Antifascist Book Club Reading List
(veteransfightingfascism.org)
Books to Inspire Action and Understanding
Here are the essentials recommended by Kristofer Goldsmith, founder of Veterans Fighting Fascism, to help you prepare for the challenges ahead. Though we may call it a “book club,” we’re also including websites, podcasts, articles, and other essential antifascist media. Click on each title below to expand and learn more about the book’s themes and lessons. We recommend that you read the first six items in order (we’ve developed our Leader Guides to facilitate this order), but after that, you should leave it to your group to determine what to take on next.
(One more thing: In the list below we’re prioritizing embedding links to the publishers’ pages where you can purchase these works, as well as their respective authors’ and creators’ current professional websites so that you can see what they’re working on today. We encourage those who are in a position to purchase these works to do so, and to consider donating extra copies to your local library or neighborhood Little Free Library. Since we first published The Antifascist Book Club Reading List, we have heard from people around the country that many of these titles have waiting lists spanning several months.)
- #1 – What is Fascism? (Task Force Butler Guide)This comprehensive guide from Task Force Butler explores the historical and theoretical foundations of fascism, providing a clear and actionable definition. It examines how fascist movements exploit crises, deploy propaganda, and undermine democratic institutions. By understanding these tactics, readers can better identify and counter contemporary authoritarian threats.The guide emphasizes the importance of organized resistance and grassroots activism in defending democratic norms. It also offers practical steps for recognizing fascist tactics in political discourse and mobilizing communities to respond effectively.
- #2 – Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Out Nation by Representative John Lewis
- #3 – On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder
- # 4 – Strongmen, Mussolini to the Present by Ruth Ben-Ghiat
- #5 – Surviving Autocracy by Masha Gessen
- #6 – How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
The members of your Antifascist Book Club should determine what you take on next:
- On Offense, by Kristofer GoldsmithOn Offense is a Substack publication by Kristofer Goldsmith, founder of Task Force Butler Institute and Veterans Fighting Fascism, which is dedicated to exposing authoritarian threats and organizing against fascism in the United States. Drawing on his experience as a combat veteran and antifascist organizer, Goldsmith provides sharp analysis of current political events, the rise of authoritarianism, and strategies for defending democratic institutions.The publication combines investigative reporting, historical context, and actionable advice for grassroots activists. Each post is a call to arms for those committed to safeguarding democracy and countering hate-fueled movements. Subscribe to stay informed and join a growing community of readers dedicated to taking a stand against authoritarianism.
- The Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt
- How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt
- They Thought They Were Free: The Germans, 1933–45 by Milton Mayer
- The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman
- Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism by Rachel Maddow
