12 Rules for Strife

by Jeff Sparrow, Sam Wallman (illustrator)

This is a handbook for change. Because we all know ways in which life could be better. And it can be better. We can make it better.

We don’t need to wait for a leader or saviour. We don’t need to limit ourselves to comments and clicks. In this stunningly original comic-book tour of a serious topic, Jeff Sparrow and Sam Wallman explore 12 powerful ideas distilled from the history of struggle for better lives, better working conditions, and a better world. They show how solidarity can be built across growing divisions — without compromising our values.

‘Strife’ is just another word for making yourself heard. In fun, short, shareable chapters, 12 Rules for Strife shows how together we can change everything.

Genres: Nonfiction, Graphic Novels, Politics, Comics, Philosophy

128 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2024

About the author

Writer, broadcaster, nogoodnik.

Reviews

[Lia Perkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief and beautiful explanation of why it’s ordinary people who have the power, and why we can’t choose NGO-social-media-influencer politics over real conversations with our coworkers

[Georgie Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it xxx

[Pierce Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Provides uplifting inspiration to create achievable change together!

[Liam Widmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing. thankyou so much pierce and marie!

[Nyx Vera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this from my library on a whim, and holy crap. I genuinely don't even have words. I just want to wallpaper the world with it.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, quick graphic non-fiction in the spirit of On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century - Graphic Edition -- short, direct chapters -- mashed up with Good Trouble: Lessons from the Civil Rights Playbook -- succinct, historically-informed guidance. It alternates between traditional style paneled comic pages and art pages that echo the style of protest posters. It uses a limited color palette, and the art isn't pretty but it is interesting and generally effective. Well done.

[Kezia Mawikere · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When we prioritize “our support” over our participation,
We accept inequality and rely on the elite."

Wow, this graphic novel is quite the in-your-face kind, right from the start-- and I love it. It gives "ordinary people" 12 rules for creating some sort of change and push back against oppression in our society. Especially in the climate we're in right now, this is an absolute must-read as you gain back your hope and motivation to actually do something for the communities you're part of, for the people you love.

Above all; unity is much stronger than division.

[Izzy Pilares · Rating 4 out of 5]

While some might find it difficult to read the text as it is part of the visual, I actually really like it when an author makes you work to understand what they're saying. It requires you to sit with the message a little longer than you normally would, and that feels impactful to me.

[Grace Romana · Rating 4 out of 5]

fab little bible for getting ur head in the game. you change yourself as you change the world etc etc

[Manos Vasileiou Aronis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Γραμμένο με την μορφή μανιφέστου, θυμίζοντας στην φόρμα του μαρξιστικά έργα πολιτικής εκλαΐκευσης, το κόμικ των Sparrow & Wallman συμπυκνώνει ορισμένα από τα βασικά πορίσματα της σύγχρονης ριζοσπαστικής σκέψης για την πολιτική δράση. Μολονότι οι δημιουργοί χαρακτηρίζουν τα κεφάλαια του κόμικ τους ως «κανόνες», δεν πέφτουν στην παγίδα του ντετερμινισμού.

Πέραν της πολιτικής του αξίας, το κόμικ ξεχωρίζει για το δυναμικό πολύχρωμο σχέδιό του, εμπνευσμένο απ’ την αισθητική των αμερικάνικων underground κόμικς. Με διαρκείς πειραματισμούς στο φορμάτ, που αποτυπώνεται στην εναλλαγή μεταξύ δισέλιδων και μονοσέλιδων, μεγάλων και μικρών καρέ, η αφήγηση ρέει με φρενήρεις ρυθμούς.

Κείμενο στο Smassing Culture

[Roger Butterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging, beautiful, surreal, at times moving depiction of the power of ordinary people, the terrain we're fighting on, and the fight itself. One of those books that makes you remember why you're in the fight, and all the beauty and creativity we have within us to struggle for that world that we know is possible, because we carry it here within our hearts. I love the focus on making people feel like they matter and their role in the struggle matters, and reminds us why our participation does really change history and how that feels to be a subject and not simply an object of historical process and change. Fun and re-readable as hell.

[Chubby_Little_Butter_Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very accessible and gives a very clear overview of how to approach revolution. There are aspects of the 12 rules I find difficult within myself…but this may be that I have not yet done the work to see how the future can be laid out according to these rules. Overall, a book which encourages solidarity among the masses and advocates for their freedom and liberation through collective action and a kindness defined by clear boundaries.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent, accessible page turner, reminding us of the power of collective action and need for greater solidarity in such uncertain times.

While some of the writing is set out somewhat counterintuitively, the message is simple, clear, and eminently shareable.

Highly recommended as a reminder of the importance of direct politics and direct action to drive the change you want to see.

[Django · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations elevate a manifesto for collective action into a piece of art in it's own right. Sam's creativity shines through every page in his ability to morph left wing ideas into understandable visual metaphors. Read this for a morale boost during troubling times and to remind yourself of the power of class solidarity.

[Fabee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a vibrant and arty way to in-still the idea of the activist and insight change.
I did wonder if certain sections may be taken quite literally if not viewed within context “choose strife”
But all in all this a fun way about joining together voices to be heard.

[Emma Ghanem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential, accessible, and beautifully illustrated.

[Zachary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thought provoking.

[annalyse ⋆˙⟡♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ordinary people are the solution

[Tashi Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thankful for my partner for sharing this with me.

“By standing together in solidarity they changed how they saw themselves”

Worthy of liberation.

[arjen k.]

It is essential to have simple/straightforward books on unionization and the power of ordinary people.

[Riley Sadlier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic illustrations with a really engaging message. Loved it

[Isaac Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Packs a punch!
I read it twice over in a few days just to savour it. Explores the agency we hold in challenging power directly. The art work is wildly capitivating and the substance behind it checks out. Do yourself a favour and read it