Renegade: Defending Democracy and Liberty in Our Divided Country

by Adam Kinzinger, Michael D'Antonio

Adam Kinzinger captures one of the most transformative periods in recent political history in a riveting, personal account from inside Congress, including the January 6 attacks on the U.S. Capitol and his vote to impeach Donald Trump.

On January 6, 2021, Donald Trump incited a violent mob to storm the US Capitol in attempts to overturn the presidential election. It was a betrayal of our Constitution, and one of the darkest days in recent history. Yet to former congressman Adam Kinzinger it was also the culmination of a cultural and political rupture he’d long seen coming. Constructive criticism from within the Republican Party was no longer enough. It was time to stand up, even if it meant betraying his own party.

In Renegade , Kinzinger tells his story of faith, service, and political duty in a democracy under siege. From the small Illinois county board where he got his start, to his years in the Air Force flying tanker missions over Iraq, to his final tumultuous term in Congress as one of the few Republican members to vote to impeach Trump and join the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol, Kinzinger takes readers inside the most critical moments and pivotal decisions of the last years. The result is both a searing examination of the rise of extremism and the GOP’s subsequent descent into a dysfunctional and destructive force, and a rousing call to return to unity.

Raw, provocative, and clear-eyed, Renegade captures one of the most transformative periods in recent American history.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Memoir, History, Biography, Audiobook, Autobiography

320 pages, Hardcover

Published October 31, 2023

About the author

Adam Daniel Kinzinger is an American retired politician, political commentator, and former Air National Guard officer. A member of the Republican Party, he served as a U.S. representative from Illinois from 2011 to 2023; representing Illinois's 11th congressional district and later Illinois's 16th congressional district.

Kinzinger was first elected to Congress in 2010 from the 11th district. His district was largely merged with the 16th after the 2010 census, and Kinzinger transferred to the 16th after defeating its incumbent, Don Manzullo, in the Republican primary. After President Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential election, Kinzinger became known for his vocal opposition to Trump's claims of voter fraud and attempts to overturn the results.

Kinzinger did not seek reelection to Congress in 2022. After leaving office, he joined CNN as a senior political commentator.

abridged from Wikipedia

Reviews

[LaShanda Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I already possessed some knowledge about Adam Kinzinger before his service on the January 6 House Committee, this book has significantly deepened my understanding of his background. My admiration for him has grown substantially as a result of reading this book. Adam Kinzinger's remarkable courage in putting his career on the line to defend democracy is truly commendable, and I am confident that history will ultimately view his actions favorably.

I recently had the opportunity to hear Kinzinger speak at a lecture series hosted by my alma mater. Although I had initially intended to pick up his book before the lecture series, I became even more intrigued to read it after hearing him speak. I purchased a copy within a few days of its release. Overall, I found the book to be a thoroughly enjoyable read. It is exceptionally well-written and offers insightful perspectives on a challenging period in our history.

I firmly believe that this book should be considered a must-read for all Americans.

[Vicki Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have respected Kinzinger for being willing to sacrifice his political career in order to do what is right in speaking out and also joining the Jan 6 commission. It was interesting to read his story about how he got there.

[Allen Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok. I always liked Kinzinger, even when we didn't agree so I picked this up for some insight into the chaos that is Congress atm. The latter half is good and provides some of the windows into the legislative process in.such a divisive time but the first half is just Kinzinger's bio which I wasn't that interested in so it dragged some for me. Still worth the read for the look at how the sausage gets made.

[Katrisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a life-long bleeding heart liberal but I am so tired of the political division in my country. I am looking for political voices that aren't just party, party, party. Adam Kinzinger fits that bill. This book let me know about the organization Kinzinger started called Country First that is dedicated to giving voice to those of us who are interested in building bridges and finding common ground. Ideologically, I am far left, but I don't believe that our democracy can withstand the inability to compromise that is standard in our politics now. I appreciated Kinzinger's memoir and I hope that more voices like this get heard.

[Crystal Plunkett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got really tired of the Obama bashing. However, I still admire Kinzinger’s work on the J6 Committee.

[CINDY LOOI · Rating 5 out of 5]

The one and only true Republican

I just bought this book 5mins ago.
Normally I would download a sample and read the book before I decide if I like to buy it. This book is an exception for me.
Why would I buy this without even sampling it and more importantly why would I give a 5 star review even before I read a single page?
Because Adam Kissinger (and Liz Cheney) are the only 2 true Republicans who care for their country and dare speak out against Trump and the cronies. For their unyielding courage they are being ostracized by their own Republican party.
I hope more people (especially politicians) can be like Adam and Liz.
So without reading a single sentence yet in this book I already know this a book of truths.

[Rob Lund · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very fast read for me, which rarely happens. I find the character and person of Adam Kinzinger very compelling, myself a Democrat. His position in history is now so cemented after his thoroughly committed stance on the January 6th Insurrection.

I found his book a very good and brief walk through his time in Congress, the now old-fashioned Republican values that he ascribes too, and his fairness as a good faith politician. He's unique view of the events on the Capitol on Jan 6 was also very enlightening. For instance, did you know that Mark Meadows sold property to a creationist outfit?! (https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-d...)

Kinzinger's organization, Country First (no, not in any way related to Trump's America First neo-fascist movement), seems to be a positive force.

[Meggan Walls · Rating 2 out of 5]

I purchased this book on release day.

I very much wanted to like it.

The first quarter, at least, was not what I came for. Given that I made my way through it only to get to the later content, I’ll reserve judgement except to say the way the timeline jumps around at times is a disservice to readability.

Later, in the content I was more interested in, Adam does himself no great favors by REPEATEDLY attempting to excuse himself for failings that he also sees fit to condemn others for.

He expected that the J6 committee appointment would come…and he very much didn’t want to accept it.

Ego AND a reluctance to serve? …seems ironic.

This read immediately follows a 5 star review given to Cassidy Hutchinson’s book, so perhaps expectations were too high…

Nonetheless, Adam's ego, hypocrisy, and lack of self awareness is truly disappointing.

It has become apparent in retrospect that I gave him far too much undeserved credit for nothing more than association with Liz Cheney whom I greatly respect. Unfortunately, it seems that Adam’s shared respect for Liz is not enough to make him the ‘famous’ ‘important’ person he sees himself as…at least in my mind.

Ultimately, Adam just fails to be the hero of his own story.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been avoiding politics of late but I was drawn to Kinzinger’s book more in my attempt to understand Christian support of politically un-Christian (in my mind) policies and behaviors. Kinzinger is a self-identified conservative Christian and provides an insider view of what has happened over the past several years. He has now experienced being “ousted” from the GOP majority. His point of view in this book is illuminating through his light humor but serious understanding of the consequences of continuing the un-Democratic dangers we face. I admire Kinzinger’s bravery, perhaps forged by his experience as a combat pilot, and his willingness to admit to his own short comings. He recognizes the addictive draw of fame and political power. My take away is that fighting those forces through humility, love and compassion is a worthy goal.

[HR-ML · Rating 3 out of 5]

Non-fiction, memoir, audio edition. 3.5 stars.

Adam's father was raised on a farm, had a business
degree, worked in a shipyard, for the American Heart
Assoc, and for clothing outlets which benefitted a
faith-based homeless shelter. He also did fund-
raising. His mom was a 3rd grade teacher. Adam
was 1 of 3 kids.

Adam & family attended an independent fundament-
alist Baptist (IFB) church. which taught, no : smoking,
drinking, dancing, no: listening to secular music or
movies, & mom did not work outside the home. All
were taught to be reserved. And show no interest in
politics. The Kinzingers didn't strictly adhere to these
rules.

Adam discussed his high school and college years and
his Air Force career of nearly 20 years. He served as an
AF fighter-pilot in Iraq. He also transported wounded
military to hospitals. One man who needed medical
attn, had blood in his eyes. A haunting image.

While still in the AF, outside of a Milwaukee bar, Adam
saw a woman with a stab wound in her neck, who called
out for help. Adam subdued the perp and took the knife,
till police arrived. Adam received several hero awards:
Red Cross, Air Force National Guard award & AF Airmen
Medal (latter seldom awarded). Recounted in chap. 3.

Adam showed an interest in politics from age 6 onward.
He assisted his sire to run for an Illinois state lawmaker
opening. Dad, perceived as "too honest," by voters, lost.

The author ran/ won a US Congress seat to represent
his district in Illinois. He learned quickly that the GOP
intertwined politics+ religion & they failed at times
to live up to their own lofty standards. The GOP's
agenda was, by design, opposite of the Democrat's
agenda.

I can't agree w/ the author's perception of Pres. Obama,
Dick Chaney, Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio. He seemed
'right on the money' describing how Kevin McCarthy
physically intimidated his Congressional colleagues.
McCarthy put his political ambition to be Speaker ahead
of the truth about events leading up to and including
MAGA, Oath Keeper etc followers on Jan. 6th storming
of the US Capitol. He and I also agreed on the negativity/
alleged unethical breaches, etc. of Jim Jordan, & George
Santos. And Matt Gaetz.

The majority of GOP Congressional lawmakers of both
houses acted as lemmings/ enablers for Trump's alleged
unethical/ Unconstitutional/ and criminal behaviors.
(Other books indicated Trump admired Mobsters.) The
author, Liz Cheney, Jeff Flake and a few others proved
the exception to the rule. IMO history will not be kind
to Pres. #45 & his Congressional minions.

Liz and Adam participated on the Jan. 6th US House
committee. I learned atty John Eastman at 1st informed
Trump that VP Mike Pence had no legal standing to
question the electoral vote counts certified by each state.
Nor did Pence have the authority to accept alternate
electors for several key states. Eastman changed his mind.

The author admitted some mistakes in his personal and
public lives. An interesting book.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't give 5 stars to a book that had a ghost writer.
That being said, I did learn about the mindset of Conservative Christian Republicans and how they came to support Trump.
Some of the book was interesting, other parts made me mad.
Overall, I'm glad I listened to this, read by him. ( Since he didn't write it, the least he could do.)
I don't share his world view nor his steadfast faith in religion. I also would find it hard to ever vote for him - we don't share a value of universal health care, for example.
I'm glad I didn't buy it and I won't contribute to his Super Pac. I imagine his gig at CNN pays better than teaching.
I never liked him but I feel I understand him and the mess that is the Republican party now.

[Melissa Gilbreth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting book by a military veteran and Republican congressman that stood up to Trump. I’m always interested in learning from those that take the time to research difficult issues and change their mind after learning more. It takes humility and respect for others to acknowledge that you don’t already know but are interested in trying to understand. Thank you for serving our country afar and at home.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

He’s the real deal and did (and continues to do) what most didn’t (and still don’t) have the courage of conviction to do.

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure what I expected, but this was not it. Part autobiography with special emphasis on his military career, part rehash of January 6 that contained nothing new, there was nothing very interesting here.

[Brenda Theune · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I was just rating the writing, it would probably be a 3; however, I think the material itself rates a 5. A must read for everyone who feels that the GOP has left them behind.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I waited too long for my thoughts to be fresh, so I will just be recording the general impressions I remember from this book:

- Kinzinger comes out punching. I have a hard time imagining that anyone that is a fan of Trump would get very far in this book. This isn't the type of thoughtful memoir that is going to persuade someone with considered but opposing views to reconsider.
- Kinzinger comes off as a bit full of himself. He even acknowledges that you have to be that way to want to have a job in Congress.
- I picked this book up after listening to an interview that focused on the January 6th proceedings. I found the part of the book that discussed that interesting but not nearly as insightful as I expected after hearing the interview. And there was a lot of the book that had very little to do with that topic.
- After finishing this I went on to read Romney: A Reckoning, which covers similar ground in places. In contrast to this book, Romney's biography is much better written and I would recommend that over this.

[Nelda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinzinger covers the need to defend Democracy and his own somewhat renegade behavior from childhood into the military and all the way through the halls of Congress where he became one of only a few renegade Republicans who had finally had enough of Trump's behavior: he agreed to investigate the violence on January 6 and Trump's part in it. He does admit, however, that he could have stood up for what was right even earlier. Admitting one is wrong can be a courageous act.

He explores his own conservative religious faith and those who base their faith on the end times and take their faith into political extremism, allowing their Christianity to go so far that they are willing to commit violent acts and commit their allegiance to someone as irreligious as Trump. I liked what Kinzinger said about N.T. Wright's argument in his book Surprised by Hope: "Christians should focus not on the shedding of our suffering when we get to heaven but on the idea that we can begin to address the problems that afflict humanity right now." Kinsinger is trying to do something similar in the political realm now that he is no longer in government, to create an organization called Country First.

A few other tidbits: 1. How Kinsinger saw fundamentalist Christians' belief: "In Trump they Trusted." 2. When he was shunned in Congress to the point that fellow Republicans would no longer speak to him or would turn their back in the hallway, he said it was the equivalent of a church excommunication. 3. On January 6, he was as alert for danger as he was for the live mortar fire in Balad, Iraq. 4. In Iraq, General David Petraeus believed in the "clear, hold, and build" mentality in fighting a war, a reflection of what he learned from Vietnam.

I don't agree with all of Kinsinger's politics, of course. He spoke several times of his opposition to President Obama's Affordable Care Act. At least, Kinsinger offers the idea of government health clinics all over the country to give free or low-cost health care to those who can't afford insurance. Still, I do believe Kinsinger voted against the ACA with nary a replacement plan in place. Even now, Trump only has "concepts" though he has had plenty of time to come up with a little compassion and some concrete plans. Not everyone works for an employer who provides health insurance. Plus, pre-existing conditions create unaffordable insurance for millions of people. I have a sister who recently had a severe stroke. If she had not been on the ACA plan, I don't know where she would be. Yet, she and her husband will vote for Trump. I don't understand it.

I give the book a 3.5. I liked his plain-spoken views about his fellow members of Congress, Trump, and himself. I'd give it a 4 if it had included a few pictures like Liz Cheney's book did. They humanize the writer. I would have liked to see a childhood picture, one from his graduation from military training in the Wisconsin Air National Guard, his award of the Airman's Medal for saving a woman's life from a crazed knife-yielding man, pictures of him in front of the two planes he piloted in war: the T-37 and the surveillance RC-26, and his marriage. Say, one of him and his crazy Republican friends swimming in their underwear off the coast of Israel might have been a sight to behold as well!

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I realized that the party that once held my loyalty was gone. It had been replaced by a fascist cult of personality built upon decades of ever more extreme partisan politics and cultural warfare."

I don't often pick up political books, especially having to do with the Trump era, because the whole thing stresses me out. I'm not so much a democrat reading a book by a republican, I'm a person reading a book by a brave man who did the right thing when his morality was called into question. Adam Kinzinger could rightly be called a hero- and not just because of his tours of service in the Air Force, but also for standing up to a bully, for voting against him even though he knew it would mean his own political career suicide, and for sitting on a committee to fully investigate and bring into the light what happened on that dark day in January of 2021. For what he did for the country, the man deserves ten stars, not just the five offered by Goodreads. However, his narrative Renegade could have been better.
Kinzinger spends the right amount of time discussing his childhood and upbringing, giving the reader just enough insight and backstory to know what they are working with. He sets the stage with the republican party of the past, how the extreme right began and took off in the Obama presidency. He then spends much, much too long on his time in the service (three chapters and more than 60 pages to be exact) which is great if that's what you like, but that's not why I picked up this book. He then details his time in Congress, Jan 6, the aftermath, and his position on the committee. These last few items go by much too quickly, and it almost makes the reader feel like Kinzinger was focused on the wrong things.
I value hearing what the man has to say on CNN and late night talk shows, and I am still a fan of his. His book though? Just okay. And I think I'm okay with that.

[Andrew Spurgeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reasonably honest overview of Adam's career in politics, with a brief overview of the rest of his past. While written autobiographically, the primary focus of the book is the change in the GOP that started after Reagan and resulted in what it is today.

I would have liked to see a bit more of the back story of Adam's career when he was in the House. He talks a little bit about the first 6 years but limits that discussion primarily to the parts relevant to the rise of extremism in the GOP. For example, Adam mentions his opposition to the ACA but never delves into why he wants to repeal it (except for a fleeting mention of the mandate), or what he would like to see in its place. He also discussed his goal of eliminating waste within DOD, and specifically mentions his opposition to an Air Force Flight Suit program early in his House tenure. He doesn't talk about any other reforms/examples of waste, or mention that the program he spoke out against in 2011 was continued by the AF and was still receiving money in the 2020's.

Overall, I enjoyed the honesty in the book and that he has a plan(hope) to have the GOP get back to governing and being an honest counter-balance to the Democratic Party.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watching all of the January 6th hearings, I developed a deep respect for this author and was eager to read his book. This is a transparent, engaging, and well written accounting of his early life, military and political career, and his role in investigating the failed attempt to negate the 2020 election results through a violent attack on the US Capital. With surprising humor and obvious intelligence, he shares his perspectives, concerns, and hopes for this country and the deep disappointment with the spiraling decline of integrity within the Republican Party and the Christian Nationalism movement. This is a fascinating and important book for anyone truly interested in democracy, living a life of genuine faith, and the true meaning of patriotism.

[Michael Geline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an important book for concerned citizens to read. Of all the books I contemplate recommending to the various Trump supporters in my life, I wonder whether this is the one that could possibly break through.

There is broad discussion of the changing role of Christianity in American politics, and there are crucial details such as Donald Trump's financial incentive for capitulating to the Turkish president's desire for US troops to leave northern Syria. Certainly there will be readers (and voters) who forever doubt Kinzinger's sincerity, but for me his contrition over (for example) his vote against the first impeachment conveys a willingness to learn from mistakes that sets a much-needed positive example.

[Franklin Codel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast read that breezes through the life and times of Adam Kinzinger. Adam covers his early life, time in the military, and his path forward in politics up through earlier in 2023. Adam’s claim to fame was being part of the 1/6 committee and was one of ten Republicans who voted to impeach Trump for his actions on 1/6.

Having watched the 1/6 hearings, I didn’t get anything new from the book that wasn’t broadcast on the TV.

Overall, the book was a quick read but was shallow and in my view didn’t serve to advance the causes that Kinzinger cares about.

At the end of the day, it was a down the middle of the fairway narrative that didn’t add a lot to the conversation that hasn’t already been said.

[Scott Holstad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very recommended. I differ with him in many areas, particularly religion, but despite our undoubtedly not sharing some mutual policy issues, I've been as impressed with him as with any in the GOP in many years and think it's a shame that he's not a viable leadership candidate at the present. As opposed to the anarchic traitors ruining DC & the country in their ongoing fight to be the world's greatest dicks?!? He's practically the voice of reason and not afraid of killing his career (or previously even his life) for the good of the country and our still-standing democracy. Something to be said for that.

[Phillip]

My favorite line from the book was Adam's description of "Trump-infected zombies":

"The man's words had overtaken their brains like parasitic worms, rendering them pathologically loyal and incapable of independent thought."

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kinzinger is a clear-eyed and straight talking Republican who gives a chilling behind the scenes look at the rise of the Tea Party and Donald Trump. A good read with a sane call for more bipartisanship in our politics.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

well worth reading. The more I learn about him, the more I like him.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, he just laid into everyone. Wonderful.

[Miriam Childs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t know who Adam Kinzinger was until I saw the January 6 committee reports of tv. Since then I’ve seen more interviews with him which made me want to read his book. He seems to be one of the few politicians who has chosen Country over Politics even when it meant he would lose his job, friends, and even family members because he stood by his oath. He doesn’t mince words in telling his perceptions of fellow politicians on both sides.

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to this book read by the author.

[Azim Tejani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This political book by conservative frat-boy-turned-congressman Adam Kinzinger is worthwhile if only as a post-mortem of the GOP...