & Judy Chicago. Flipping fantastic feminist artists divine. Rise Matriarch, rise.

AWESOME!!

Great and inspirational. It's amazing what she's been through. This was a great listen.

Everything I needed

Beautifully crafted and punk as hell. It contains philosophical exploration, pragmatic tactics, and artistic meditations.

some parts of the book are skipped

Some parts of chapter 6 are missing/skipped. 6 minutes and 10 seconds in a whole chunk is skipped.

They shouldn’t allow felons or insane people to read this.

The most invigorating book I’ve read in many years. This book is a bomb, is a punk performance. They shouldn’t allow felons or insane people to read this.