Hold the Line

The Insurrection and One Cop's Battle for America's Soul

De: Michael Fanone, John Shiffman

Narrado por: Michael Fanone

From a twenty-year police veteran and former Trump supporter who nearly lost his life during the insurrection of January 6th, this instant New York Times bestseller is also an urgent warning that “offers a stark message for this uncertain moment, making crystal clear the urgency and importance of defending our precious democracy” (Nancy Pelosi).

When Michael Fanone self-deployed to the Capitol on January 6, 2021, he had no idea his life was about to change. When he got to the front of the line, he urged his fellow officers to hold it against the growing crowd of insurrectionists—until he found himself pulled into the mob, tased until he had a heart attack, and viciously beaten with a Blue Lives Matter flag as shouts to kill him rang out.

Now, Fanone is ready to tell the full story of that infamous day, along with exploring our country’s most critical issues as someone who has had firsthand experience with many of them. A self-described redneck who voted for Trump in 2016, Fanone’s closest friend was an informant—a Black, transgender, HIV-positive woman who has helped him mature and rethink his methods as a police officer. With his unique insight as an undercover detective and intense desire to do the right thing no matter the cost, Fanone provides a nuanced look into everything from policing to race to politics in a way that is accessible across all party lines.

Determined to make sure no one forgets what happened at the Capitol on January 6th, Fanone has written a timely and “important” (Kirkus Reviews) call to action for anyone who wants to preserve our democracy for future generations.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Michael Fanone. All rights reserved. (P)2022 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

This man was born to be a police officer.

I'm not a police officer nor do I play one on TV. However, I had an FBI agent father and I've worked with a lot of police officers in jobs I've held over the years. Now and then you meet one who was born to be a cop—an exceptional cop. And they often end up frustrated by the system of corruption in the upper echelons of policing, unions, etc. And when they try to fix things, they are forced out. I've seen it happen. It happened to Fanone.

This book is honest about his failings as a human being (we all have them) and it's honest regarding his frustration with those who only support the police in certain circumstances.

What happened to him and the other officers on January 6th is absolutely unacceptable. Period. I feel the same way about other instances of mob action, like him I draw a distinction between attempting to overthrow a CVS and attempting to overthrow a government. How they were treated by Congress, specifically the GOP members (with a few exceptions) is appalling. In fact, the entitlement (overall) of the members of Congress towards the local police angered me. Our elected representatives should, at the very least, show some respect.

However, beyond that, I appreciate his willingness to discuss the problems that plague policing and ways to resolve those issues—such as federal standards and adequate training to meet them. Not that I believe Congress will do it, but he's correct that this is the only way through the present problem. He addresses mental health and a variety of issues with such accuracy I wanted to applaud his insight. (My hat is off to his social worker mother who gave him such insight into the issues of poverty and diversity.)

We're poorer as a nation that Mr. Fanone is no longer in policing. That said, he might be able to carry a torch of support and reformation forward to create a better police force that serves the nation better. With that, more people would respect the police rather than seeing them as so flawed as to be virtually beyond redemption.

I came for January 6th. I read the entire book because Mr. Fanone is so much more than that.

Respect.

I actually got choked up with this book

I have been waiting for this book to come out for months. As a Navy Brat straight down the line I want to thank Michael for his service. And to those who turned their backs on him because he would not be silent, they are the cowards just like Trump. I hope the rest of your life is the best it can be. You are and will remain a hero along with your fellow officers who defended our capitol against the mislead Trump supporters who are still here.

Excellent read

Great book! Thank you for your service Mr. Fanone. It depicts what occurred from the other side. I’m sorry for all the officers who were intentionally harmed and grieve for the lost souls. Thank you.

Anyone who ignores shaking someone’s hand and / or a greeting gesture (Covid) is so petty and small. Number one rule with people who exemplify class and ethics.

Riveting overview of the insurection

Very riveting and transparent overview of the January 6th insurrection provided by Michael Fanone. Hold the Line Is a must have to listen to or read for anyone who wants to drive reform where it is needed and to honor officers like Michael who put their lives on the line every day to protect us and our great nation.

Michael, thank you for your bravery, for your candor and for being the strong voice of so many fallen heroes and others who do not have the bravery you have to have the facts speak to the reform that is needed.

riveting

I am so proud of this man. he reminds me of what being an American means.

Thank you officer Fanone!

Thank you not only for your valor and service as a police officer and your heroic defense of our Capitol building, but for some real insight. Insight into why so few officers speak out about their experiences. I’m so angry with the police union for their lack of support and acknowledgement for what you and your fellow officers have been through. Everyone in the U.S. should revere your as a hero and not a political casualty! Excellent engaging book!

Great insights

I appreciated the honesty and clarity of Michael's book. Sometimes it was hard to hear the f word used, but, it did convey his anger and disappointment at the events. I cried at the pain inflicted on the officers. Also. it was really hard to hear how members of congress, Unions and other officials denied and ignored the officers. The officers risked their lives and deserve better. I agree with Michael's suggestions for improvements. I'd love to see the Republicans work with the Democrats to have national reforms to make a safer America for everyone. Thank you for writing this historical book.

Colleen Hein

Brave

Thank you for your service and honesty. I'm grateful that you wrote this candid and compelling book about January 6th and your life as a police officer.

Inspirational

Throughout the entire book Fanone seemed to be speaking straight from the heart. No pretenses or selfish motives, just pure patriotism.

Excellent and compelling

Michael Fanone has done us all a favor by writing about his life experience before, during, and after Jan 6. His book is excellent and the way he speaks and delivers his book very compelling. Highly recommend and I’m grateful for his mission and advocacy.