The People's Project

Poems, Essays, and Art for Looking Forward

By: Saeed Jones, Maggie Smith

Narrated by: Hala Alyan, Victoria Chang, Tiana Clark, Jill Damatac, Mieko Gavia, Aubrey Hirsch, Mira Jacob, Kay Jones, Randall Mann, Abi Maxwell, Koritha Mitchell, André Santana, Jason Silverstein

USA TODAY BESTSELLER

A liberatory anthology of twenty-seven writers—a community in book form—charting paths ahead for action and care in the face of political uncertainty, curated by Maggie Smith and Saeed Jones.

Inspired by Saeed Jones and Maggie Smith’s conversations in the wake of the 2024 election, this is a collection of poems, essays, and visual art on what we—individually and collectively—can hold onto, and what we can work towards.

In times of difficulty, with a government working against its own people, we must turn to our friends and loved ones to provide context, language, energy, and hope. The People’s Project offers a range of perspectives, drawing wisdom from their communities and histories: from know-your-place aggression to crip time as a way forward, from finding strength in nature to how trans people provide a guide for the future, and how hope has everything to do with survival.

We hope these meditations and strategies will provide you with inspiration and fortitude for the years ahead.

Featuring original and selected work from Alexander Chee, Chase Strangio, Tiana Clark, Hala Alyan, Aubrey Hirsch, Imani Perry, Abi Maxwell, Victoria Chang, Koritha Mitchell, Jason Silverstein, Alice Wong, Mira Jacob, Aruni Kashyap, Sam Sax, Ashley C. Ford, Marlon James, Eula Biss, Randall Mann, Danez Smith, Ada Limon, Kiese Laymon, Joy Harjo, Jill Damatac, Kay Jones, and Patricia Smith.

Critic reviews

"The subtitle of this short, inspiring listen could be: “Pep talks from your favorite writers.” Maggie Smith and Saeed Jones have put together a vibrant collection of short essays and poems about how to keep going in times that feel impossible. Many of the writers read their own contributions. Highlights include beautiful poems read with raw emotion by Tiana Clark, Victoria Chang, and Randall Mann; and Mira Jacob’s poem in the form of a text left for her son after the 2024 election, read with inviting warmth. Seasoned narrators André Santana, Kay Jones, and Mieko Gavia read the pieces not performed by their authors with a variety of inflections, reflecting the different styles of the contributing writers. This delightful listen is a much-needed reminder that we are not alone."

the stories were beautiful

loved this book hope that another like this is created. i love hearing stories of other people and highlighting their struggles. humanity is us all and we are all apart of this beautiful world. we can learn a lot about ourselves in others.

A hopeful perspective

I loved the variety of works and the assurance that struggle is necessary for change and worth continuing! I’ll be buying the hardcover now!