A playbook for navigating and defending free speech today by the CEO of PEN America, Dare To Speak provides a pathway for promoting free expression while also cultivating a more inclusive public culture.
... a warning and a steady voice of experience and erudition on how to preserve and expand free expression ... history illuminates her pages, but Nossel never loses sight of her chief aim: to provide a road map for navigating and safeguarding free-speech rights in our multifaceted, multicultural democracy ... Will Nossel’s guideposts resonate with polarized speakers? It’s impossible to know whether the tips throughout the book will facilitate more refined debate or acceptance of other viewpoints. Readers may find some of the advice banal, though well-intentioned ... Can a sincere, thoughtful book with some nuggets of practical advice resolve our infinite wars over free speech that sometimes devolve from juvenile name-calling to actual violence? Dare to Speak adds another voice to the cacophony. Nossel reiterates our long-standing commitment to free speech and offers some wholesome advice, which may be just what we need. Instead of less debate, we need wide conversation to lead us toward the truth in the marketplace of ideas.
... a reasoned, well-sourced argument for protecting free speech, even in cases where it’s morally reprehensible ... Some of Nossel’s suggestions for defusing offensive speech seem overly optimistic, but her ardent defense of this constitutional right is based persuasively on personal experience and straightforward evidence. Readers will find this clearheaded account to be a helpful guide to navigating today’s partisan extremism.
