As an AJR fan I was very surprised when I heard that Adam had a pHD and was writing a book. I immediately knew I had to read it no matter what it was about and when I saw it on NetGalley as an ARC it was an immediate request, and I am glad I did. This book opened my eyes to the world in a whole new way and made me look at how I can use my voice to create change in the world, because let's face it, our world kind of sucks, and any change no matter how big or small, can make a difference.

Thank you, Netgalley, for giving me this ARC! This was definitely one of my most highly anticipated books for 2025. Those who know me know I am a huge fan of AJR and have been since 2013. So it's safe to say I was really excited when one of the band members, @adamajrbrothers, decided to write a book. This definitely exceeded my expectations, and while I read this, I was constantly recommending it to everyone I knew. This book delves into what makes a social movement not only successful but also how it connects us as a community and human beings. I loved how Adam wove different stories into lessons by also using interviews from some other spectacular people and musicians. I plan to buy a few copies of this book when it releases in 24 hrs. I thankfully get to go to one of the book tour spots and get a signed one, but I also plan to buy another copy where I can highlight and take notes. I can see this book being used in classrooms and as a guide for future social justice majors or even just someone like me who is currently working on a social action project for my final class.

Seriously, go buy this book.

I was really impressed with how engaging this was (should not have been surprised based on the entire premise of the book). It's smart and informed without being didactic, and I think both young activists and community builders who are interested in how to take action, and "older" readers who are seeking to understand how to engage any audience will find a lot in this one. Met draws on his own expertise as well as from a huge range of experts on different topics and walks of life, and this furthers his points in really interesting ways.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an eARC in return for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book a lot, and was surprised at how many of the musicians that I recognized that were included, including Twenty One Pilots, Ben Folds, Olivia Rodrigo, and more. I will admit that I at first picked up this book mostly due to being a fan of AJR, but still had a mild interest in the contents and activism piece. I am happy to say that after the reading the book, my outlook has changed. Yes, there were new facts about pop culture artists, and the band, but the real message of the book lies in its call for action and tips on how to organize a community of changemakers.

I particularly enjoyed the community-building chapter that focused on games/riddles. I personally love them, and hadn’t thought about their capabilities for rallying teams, but it really does make sense as a tool for leaders.

I think that the most valuable insight that I gleaned from this book was a feeling of hope. Sometimes my lack of initiative to foster change comes from a place of feeling hopeless about the capability for change in the first place. This book, and particularly the interview with Glenn Beck, reignited my heart in terms of capability for change, or at least common grounds.

I would recommend both to fans of the band, but also to any future leaders, young and old. In a world of increasing change and evolving strategies for connection, it serves as a guidebook that provides the right tips and asks the right questions.

#Amplify #NetGalley

Maybe I just was not the right audience for this book. This very much so seems like a book geared toward those ready to lead in action, rather than those looking for a way to engage meaningfully with actions already in place.
Despite that there were some pieces I still found interesting, such as quite a few engaging interviews that were included throughout the book and bits about how AJR developed as a band.