Hold the Line: The Insurrection and One Cop's Battle for America's Soul

I have watched the videos from January 6th and read the articles in Time and Reader’s Digest and followed the investigation by the House, so I knew what to expect in this book. I bought it because I wanted to get a better view of what it meant to be a police officer on that day, and this book didn’t disappoint me. Michael Fanone describes in detail what he was doing before, during and after that fateful afternoon. He not only recorded himself on that day with a body camera, but also used his phone on many occasions afterwards to record his conversations with superiors and politicians. It became obvious that he did his research (with the help of a co-author, John Shiffman), and this book is definitely worth the price I paid. I am also glad to send a little bit of money Michael’s way in the form of royalties.Like me, Michael Fanone “never expected the president of the United States to incite a mob to attack the U.S. Capitol as part of a coup to overturn a legitimate election.” I mean, who would do that? Well, Fanone mixes no words when he puts the blame for the insurrection directly on the shoulders of Trump.While reading this book, I learned about Fanone’s immigrant family (Italy and Ireland), his attitude toward school as a youngster (he quit high school), and his early jobs. I learned about the type of music he likes (country and punk), the types of beer he drinks, how he copes with stress, and why he became a police officer. I learned about his angel tattoo (for his oldest daughter), a tattoo of his wife, a black rose tattoo (honoring a friend who died), the Irish flag tattoo, and the tattoo of Clint Eastwood lighting a canon. I learned why he chooses not to rely on initial reports or racist assumptions as an officer (Beltway sniper at-tacks), what adrenaline can do to an officer, how working in a bad system can lead to indifference, and why the gun qualifying standards do not prepare officers for actual real interactions with violent criminals. I learned the three P’s that every successful officer has in their toolkit (patience, persistence and paperwork), why it is important for an officer to do a thorough investigation (or else the prosecution in court will fall apart), how nobody wins whenever a suspect is arrested or convicted, and why it is important to treat every person with respect and compassion no matter what crime they committed. I learned just how wrong it is to spit and yell at cops who are protecting protestors, why community members become fearful and resentful and angry when law enforcement shows up with lots of uniforms and guns in a neighborhood, and how politicians use crime and police officers to further their own agendas (both Republican and Democrat).The minute-by-minute details of the insurrection were painful to read because I watched the entire thing play out on CNN on that day, and it still bothers me to see the violence and hear the hate and anger coming from the rioting mob, and hear the cries of pain and fear and determinism in the officers who bravely defended the workers inside of the Capitol. I appreciated his mother and her prayer for her son on that day. It angered me when rioters called the officers “traitors” and told them that they were on the “wrong side.” It embarrassed me when rioters changed “USA! USA!” because I have shouted that acronym at times (during soccer games against other nations). I was scared when I learned that rioters hurled poles, sticks, shoes, sledgehammers, ladders, rocks, bricks, batteries, bike racks, stolen riot shields, and cans of bear spray at the officers. I understood the magnitude of the preparation of these rioters as they arrived wearing body armor, helmets, goggles, and brought stun guns, knives, pepper spray, smoke grenades, and bear spray. I laughed when Fanone called the Trump loyalists “trained monkeys” and agreed with the term “terrorists”. I find it ironic that Fanone hated CNN prior to the insurrection and ended up as one of its correspondents afterwards when they gave him a voice and offered him a paycheck for his contributions. I agreed with him when he chose not to take opioids for pain for fear of addiction. I admired his ex-wife when she identified the man in the photos and videos as her husband and ended with, “We are so proud of you.” I appreciated the protesters who pulled him to safety, but loved it when he said, “but f-ck you for being there.” I was saddened when Leslie died and understood just how that moment changed everything in Fanone’s life. I appreciated how her life helped Fanone to see the humanity in people, and how hard life is for some people as they face so much hatred and manipulation. I loved it when his mother insinuated that Trump was a “coward” on CNN. I laughed when he described one of his attackers as “sobbing like a little b-tch” and “one of the dumbest f-cking people on the planet.” I loved it when he explained that the FBI already knew the answers to virtually every question they asked. I saw myself in one phrase since I have said it a lot of times, “right-wing nut jobs.” I respect Fanone for identifying the real purpose of those people at the Capital as “violence and destruction and murder.” I am glad that he chose the words “courage, selflessness, bravery” to describe the heroes of that day, the men and women who defended the Capitol. When he de-scribed the twenty-one people who voted against the House bill honoring the officers (including Marjorie Taylor Green and Matt Gaetz) as “spineless f-cks”, I smiled. I love how he called Andrew Clyde a “coward” after the elevator scene and I still don’t understand why he (and others) wouldn’t shake Fanone’s hand (but Fanone does). When Fanone referred to Trump as their “Fuhrer”, I cringed but understood the analogy. When the House committee chair said, “You held the line,” I saw that he understood the man Fanone. When Fanone de-scribed January 6th as “the most disgusting f-cking moment in American history,” I felt his disgust. I am glad that lots of people wrote to Fanone and told him just how much they appreciated his bravery and that his mother got to read those letters.I read this book on the day it was delivered to my door. I couldn’t stop reading; it was that full of suspense and passion and details. If you want to know about the man Michael Fanone and why he helped hold the line on that day, then read this book. Hear his words. Give him space to speak his mind. I did.

... and who wants to hear some outstanding ideas for changing, first, the conversation about policing in our communities, and second, for concrete changes in the procedures and protocols of our justice system so it works for everyone, including those of us who grew up poor and victimized by the system that's supposed to protect us.The section about the riot itself is heartwrenching and absolutely agonizing.

If you're someone who cares about the US and was shocked and saddened by what happened on January 6th, 2021, then you need to read this book. This is a well written book that pulls no punches. In addition to the awful violence instigated by the former disgraced 45th POTUS and his sycophants and enablers - I was shocked to learn that many of Mr. Fanone's colleagues turned their back on him and others for speaking out during the Congressional hearings. Hard to believe, but he had to retire early because he was concerned that his many of his fellow officers/colleagues would put his life in jeopardy and no longer 'had his back'. Thank goodness for Mr. Fanone and those who not only braved the violent insurrectionists on January 6th, but also stood up and spoke truth to power during the January 6th hearings. Truly a brave and heroic man.

I was horrified by what happened to Fanone and the other officers. Easy and interesting read. Not a long book. Great account of his career and what happened on Jan 6.

Riveting account of the horror of January 6th, the aftermath for those who were “up close and personal” with the violence and hatred stirred up by Agent Orange and the nationwide trauma that is ongoing to this day.

I like so many of you sat there on Jan 6th and had my mouth opened in horror. This book is very good behind what really happened. I agree. Everyone should read this. This is what happened that day. It should never have been happened. Great read!! Every one should read this

Fanone describes January 6th from personal experience (as a public servant who was violently attacked and nearly killed that day). Written by a modern day American hero of whom the founding fathers would have been proud.

First let me say that I don’t read books. I wait for the movie to come out.I pick up this book yesterday and took it to bed with me. It was 2am and I had to force myself to put it down. I’m half way thru it already!!If you don’t like ‘bad language’ this book is not for you.

Firstly, not American. Woke up on Jan 6th, (half a world away) turned on the TV and wondered what on earth was going on.. this book answers all those questions and more

Interesting book. Gives more insight into the man himself and into how some people would accept corruption over the peoples vote.Good luck to Michael Fanone in your new career.

This was very illuminating to read and showed the true story of the bullies and brown shirts who stormed the Nations capital on January 6th. What a disgusting display of what Donald Trumps supporters were prepared to do to keep him in power. Going so far as attempted murder until Officer Fanone yelled that he had kids.

I have watched the videos of January 6th, and read all the reports. That didn't make it real until I viewed it through the eyes of Michael Fanone. He and his colleagues are undisputed hero's. I was aghast at how they were treated and even more horrified at how fellow officers viewed them. Trumpism is an insidious scourge that has even seeped into law enforcement. Kudos to Michael as he defied all the forces against him, and made his voice heard. Those rogue politicians should have a fraction of the integrity, and sense of duty he has. I'm a woman and a Scot. I salute you Michael.

This book is hard hitting - as it needs to be. It is shocking to read of the treatment Officer Fanone received at the hands of both the rioters and the insurrection deniers. It is even more shocking to read about his treatment by the politicians, his police union, fellow police officers who were trump supporters and the local politicians. What hit me the hardest was the reference that it was believed by his department superiors that he might be the victim of a situation like "Serpico" if he returned to active duty. It's a fine world we live in where Heroes are treated like criminals while the criminals get a free ride. A must read by anyone who really wants to know what happened on January 6th!