Giving Up Is Unforgivable

A Manual for Keeping a Democracy

By: Joyce Vance

Narrated by: Joyce Vance

Instant New York Times bestseller

A political manifesto for our present moment—part history lesson, part call to save the Republic

"Brilliant, galvanizing, and inspirational. A road map to help us find our way out of the darkness." —Mary L. Trump

We’re in this together.

For the past several years, Joyce Vance has signed off posts on her chart-topping Substack, "Civil Discourse", with these four words. In that time, she has guided readers through a continued erosion of democratic norms, the unprecedented felony conviction of an ex-president, and the constitutionally calamitous beginning to the second Trump administration. Here, Vance offers a blueprint for avoiding burnout and despair, and for strengthening our democratic muscle.

Giving Up Is Unforgivable is a clarion call to action, putting our current crisis in historical context and sketching out a vision for where we go next. Vance’s message is hopeful at its heart, even as it acknowledges the daunting challenges that lie ahead. She is the constitutional law professor you never knew you needed, explaining the legal context and the political history— and why the rule of the law still matters. At the same time, she empowers the reader to do something, both as individuals and collectively.

Consider this the birth of a countermovement to Project 2025, a rallying cry for citizen engagement to combat the second Trump administration and save American democracy.

Brilliantly written and told.

I’ve admired Joyce’s intellect since I became aware of her and her background, primarily through seeing her on MSNBC and by listening to her podcast with her other sisters. This book clearly speaks to our challenges, and is also hopeful and optimistic.

Excellent book! Very inspiring!!

This is an excellent read! Joyce Vance is brilliant and right on target with ideas, analysis and recommendations for all of us! Highly recommend!! Excellently narrated.

Informative and inspiring

I enjoyed the structure and content, and the delivery was enjoyable, Joyce Vance’s knowledge of and love for law and democracy is contagious,

Basic political common sense

I bought the book (2 of them) and the audio book. Loved them all & I enjoyed visiting Little Professor to pick up my first signed copy!

We are the cavalry.

A timely and relevant pep talk for all those who believe in our country's commitment to democracy and the rule of law.