Accessible introduction to ways of thinking about revolutionary transformation and abolition, as well as its current manifestations in grassroots movements. However, I found the book to be less theoretically rigorous than expected, and I was ultimately disappointed with the author's (lack of) engagement with the inherent limitations of capitalist economy. Though certainly partly due to my own political differences with the author, I do think that even the internal logic of the text itself necessitated a more careful consideration of the material links between the carceral system and the demands of capitalism itself.

This book is an interesting look at the prison industrial complex and some of the movements and methods to help abolish the modern day slavery that results from that complex.

The author acknowledges early that she as a white woman is not the one to speak on the issue but instead hopes to convey the insights of those most directly impacted by the work.

Art has a large part in the forward and is found throughout the book, but I wasn’t sure how it connected to the book as a whole.


I’m inspired to learn more about the prison industrial complex and the people working to help those most impacted by it.

In *Reimagining the Revolution*, Paula Lehman-Ewing offers a compelling call for readers to rethink their approaches to social change. She challenges us to look beyond traditional methods like street marches and consider more innovative strategies for impact. Lehman-Ewing encourages engaging with the organizations she highlights or crafting new visions for a reimagined world. The book advocates for a nuanced understanding of people, urging readers to see beyond simplistic labels of good or bad. Lehman-Ewing posits that true revolutionary change begins with individual transformation, hoping her book will spark this crucial personal evolution.

Lehman-Ewing’s exploration of art as a tool for advocacy and healing stands out in her work. *Reimagining the Revolution* shines a spotlight on the role of creativity in the struggle for racial justice, particularly through the voices of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated artists. By delving into how these artists use their craft to challenge systemic oppression, the book provides valuable insights into the intersection of art and activism.

As an award-winning journalist and social documentarian, Lehman-Ewing delves deeply into the modern prison abolition movement in the United States. She examines how mass incarceration perpetuates oppression and inequity, profiling organizations like Critical Resistance and the United Black Family Scholarship Foundation that are led by those most impacted by the carceral system. Her detailed accounts of these groups highlight their work in addressing the root causes of injustice, including infrastructure, community development, and economics.

The book also includes a practical guide on sustaining progress in the fight against oppressive systems. Lehman-Ewing advises focusing on specific areas of advocacy to prevent burnout, emphasizing the importance of “staying in your lane.” By concentrating efforts on a chosen cause—whether racial justice, criminal justice, immigration, or women’s rights—individuals and organizations can maximize their impact while supporting other important causes. This focused approach is presented as essential for maintaining energy and effectiveness in long-term struggles for justice.
I particularly liked the various art works features throughout the book, although I was not able to appreciate them wholly because of the digital edition.
Thanks to NetGalley and North Atlantic Books for sending across a digital copy of the book for review and feedback.

<b>TW:</b> murder, abuse, racism, injustice, criminalisation, gun violence, imprisonment, confinement, mental health, death, drug abuse

A very interesting and informative read which focused on the people fighting for radical social reform. I appreciated the way the author has given a unique voice to each individual she writes about, taking a step back to allow them to share their story. It was a very provocative read generating even more thoughts about the prison-industrial complex and how we must strive for an alternative existence that doesn't depend on dehumanisation.

<b>Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review</b>

**⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | An Inspiring Look at Modern Civil Rights**

Paula Lehman-Ewing’s *Reimagining the Revolution: Four Stories of Abolition, Autonomy, and Forging New Paths in the Modern Civil Rights Movement* offers a compelling examination of contemporary efforts to redefine and advance civil rights. The book presents four distinct stories that highlight innovative approaches to abolition and autonomy, showcasing the diverse strategies and voices within the modern movement. Lehman-Ewing’s insightful storytelling and thorough research provide a rich understanding of these transformative efforts. While some narratives could benefit from deeper exploration, the book’s focus on progressive change and new possibilities makes it a valuable read for those interested in the future of civil rights activism.

I don't think I've ever read a book like this. the book itself was a mix of everything (art, nonfiction, biography, essay) but it reflects on the prison system and how it's serving society (or rather, not) and how it should be more put into question.
this is a theme of interest for me but also I think the different people brought into the book and their different life experiences enrich the book.

This book was an insightful perspective on abolition, what that means and how it might look.
Not being from the US I was initially worried that I might find it hard to engage with the ideas being discussed but the ideas were presented in an incredibly accessible way

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

Full Rating: 3.75 stars rounded up

Reimagining the Revolution by Paula Lehman-Ewing is a thought-provoking exploration of prison abolition through four in-depth profiles of contemporary social justice groups. Centering on artists and creatives, Lehman-Ewing provides a compelling argument for viewing incarcerated individuals as full, complex people beyond their incarceration. The book’s core mission is to shed light on the inhumane conditions within American prisons and the profound risks incarcerated people face when challenging the prison system.

Lehman-Ewing skillfully deconstructs the exploitation inherent in the prison-industrial complex, highlighting the connection between poverty and criminalization. She traces the evolution of antebellum policies into today's criminal justice system, insisting that no reform can eradicate the inherent racism embedded in its foundation: “Racism infiltrates law enforcement and criminal legal proceedings because America’s original sins - colonialism, genocide, and slavery - have been solidified and carried forth in the country’s foundational legal documents.

The book’s profiles amplify the voices of those impacted by incarceration, documenting the creative and powerful advocacy work done from behind bars and after release. For example, the profile on Critical Resistance, founded by Angela Davis and Ruth Wilson Gilmore, demonstrates the importance of community-led change. The organization’s approach of facilitating the change that communities want, rather than imposing preconceived notions of needed changes, is a recurring theme.

However, not all profiles resonate equally. The chapter on Black-owned Greenwood Bank, founded by rapper Killer Mike, falls flat due to ideological differences with the concept of “compassionate capitalism.” While this approach aims to provide economic empowerment, it contrasts with the book’s overarching critique of systems that intertwine morality and wealth, where successful people are deemed right, and others are seen as broken or criminal.

Lehman-Ewing also touches on the climate crisis, demonstrating how prisons contribute to environmental degradation and create economic chokeholds on towns and cities. She provides a comprehensive look at how prisons perpetuate systemic injustices, arguing that abolition is necessary for true justice and safety: “Organizers do not think of abolition as a destructive practice. Rather, prison dismantlement is a means to opening up space - both physical space and in states’ budgets - to build something new.”

Overall, Reimagining the Revolution is a compelling introduction to abolitionist thought, offering strategies for moving towards a reimagined society. While some chapters may not align with all readers' ideologies, the book remains a valuable resource for those interested in understanding and challenging the prison-industrial complex.

📖 Recommended For: Advocates for Prison Abolition, Social Justice Activists, Readers Interested in Criminal Justice Reform, Fans of Nonfiction Highlighting Marginalized Voices, Those Who Appreciate Detailed Profiles of Grassroots Movements.

🔑 Key Themes: Prison Abolition, Incarceration and Humanity, Intersection of Poverty and Criminalization, Racial Injustice, Creative Advocacy, Historical Continuity of Oppression.

Content / Trigger Warnings: Police Violence (moderate), Pandemic (moderate), Incarceration (severe).

Such an important book right now! The connection between prison abolition and the Civil Rights movement is one that needs to be discussed more when talking about racial equity.

This was a fantastic book that helped frame these issues in a different light for me. I highly recommend it to everyone!

A brilliant book that kept me wanting to read on. I enjoy how it delves into social issues - some which can be quite polarising! A fascinating exploration.

I love the overall message of this book, and there are some poignant moments, however the organization of it was hard to follow. This may be due to the fact I was reading a digital ARC, however, which did not have the formatting that would presumably be in the final copy. The author is trying to tell the stories of several other people, and at times, I was confused about whose story we had jumped to and why, However, I don't think this diminished the impact of what was being said: that the prison industrial complex is not actually that great at preventing crime, and it is dehumanizing to those who are a part of it (a form of legal slavery). Hearing the perspectives of prisoners is eye-opening. I would rank this book amongst "things Americans need to know about."

There are many books I would like to have read. Do you know that feeling? I want the knowledge presented in the book. I even want the experience of reading the book. But I just can't bring myself to slog through all the words. My brain craves narrative and as much as I try to combat it, doomscrolling has crippled my attention-span. Which is why I so appreciate Paula Lehman-Ewing's Reimagining the Revolution. The author is trained as a journalist. Information is gathered and presented in an engaging manner. This is such a gift. I was able to read the book from beginning to end which sounds like the bare minimum but is actually rather rare. Concepts and ideas stretched me but were presented with enough context that I never felt lost. I particularly appreciate the inclusion and discussion of art. This is a great addition to anyone's liberatory library. Thank you to the author, North Atlantic Books, and NetGalley for the eARC.

A wonderful book. As someone who has a special interest in social issues this was great to read and relevant to today. Thank you for the copy I will definitely share with my friends.

I think this book is a fantastic addition to wider reading about abolition, community organising and grassroots mutual aid.

Four profiles of movements in North America inform and inspire about people on the ground making change. I found it incredibly accessible reading and really built on my understanding of intersectional activism.

Lehman-Ewing recognises herself that her place as a white author is to magnify the voices of those most affected by the prison industrial complex and other themes covered.

5 ⭐

This is a book about justice: racial, social, and economic. But it is also an exploration of humanity.

Reimagining the Revolution is an informative, thought-provoking, and inspiring story about racism, activism, abolition, and societal revolution. In its entirety, Reimagining the Revolution is focused on ideas and movements concerned with racial justice, mostly occupied by the American prison-industrial complex, as a deep-rooted oppressive and dehumanising system supported by the USA's unwillingness to grapple with its history as a nation of colonisers and slaveowners (pg. xxxv).

My voice appears as a guide throughout, but my goal is to amplify the voices of others, not speak for them or over them.

Paula Lehman-Ewing's approach to this issue is admirable; the research is well conducted with great care in providing relevant information, both background and additional, in descriptive, precise, and simple language. In true allyship, Paula Lehman-Ewing uses her voice to amplify the testimonies of black people across the USA affected by the all-encompassing consequences of racism perpetuated by the white supremacist system of power.

Thank you to NetGally and North Atlantic Books for providing me with an Advanced Readers Copy! For more information on the book and the project, go to https://reimaginingtherevolution.com/.

I'll be honest and share that this was a little difficult for me start but it was a book I found myself glued to when I did finally pick it up. I think it says more about where we continue to be in a country and how much we ingest on a daily basis. I was heartened to read a book that gave us a better look at the activists who are working through these complex issues and the fact that the book itself looked as "where do we go from here." I am a social worker and do believe that I would recommend this to those in this field as well as students entering this field. The weighed down feeling is something I think is expanding in this field with compassion fatigue and burnout. This book I think would help spark some realistic optimism.