Our America: 50 Essays of Defiance and Hope

Celebrated content creator Robert Arnold (@defiance13) reclaims patriotism, the flag, and what it means to be pro-American in 50 empowering essays championing free speech, civil rights, and justice.

Robert Arnold's spoken-word essays, which he posts to social media under the handle "defiance13", have earned him a reputation as one of the most distinctive voices creating online political content today. Now for the first time ever, his soothing Arkansas Delta drawl is transferred to lyrical, compelling prose in this stunning collection of 50 essays illuminating how being a truly patriotic American means calling the powerful to account.

With essay titles ranging from "For My Daughter" to "Johnny Cash & Co" to "The Day America Abdicated Its Role as a Beacon of Strength,” Arnold’s evocative writing covers everything from cultural commentary, history, politics to economics, and social justice. Fierce and unapologetic, he blends historical truth with emotional clarity to give solace to those concerned about this polarized and often frightening moment in our nation's history, inspiring all Americans to take constructive action.

Perfect for readers of Jon Meacham and Jason Stanley, Arnold’s energetic essays offer empathetic insights into the American South, working-class struggle, racial justice, and the fight for democracy that speak to and for the people.