Waiting for the Wave - by Kate Raphael (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

An intersectional chronicle, rich in detail, of decades of movement histories.

Waiting for the Wave taps the brains of Rebecca Gordon and Jan Adams for the secret to building grassroots resistance movements with the grit and traction to prevail against increasingly grim odds. The interviews delve into four decades of in-the-weeds activism, internationalism, and radical feminism. From what went wrong with the Nicaraguan revolution, to the possibilities for Palestine to the need to reach across divides and talk to people you think you can't stand, Rebecca and Jan cast a loving but unflinching lens on social movements they have been a part of.

The three writers and educators discuss the role of radical media in sustaining activism, acting as placeholders for nascent movements, and helping people find each other from remote places. Rebecca and Jan have not always won, but they've always learned and pushed each other to be bold, empathetic, and hold onto belief in their fellow humans. Their conversations are an unruly journey laced with energy and humor that will leave you feeling invigorated and inspired to keep moving forward.

Review Quotes

"Jan Adams and Rebecca Gordon are visionary activists with radical hearts. I have had the honor of learning at the feet of Jan and Rebecca during the formative years of my activism and I think I am a better person for it. Their words will be the sunshine you need to weather this moment. I can't wait for everyone to read their story and learn from their wisdom in Waiting for the Wave." --Renee Bracey Sherman, co-author of Liberating Abortion: Claiming Our History, Sharing Our Stories, and Building the Reproductive Future We Deserve

"Waiting for the Wave is an inspiring, globetrotting conversation on strategy, queerness, and belonging to a global struggle against war and injustice. In this delightful set of interviews with Kate Raphael, Jan Adams and Rebecca Gordon reflect upon their decades of organizing here, there, and everywhere for a better world. It's an unfinished fight but together, as Jan says of her relationship with Rebecca, we make each other smarter." --Dan Berger, author of Stayed on Freedom: The Long History of Black Power Through One Family's Journey

"Waiting for the Wave is a poignant and powerful story of two friends, lovers, and strategists who set out to change the world as the world resisted change. It is a clear reminder of what is needed right now--the audacity to make the impossible possible, led by clarity, patience, and persistence, and activated by a love for and a fierce dedication to humanity." --Alicia Garza, author of The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart

"Waiting for the Wave is exactly what we need in this moment of renewed energy behind internationalist struggle in the face of rising fascism worldwide. From the power and problems posed by international solidarity work to the challenges of movement media to the persistence of misogyny in movement spaces, these conversations between three friends who have been in movement work for decades reveal what really matters, how to disagree and organize across difference, and why we keep going. The three intertwined voices of Jan, Rebecca, and Kate show how love, friendship, and dialogue make us ready to catch the wave of nonviolent organizing when it comes, while the rich footnotes open up even more possibilities for learning from the past in order to build the future we want, need, and desire." --Nicole Erin Morse, Member of Jewish Voice for Peace Academic Council and organizer with the International Solidarity Movement in the West Bank

About the Author

Kate Raphael is a Lambda-nominated novelist, journalist, anarchafeminist, and queer activist based in Seattle. Her published work includes the Palestine mystery series, Murder Under the Bridge and Murder Under the Fig Tree, and The Midwife's In Town, a story of underground abortion. She received a 2011 Hedgebrook residency and an MFA from Goddard College. Kate is a long-time producer and host on KPFA radio from Berkeley.

Rebecca Gordon and Jan Adams, a lesbian couple for over forty years, worked in Sandinista Nicaragua and in South Africa during the transition from apartheid to democracy. They have led dozens of campaigns in the streets and at the polls, through the years opposing wars and defending affirmative action, immigrant rights, labor, and queer liberation, always with a keen eye toward what is most effective in any given moment. As they like to say, "We're old, so we've done a lot of things." Rebecca is the author of Mainstreaming Torture and American Nuremberg. Jan is a prolific blogger and in her spare time, walked and took photos in all 596 electoral precincts in San Francisco. They live and continue to organize in San Francisco.