So apparently I rate everything five stars now, but I've just read some really amazing books lately. White Robes and Broken Badges is definitely one of those five-star reads because it is absolutely riveting. I was slightly leery when I first requested it from NetGalley because sometimes these types of memoirs can be a little dry, but this one is completely captivating. I finished it in two sittings and in under 36 hours, and it only took me that long because my body betrayed me on the first night and insisted on getting some sleep. (I could read so much more if I didn't need to sleep!)

This memoir focuses on Joe Moore's two successful attempts at infiltrating KKK groups in Florida. And, well, the man has balls of steel, I'll give him that. I would have been scared to death, and I'm also pretty sure that I don't have the poker face needed to carry out such a mission. I'd make it about five minutes before I rolled my eyes at an Exalted Cyclops (or whatever dumb title the KKK uses, I don't remember) and got “disappeared.” Moore was much more successful at his infiltration, however, and you'll definitely know how good he was at it because he tells you over and over and over. Which, I mean, fair enough … I guess if you risk your life (and the lives of your family) in order to take down some really bad guys, you've earned the right to be a little braggy.

But, seriously, this book is riveting but it's also very, very concerning. Moore goes into some depth regarding the history of the KKK and also how they (and other far-right extremist groups) are mobilizing in the present day. If he's correct – and I have no reason to doubt him – Americans everywhere should be extremely concerned about their ultimate goals, and we should vote like our democracy depends on it because it very well could. Moore talks about the January 6th insurrection and what led to it (and who encouraged it), and how, if the far-right extremists have their way, it won't be the last event of its kind.

Also, while it really has nothing to do with reviewing this book, can I say how disappointed I am that Obama's 2008 election (and his subsequent reelection in 2012) apparently led to a tremendous uptick in requests to join the KKK? (As did the 2014 killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.) I've always thought of the KKK as an organization that had its heyday way in the past, but it turns out that's not really the case at all. It's more than a little depressing.

My overall rating: 4.7 stars, rounded up. White Robes and Broken Badges is fantastic and you should probably read it ASAP.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is August 13, 2024.