Surmountable, the book

The first Surmountable book was written for the millions of people who have been interested in social movements, but have been disheartened by their recent lack of progress. If you are tired of signing petitions that are ignored by politicians and corporations or demonstrating without seeing any results, co-authors Brian Gruber and Adam Monier Edwards present 13 optimistic stories from across 4 continents to show how social change has been successful in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

There are plenty of first-hand accounts written about individual initiatives, philosophical treatises about what drives people, and academic theories about how one should act. Surmountable is the first real world analysis that includes over 40 original interviews with activists, historians, and citizens near key landmarks to inspire the next generation by offering practical insights on how to make a difference.

Surmountable: How Citizens from Selma to Seoul Changed the World

By Brian Gruber & Adam Monier Edwards

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As seen and heard on...

C-SPAN 2 BookTV Interview National Geographic NationSwell PRX Radio Interview Crowdfunded on Kickstarter
Surmountable is required reading for any aspiring change agent who seeks to understand the sacrifices and contributions of past trailblazers and apply their lessons to solve our society’s greatest challenges.”
– Jocelyn Benson, Michigan Secretary of State

Featuring original interviews with...

Activists Scholars Curators
LaDonna Brave Bull Allard, Standing Rock NoDAPL co-founder Hong-koo Han, Sungkonghoe University professor Lucy Beard, Alice Paul Institute executive director
Gregory Watson, driving force behind the 27th Amendment Todd Gitlin, Columbia University professor Sam Walker, National Voting Rights Museum and Institute historian
Kalle Lasn, Occupy Wall Street co-creator Colleen Sheehan, Villanova University professor Brewster Kahle, Internet Archive and Alexa Internet co-founder
Jay O'Neal, West Virginia teacher strike leader Paul Matzko, Cato Institute research fellow Sergii Karchuk, Ukraine event organizer

© 2021 Surmountable, PBC. Printed in the USA on FSC and SFI sustainable paper, 340 pages. E-book also available.

Surmountable, the book

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