... 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.

An informative work for readers interested in human rights, free speech, censorship, and how they interact.

... 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.

... a defense of free speech that alternately hits the mark and wanders far afield from First Amendment issues, dealing instead with cultural insensitivity or noninclusive language. In much of the first half, Nossel serves up unedifying bromides on how to respond to 'unintended offenses' such as stereotyping millennials as 'snowflakes' or 'asking a fellow party guest if she’s pregnant when she isn’t.' The narrative gains traction when the author addresses urgent questions such as how to protect free speech while responding effectively to harmful material like online revenge porn, terrorist recruitment, and deepfake videos ... Throughout the book, the author argues persuasively that 'informal self-governance' protects free speech better than corporate or government restrictions, but after reading her accounts of abuses by Silicon Valley behemoths, few readers are likely to disagree with one of her conclusions: 'Mandated transparency is one area where government regulation of online content may be a positive step and would not entail intrusions on content in violation of the First Amendment' ... Apt and inapt arguments commingle in a passionate defense of free speech.