Hold the Line

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

By: Michael Fanone, John Shiffman

Narrated by: Michael Fanone

Length: 7 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

An honest account. Thank you for your call to duty

I started the book and finished it in less than 24 hours. Riveting. Revealing. Telling.

Wow! Truly Enlightening to the reality of dedication to service

Had to listen to every word and I now understand a cop’s dedication to his service in a whole new way. Yes, he’s a little rough around the edges, but I would have this book be written in no other way. Mr. Fanone tells his story exactly as it should be told and from fir first person account. Deeply moving to someone who has a son in the same profession.

Thank you

MF: Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for your honesty. I pray people hear your story and stop giving tRump oxygen. He is a cancer on our democracy.

Eye opening read

Michael Fanone talks about his experience on January 6th and shares with incredible detail what happened that dreadful day! People who do not believe January 6th, 2021 happened should read this! It should be required reading for all politicians, especially those who deny that January 6th happened.

A True American Patriot’s Story

Michael Fanone is a Profile in Courage and a True American Patriot. At his own risk, he still continues to speak Truth to Power so that all of America will never forget the events of January 6th. I have the utmost respect for this man for what he has survived and all the ridicule and character assassination attempts by Insurrection Deniers and alleged Evangelical Christians. Excellent reading of this book right from the Author himself. I thank Michael Fanone and feel as millions due forever in his debt. I hope I have the honor & privilege of meeting him one day. 🗳️ 🇺🇸 ⚖️

Don’t listen to this on speaker! Many F bombs and worse! But a great book!

Didn’t know much about Mr. Fanone but was horrified by the insurrection. Very detailed and graphic, tastefully done and read very well!
Just don’t listen to this while you’re driving with kids in the car

Riveting

I listen to this entire book in one sitting. It was fascinating and human. Officer Fidelity is an excellent reader, and he tells his own story with heart and intelligence.

Uncommon insight

The struggles were tangible and believable. Well done Michael.
I’d like to buy you a can of beer if I see you on the Acela…

No Mincing Words Here

I purchased both the Kindle version and Audible. I ended up beginning the book over again on Audible. i couldn't make the reading work in my head. I worked with law enforcement for over 30 years so was prepared for the language, terms and method of
speaking by an officer. It may be easier for readers to listen because of just that, especially if they are offended by language which expresses the anger, pain and disgust which in my opinion, is part of the purpose of this book. Hold the Line was what I anticipated. I would have liked to be given more information about the individuals that Mr. Fanone dealt with when pursuing justice for those who fought and died on January 6th., such as members of Congress. I understand his anger but there were times when it overshadowed what happened to other officers. I also realize many officers want to forget they were there but it breaks my heart so few have been acknowledged for their bravery that day. Read this book or better yet listen to it, if you want to know the background of someone who was there, doing what he knew was right, not just his job. Read/listen because you want to understand and experience the events you've watched like a movie. Read/listen because the story didn't end that day. Read/liste because the story continues snd lies are still being told. Read/listen, but don't expect answers, a feel good story, or a reason for how so many in our country could believe such a fanatical lie or a United States president could fabricate it and manipulate them. Mr Fanone is absolutely right, when calling it a cult. And just like so many cult leaders, e.g. Charles Manson, Trump was able to convince people not only to follow him but to kill for him. I thank Mr Fanone for his service as a law enforcement officer and his candor while sharing his experience from one of the darkest and ugliest days in U.S. history.

Eye opening and heart stopping.

I so appreciate hearing what really happened from someone it really happened to. I learned many things from this book. Michael is a hero for coming forward with the truth others are trying to hide.