Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times: How to Reclaim Your Power, Fight for Freedom, and Reimagine Democracy

by Skye Perryman

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

Published August 25, 2026

Reviews

[Andrianna Dunbar]

I flew through this book and have already gifted it to a number of friends. It is an informative, enjoyable and inspirational read that will motivate you to do something instead of just consume information and spiral. I really like the blend of current events, historical information, and personal stories. This book is action-oriented -it provides specific ideas that anyone can take - from young kids to older adults and everyone in between. It is optimistic without downplaying the current situation. I think this book will be something I return to over and over (and I’ve already downloaded the audiobook too!).

[martyn benny]

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times is an inspiring and timely reminder that democracy is not sustained by institutions alone it depends on the willingness of ordinary citizens to participate, organize, and lead when it matters most.

Skye Perryman presents a hopeful vision grounded in action rather than rhetoric. Instead of dwelling solely on today's political and social challenges, the book focuses on what individuals and communities can actually do to strengthen democratic institutions and protect fundamental freedoms. That practical emphasis makes the message both empowering and accessible.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its optimism. While it acknowledges the complexity of the moment, it never loses sight of the idea that meaningful change has always been driven by people who refused to believe they were powerless. The stories and examples reinforce the belief that civic engagement remains one of the most effective tools for creating lasting progress.

I also appreciated the book's broader perspective on leadership. Perryman demonstrates that leadership is not confined to elected officials or public figures—it exists wherever people choose responsibility, collaboration, and service over complacency. That message resonates well beyond politics and speaks to anyone seeking to make a positive impact within their own community.

The writing is clear, engaging, and solutions-oriented. Rather than leaving readers overwhelmed by the scale of today's challenges, the book encourages thoughtful participation and offers a renewed sense of possibility.

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times is ultimately a hopeful call to action. It reminds readers that democracy is strengthened through everyday acts of courage, participation, and collective responsibility. An encouraging and worthwhile read for anyone interested in civic leadership, public service, and the future of democratic society.

[Joe]

Upon leaving the final session of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Benjamin Franklin was approached by a local woman (often identified as Elizabeth Willing Powel). She asked whether the delegates had created a republic or a monarchy. Franklin famously replied:
"A republic, if you can keep it."
Skye Perryman believes this and that it is up to the people, ordinary people, to protect it.
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times: How to Reclaim Your Power, Fight for Freedom, and Reimagine Democracy is more than a book. It is a step by step guide on how to take action. A clear cut display of how it worked and how the reader can implement these steps. This book belongs in civics class in every school.
I heartily recommend this book.
I also recommend visiting
Ordinarypeopleaction.com
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC

[Jenn DiSassyOh]

This book is an antidote to uncertainty, apathy, and fear. It is written for all of us – to help inform us, to stir us, and to rally us into action and into community. To quote Hillary Rodham Clinton, it is “A manual for people who are tired of wringing their hands and are ready to roll up their sleeves.”

The book is broken into seven sections, each provides easily digestible information with steps to help readers feel more appropriately engaged in this mad, mad world.

Topics include: the decision to act instead of panic; reflecting on your own habits and consumption, how to protect your peace and how to practice discernment; how to find (and join!) the helpers in your local community; how to respectfully and confidently interact with people of differing politics; leaning into fear, practicing courage, and seeking joy in this wild world we’re living in; understanding history to move through the present, using our power to protect our values.

It is important to note that this book is a new release and is a bestseller already. While the information is all up-to-date, things are happening quickly. To better serve readers, the author has also created a website chock-full of resources. It is the living and breathing companion to this book. www.ordinarypeopleaction.com

We are finding this book to be inspiring and action-oriented and the perfect read for this moment in our nation’s history.

[Jennifer]

Somehow I misunderstood what it was and thought it would be a history of successful efforts to staunch rising fascism - or a review of failed efforts that might have worked if only. Instead, this is a primer for people who are feeling hopeless in the face of Trump and friends' active dismantling of US institutions, offering very practical steps that can be taken, alongside basic information about democracy, voting rights, etc. I imagine the people who will read this are people who already know everything in it, but maybe it will get into the hands of folks who are newly disgruntled, newly motivated, or just new to politics at all, in which case, it can be a helpful beginning. Mostly it made me want to donate yet more money to Democracy Forward, the ACLU, Immigrant Defenders, and other groups bringing lawsuits against the administration.

[Lottie C]

4.5⭐️

I really enjoyed how action focused this book was — many books in the anti-Trump genre are fantastic at pointing out all of the problems going on, but they really just catalogue them without spending more than a small chapter on how to change them. But this book dove into that more deeply, with practical options for creating change. I’m not American so can’t really contribute there, but even as a non-US reader, there are still insights here I can apply to my own experience here Down Under

[Sarah]

"Democracy is not a spectator sport." Very approachable for the average American and provides tons of options for ways to people to get involved and make a difference. Skye Perryman does an excellent job of discussing what is useful and feasible for everyone, broken down by different sections as well as different times frames (e.g., what is something you can do that takes less than a day or less than an hour?) This book was incredibly helpful and gives me a sense of hope and energy to fight for what is right. Very thankful this book exists, and I'll be recommending it to all of my friends :)

[Rebecca]

This book has practical guidance about how to take action in the current political circumstances with tips for every level of engagement - from conversations with neighbors to larger collective action ideas. It manages to discuss the troubling political developments we’re aware of while being inspirational and positive. As soon as I finished reading it, I bought a copy to give to a friend.

[Briana Stenard]

Thank goodness for Skye Perryman and Democracy Forward! They are working hard to protect our democracy. I appreciate they are working on the legal side, while also providing tools like this to us ordinary people to show that we can contribute too. It is a quick and informative read, and I left feeling motivated!

[Tracy Lynch]

Necessary, hopeful, educational. So many takeaways from this book; I wish everyone would read it. Among my favorite messages is why and how acting at the local level affects our community’s (and our own) mental health.

[Dominique Nicole Marsalek]

Can’t wait to read! Already ordered for my family as Xmas presents. Proceeds go to Democracy Forward!

[Katherine Young]

Good reminder of actions and also just how broken the ways of our democracy truly are.

[Klare]

A blueprint for how to get involved!

[Cathy]

Down to earth ideas on what we can do to support our Democracy.

[Matt]

“Silence in the face of authoritarianism is complicity. Speaking out is a patriotic act. Democracy doesn’t defend itself. It requires participation, vigilance, and courage from ordinary people”.
-Rob Reiner

I often see Skye Perryman on TV, as she is a frequent contributor on MS NOW.
Her organization, Democracy Forward, most recently had a victory in blocking the nearly $1.8 billion dollar slush fund that would give monetary compensation to individuals who insurrected the capital and brutalized police officers in 2021 (as if receiving a presidential pardon wasn’t already enough).
When I learned that she had written a book, I was excited to be able to get an ARC from NetGalley.

“Democracy is not a spectator sport” is a phrase that I’ve always heard, seen on signs, and even sweaters.
In this book, Skye clarifies the meaning of the phrase.

In the first portion, she explains concepts from our high school/college civics courses that a lot of us have probably forgotten.
In the rest, she offers solutions, actions to take, and encouragement to persevere, despite all of the chaos in our current environment.
She also provides several online resources (which made me feel better about the monthly donations that I make to the ACLU and Planned Parenthood).

Our democracy was already in turmoil before the arrival of Donald Trump on the political scene, but he has exacerbated everything in the most blatant ways possible.
To be blunt, he does not give a fuck about the results of his actions as long as they enrich his and his family’s wallets and assuage his fragile ego.

Three of our First Amendment rights in particular are in peril: the freedom of speech, of the press, and of assembly, as evidenced by the attempted silencing of Jimmy Kimmel, the takeover of CNN by Paramount and David Ellison, and the murders of Alex Pretti and Renee Good (may their memory be a blessing).
Regardless of where one lies on the political spectrum, the suppression of First Amendment rights is something that affects everyone.

A lot of the tips that Skye offers don’t cost any money, nor that much time.
For instance, offering a ride to a neighbor who doesn’t drive but would like to vote, or accompanying one who is part of a marginalized community and may have fears about voting.

I really appreciated all of the resources and tips in this book.
We are all together in this, but sitting alone on the sidelines and hoping for the best is no longer an option.

Thank you to Ten Speed Press, NetGalley, and especially Skye Perryman for providing me with an eARC to review.