On February 21, 2012, Nadya Tolokonnikova, founding member of the female Russian activist group Pussy Riot, was arrested for performing an anti-Putin protest song in a Moscow church, and was sent to prison for eighteen months—an event that transformed this imaginative activist and professional protestor into an international symbol of radical resistance. Nadya’s spontaneous, explosive approach to political action has taken many creative forms, including jumping over barbed wire, kissing police officers, giving guerilla performances in crowded subway cars, and enduring a hunger strike to protest the abuse of prisoners. As a vocal critic of Putin, she’s been horse-whipped by police in Sochi, temporarily blinded when officers threw paint in her eyes, and monitored by the Russian government. With her emblematic ski mask and unwavering bravery, Nadya has become an emissary of hope and optimism in a time of overwhelming political repression and corruption.

Now, this international activist tells her story in her own words, drawing on her hard-won wisdom to share her core principles and formative experiences, offering inspiration for opposing authoritarian leaders and governments that threaten to suppress individual rights and freedoms. Cutting through the pessimism, fear, uncertainty, and hopelessness, Read & Riot is an empowering model for civil disobedience that encourages our right to question the status quo and make political action exciting, playful, and fundamental.

This provocative guide channels punk ethos and constructive activism into a practical roadmap for social change. Drawing from Pussy Riot's fearless approach to dissent, the book combines manifesto-style lists, actionable strategies, and inspirational frameworks designed to mobilize communities and catalyze meaningful dialogue. Rather than preaching conventional protest tactics, it presents unconventional, creative methods for building resistance movements that challenge the status quo while fostering genuine human connection. Perfect for activists seeking both intellectual rigor and rebellious spirit, this volume demonstrates how artistic expression and strategic organizing can transform individual outrage into collective power.