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Handbook for the Revolution: Building a More Perfect Union for the Twenty-First Century
224 pages, Hardcover
Published May 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 9, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ALC.
This was less of a handbook, and more of a history, so if you only look at the title, you might be a bit disappointed. Still, this book was an impressive recounting of how Palmer and others founded the ALU, the struggles they came up against, and the strategies they employed to finally succeed. It also shows the role of Black and Brown leaders, and how race (and the added discrimination based on race as well as class) was part of what made this possible.
As a German, the most impressive part of this was probably hearing just how bad the working conditions were. I'm incredibly privileged to have grown up in Europe, to be able to depend on basic workers' rights when I work, and seeing the mess that Amazon working conditions used to be is just... shocking. To still find the strength to fight under these conditions, to start a union despite having literal AMAZON up against you...
I definitely recommend this book.
This was less of a handbook, and more of a history, so if you only look at the title, you might be a bit disappointed. Still, this book was an impressive recounting of how Palmer and others founded the ALU, the struggles they came up against, and the strategies they employed to finally succeed. It also shows the role of Black and Brown leaders, and how race (and the added discrimination based on race as well as class) was part of what made this possible.
As a German, the most impressive part of this was probably hearing just how bad the working conditions were. I'm incredibly privileged to have grown up in Europe, to be able to depend on basic workers' rights when I work, and seeing the mess that Amazon working conditions used to be is just... shocking. To still find the strength to fight under these conditions, to start a union despite having literal AMAZON up against you...
I definitely recommend this book.
April 14, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this audiobook!
This is a first-rate audiobook, narrated by the author himself! This incredible retelling of how the Amazon Labor Union got its start and became successful is a masterclass in stoking the imagination of what workers’ rights could be in this country. The thoughts, ideas, and templates for how to approach unionization in our current environment is outrageously important. It's also a great reminder that true drivers of change in the fight for equality are Black and brown young people, and White readers will see exactly why that is when they read this book. Thoughtful, inventive, and openly curious and insightful, this book is a powerful reminder that our shared fight for dignity and rights is always worth it, especially in a world hellbent on denying us both.
This is a first-rate audiobook, narrated by the author himself! This incredible retelling of how the Amazon Labor Union got its start and became successful is a masterclass in stoking the imagination of what workers’ rights could be in this country. The thoughts, ideas, and templates for how to approach unionization in our current environment is outrageously important. It's also a great reminder that true drivers of change in the fight for equality are Black and brown young people, and White readers will see exactly why that is when they read this book. Thoughtful, inventive, and openly curious and insightful, this book is a powerful reminder that our shared fight for dignity and rights is always worth it, especially in a world hellbent on denying us both.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A fresh take on the role of unions in the USA, based on recent events at Amazon.
All the events related in this book happened between 2020 and 2024.
Derrick Palmer founded and led the ALU. In this short "handbook", he relates his experience and provides guidance for other people who would be interested in unionizing. He points out that unions are not there to cover employees no matter what: some people deserve to be fired, and some companies struggle financially, which justifies layoffs to save the firm. His vision for unions is based on a partnership with HR, leading to a better, safer workplace. This is very close to the Scandinavian (and German) model. I know that well, since I live in Denmark (and like 70% of employees in Denmark, I am represented by a trade union).
This was interesting and fresh to read. Derrick Palmer and other ALU co-founders definitely had a flair for marketing, leveraging social media to their advantage. It makes for a good story, even for people who are not facing the same issues and challenges. One of the really sad elements is that their initiative was born from years of frustration, with Derrick Palmer being unable to get any advancement and promotion despite excellent results. He ended up becoming a leader - not a team leader, like he wanted to be, but a union leader. In the book, he provided very good advice for identifying potential leaders (which also applies to people with leadership potential for traditional roles). He points out how understaffed the HR department of Amazon was, which led to very bad decisions, especially when an employee died at work. The book is full of missed opportunities on the company side.
Fairness in the workplace is a hot topic, especially if you are in management of HR. One of my HR friends used to say, many years ago, that we have the unions we deserve. It can be a partnership, leveraging employee representation to build a safer workplace that retains talented people. It can also be an advensarial relationship, founded on lack of trust and massive strikes. Most employees really want the company to succeed, but not at the cost of their health. As a manager, I would rather hear about the issues their face than have to pay the consequences of a high turnover. This is maybe the conclusion of this book: if you are building a good workplace, you have nothing to fear from unions.
All the events related in this book happened between 2020 and 2024.
Derrick Palmer founded and led the ALU. In this short "handbook", he relates his experience and provides guidance for other people who would be interested in unionizing. He points out that unions are not there to cover employees no matter what: some people deserve to be fired, and some companies struggle financially, which justifies layoffs to save the firm. His vision for unions is based on a partnership with HR, leading to a better, safer workplace. This is very close to the Scandinavian (and German) model. I know that well, since I live in Denmark (and like 70% of employees in Denmark, I am represented by a trade union).
This was interesting and fresh to read. Derrick Palmer and other ALU co-founders definitely had a flair for marketing, leveraging social media to their advantage. It makes for a good story, even for people who are not facing the same issues and challenges. One of the really sad elements is that their initiative was born from years of frustration, with Derrick Palmer being unable to get any advancement and promotion despite excellent results. He ended up becoming a leader - not a team leader, like he wanted to be, but a union leader. In the book, he provided very good advice for identifying potential leaders (which also applies to people with leadership potential for traditional roles). He points out how understaffed the HR department of Amazon was, which led to very bad decisions, especially when an employee died at work. The book is full of missed opportunities on the company side.
Fairness in the workplace is a hot topic, especially if you are in management of HR. One of my HR friends used to say, many years ago, that we have the unions we deserve. It can be a partnership, leveraging employee representation to build a safer workplace that retains talented people. It can also be an advensarial relationship, founded on lack of trust and massive strikes. Most employees really want the company to succeed, but not at the cost of their health. As a manager, I would rather hear about the issues their face than have to pay the consequences of a high turnover. This is maybe the conclusion of this book: if you are building a good workplace, you have nothing to fear from unions.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I should disclose that I did not know much of anything about the Amazon Labor Union (ALU) formation. I was interested in reading this book to learn more about the ALU, union formation, and workplace advocacy in general.
Listening, I was disheartened to read all the ways corporations (obviously, namely Amazon, though I’m sure these tactics are employed elsewhere) work against employees. Spending millions of dollars to oppose unionizing instead of spending the money on employees, for example. I’m sure I’m naive to so many ways workers are disenfranchised and silenced, and this book really highlighted that for me.
What makes this book so powerful is the storytelling by author and narrator Derrick Palmer. He was involved with the ALU from the beginning, being one of the founders. He is clear about his role, demonstrating humility in confirming how much of a group effort the ALU is, and also providing examples of when he ‘was in the room where it happened’.
I appreciated the timeline for perspective, the call-out of celebrity politicians who join causes after they’re successful, and the role music plays in movements. This book was sad and reflective but also hopeful in showing a modern example of where David did not bow to Goliath.
The production quality of the audiobook is really good. I am usually skeptical when authors do their own narration, unless the author is a trained actor. However, Derrick Palmer does a nice job of keeping me invested. The pacing is good, no extraneous noises, good chapter transitions, and he speaks to readers as if we’re having a conversation. It’s friendly and relatable.
I should disclose that I did not know much of anything about the Amazon Labor Union (ALU) formation. I was interested in reading this book to learn more about the ALU, union formation, and workplace advocacy in general.
Listening, I was disheartened to read all the ways corporations (obviously, namely Amazon, though I’m sure these tactics are employed elsewhere) work against employees. Spending millions of dollars to oppose unionizing instead of spending the money on employees, for example. I’m sure I’m naive to so many ways workers are disenfranchised and silenced, and this book really highlighted that for me.
What makes this book so powerful is the storytelling by author and narrator Derrick Palmer. He was involved with the ALU from the beginning, being one of the founders. He is clear about his role, demonstrating humility in confirming how much of a group effort the ALU is, and also providing examples of when he ‘was in the room where it happened’.
I appreciated the timeline for perspective, the call-out of celebrity politicians who join causes after they’re successful, and the role music plays in movements. This book was sad and reflective but also hopeful in showing a modern example of where David did not bow to Goliath.
The production quality of the audiobook is really good. I am usually skeptical when authors do their own narration, unless the author is a trained actor. However, Derrick Palmer does a nice job of keeping me invested. The pacing is good, no extraneous noises, good chapter transitions, and he speaks to readers as if we’re having a conversation. It’s friendly and relatable.
May 25, 2026
In this handbook, Derrick Palmer not only details how to unionize against one of the biggest anti-union corporations, he tells a compelling tale of perseverance and determination!
The story Derrik weaves through this book is just as entertaining and fascinating as the information he provides for individuals looking for a rout to improve their working conditions. This is a true David vs. Goliath take, where Amazon plays every dirty trick they have to fight against the common man.
The union creation tips and information delivered feels very useful and the storytelling method of delivery made them feel more relatable/ achievable.
Derrick Palmer does his own narration for this audiobook and you can hear his passion for the work in his reading. His experience comes to life in the audio and adds to the impact of the work.
The story Derrik weaves through this book is just as entertaining and fascinating as the information he provides for individuals looking for a rout to improve their working conditions. This is a true David vs. Goliath take, where Amazon plays every dirty trick they have to fight against the common man.
The union creation tips and information delivered feels very useful and the storytelling method of delivery made them feel more relatable/ achievable.
Derrick Palmer does his own narration for this audiobook and you can hear his passion for the work in his reading. His experience comes to life in the audio and adds to the impact of the work.
Read
April 21, 2026Received through libro.fm. I love a book read by the author. I like the honesty and straightforward approach. Truly a handbook on how to stand for your rights as a worker.
April 9, 2026
Well done on the publisher's part for releasing this on May Day. Palmer tells us his story of unionizing Amazon, one of the most hostile anti-union workplaces out there right now, and gives practical tips for how to coalition build and build a union in your workplace. He's willing to admit where they made mistakes, and is honest about all the hurdles that Amazon put up to try and thwart them. Highly recommended read.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews