The Free People's Village

A Novel Idea

By: Sim Kern

Narrated by: Sophie Amoss

In an alternate 2020 timeline, Al Gore won the 2000 election and declared a War on Climate Change rather than a War on Terror. Green infrastructure projects have transformed U.S. cities into lush paradises (for wealthy, white neighborhoods, at least), and the Bureau of Carbon Regulation levies carbon taxes on every financial transaction.

Maddie Ryan is a 24-year-old English teacher at a predominantly Black high school in Houston. Teaching is just a job for her; it pays the bills, and she lives for band practices with her queer punk band, Bunny Bloodlust.

When Maddie learns that the neighborhood where she teaches and her band plays is to be sacrificed for a new electromagnetic hyperway out to the suburbs, she joins a Black-led organizing movement fighting for the neighborhood. At first, she’s only focused on keeping her band together and getting closer to the band’s guitarist (and her crush) Red. But working with Save the Eighth forces Maddie to reckon with the harm she has already done to the neighborhood—both as a resident of the gentrifying Lab and as a white teacher in a predominantly Black school.

When police respond to their protests with violence, the Lab becomes the epicenter of “The Free People’s Village”—an occupation that promises to be the birthplace of an anti-capitalist revolution.

In The Free People’s Village, Sim Kern dares to ask the question that many social justice-minded individuals have long grappled with: When justice comes knocking, will you be brave enough to answer?

©2023 Sim Kern (P)2023 Recorded Books

Unique story

As a middle aged cis white women I have been actively trying to broaden my worldview outside of my small mid western town. This book definitely did that. I hope Sim continues to develop her craft.

The revolution is in you

I LOVED this book. Sim Kern is an INCENDIARY voice, and this book is a love letter to protest movements for self-determination and true liberation. Honoring the activism of ancestors past, The Free People's Village inspires me to keep onward in working for a better future that actually includes everyone. This book is so brilliant and prescient in so many ways, and having been an activist for a decade this story filled my wells with active hope— joy in the struggle. For freedom for all.

Please pronounce Assata Shakur’s name correctly

I typically use books as an escape, this was not one. Story was still interesting however and left readers with some hope at the end of the tunnel. Super super disappointed that the reader (or anyone in production) pronounced Assata Shakur’s last name incorrectly. It’s said so many times and a simple google search would have fixed it.

Loved this book

this was a very entertaining read for me. The story is inspiring, emotional, and hauntingly relevant to the current situation and state of the world. I adore Sim🤍

The narrator relayed emotions wonderfully

Im in my fifties and this book connected me to the present and I loved it for that.

The relevance

This was a difficult book to digest, not because it’s hard to understand—but that the truth in it broke my heart. This is a book that will stay in my brain, like an ear worm.

A book that’s real with you.

This book is not for the faint of heart. If you are easily triggered by serious topics, maybe check something else out before braving this book.

I went through a rollercoaster of emotions listening to this book. I was able to relate to many characters, especially Maddie. This book focuses on helping you open up to others very real lives and situation. I’m so glad I got a chance to read this book!

Powerful

Thank you Sim, for helping us put familiar thoughts into words. For the hope. This helps. In solidarity, a Palestinian in Turtle Island

Much anticipated book really delivers

I have been anticipating this book for months. I’ve been following the author Sim on TikTok. Their story is so captivating. I was drawn in by the love stories in the setting revolution and authentic things that movements struggle with. I highly recommend this book.

Such a wealth of perspective

I really, really enjoyed this book. It gave me a glimpse into a world that I want to see more of. And I don't mean the setting, I mean the people, the perspectives, the relationships, and the lived experiences. I think that the world will become a better place the more that our eyes are opened to our shared humanity. And books like this provide an easy way to start building that understanding.