We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders

A Memoir of Love and Resistance

By: Linda Sarsour

Narrated by: Linda Sarsour

Linda Sarsour, co-organizer of the Women’s March, shares an “unforgettable memoir” (Booklist) about how growing up Palestinian Muslim American, feminist, and empowered moved her to become a globally recognized activist on behalf of marginalized communities across the country.

On a chilly spring morning in Brooklyn, nineteen-year-old Linda Sarsour stared at her reflection, dressed in a hijab for the first time. She saw in the mirror the woman she was growing to be—a young Muslim American woman unapologetic in her faith and her activism, who would discover her innate sense of justice in the aftermath of 9/11. Now heralded for her award-winning leadership of the Women’s March on Washington, Sarsour offers a “moving memoir [that] is a testament to the power of love in action” (Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow).

From the Brooklyn bodega her father owned, where Linda learned the real meaning of intersectionality, to protests in the streets of Washington, DC, Linda’s experience as a daughter of Palestinian immigrants is a moving portrayal of what it means to find one’s voice and use it for the good of others. We follow Linda as she learns the tenets of successful community organizing, and through decades of fighting for racial, economic, gender, and social justice, as she becomes one of the most recognized activists in the nation. We also see her honoring her grandmother’s dying wish, protecting her children, building resilient friendships, and mentoring others even as she loses her first mentor in a tragic accident. Throughout, she inspires you to take action as she reaffirms that we are not here to be bystanders.

In this “book that speaks to our times” (The Washington Post), Harry Belafonte writes of Linda in the foreword, “While we may not have made it to the Promised Land, my peers and I, my brothers and sisters in liberation can rest easy that the future is in the hands of leaders like Linda Sarsour. I have often said to Linda that she embodies the principle and purpose of another great Muslim leader, brother Malcolm X.”

This is her story.

Critic reviews

"Author Linda Sarsour narrates her life story in a confident, powerful tone that reflects her role as an activist who is particularly known for co-organizing the Women's March. Even when she speaks about exhausting hours and the death of her mentor, her volume is loud and her resilience unwavering. Her Brooklyn accent, with its hard, flat sounds, projects a steely quality that fits her. This Muslim–American leader has accomplished much in her young life because her perseverance matches her compassion in equal measure. Her toughness is evident when she tells off an intruder. Particularly chilling is her description of the aftermath of a car accident, when she juxtaposes her mentor's repeated cries of 'I can't breathe' with those same words being chanted by protesters demonstrating against police brutality."

eye opener even for an arab muslim

loved listening to Linda's story in her own voice till the end of the acknowledgment. the chapter on Basmah made me cry, the chapter about her son's essay made my heart smile, each and every chapter had me deep in a feeling and taught me a lesson. linda is a living lesson for everyone who wants to be impactful on a big scale. may we all have a sense of purpose for the greater good like sister linda and send us people who encourage, stand by, and work with us till the end.

A Masterclass in Love & Humanity

Linda Sarsour is truly the moral voice of my generation. I listened to this audiobook as I read the hard copy and I’m so glad that I did. Linda speaks with such clarity, purpose, and resolve in her mission to fight injustice everywhere. It was a great pleasure reading her autobiography, which reads more like a love letter to the American people, communities of color, Muslim people, and all of humanity. The history of this woman’s fearless activism continues to be written and I feel privileged to witness it. You better believe I am not here to be a bystander.

outstanding read

very informational summary of events pertaining to social justice issues affecting people of color and systemic oppression and discrimination.

Inspiring

I have really enjoyed hearing Linda’s story and feel inspired by her courage and selflessness in these trying times. She is an American hero.

Brought me to tears. Love and appreciate you QUEEN✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽

This book has brought me to tears so many times. I LOVED everything about it sis. I love you and your resilience. You taught me what being a Muslim-Palestinian Activist looks like. You showed me the way and I will forever be grateful, humbled and honored. We appreciate you and everything about your unapologetic self. We love you and hold you near and dear to our hearts. Sending love and appreciation from one Palestinian sis to another💗💗💗