Mallory McMorrow, a state senator from Michigan, went viral in 2022 with a speech declaring that she would not let hate win while she stood by and watched. The closing words of McMorrow's speech are now the title of her first book, Hate Won't Win, in which she combines memoir and personal narrative to expand on her clear, action-oriented plea to readers to get--and stay--involved in the messy world of politics.
McMorrow saw "running for office as the only remaining solution for problems that needed to be fixed because, for some infuriating reason, no one else seemed to be fixing it." But running for office was just the start. In Hate Won't Win, she recounts instances of sexual harassment in the state house, becoming a mother and taking maternity leave as an elected official, accidentally going viral, and coordinating a progressive coalition in Michigan's government. What becomes apparent in these anecdotes is that running for office is, in fact, not the only solution. Amid the "constant barrage of noise" are many ways to stay informed, connect with elected officials, and become civically engaged. Rather than overwhelming, McMorrow's kind and direct guidance offers readers ideas for how and where to start, and a workbook collects action items at the end. There's a lot of bad news in the world, and it can be easy to feel helpless. But Hate Won't Win encourages readers to find their voices--and, in so doing, find their power and their hope. It's hard to imagine a more timely, important, and inspiring book. --Kerry McHugh