Author of book driving national headlines comes to Full Circle Bookstore for book signing, discussion: “This Will Not Pass” author Jonathan Martin and Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt

Author of book driving national headlines comes to Full Circle Bookstore for book signing, discussion

event featured “This Will Not Pass” author Jonathan Martin and Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt

BY ANGI BRUSS

The tumultuous 2020 election is recounted in the new book “This Will not Pass” by The new York Times reporters Jonathan Martin and Alexander Burns. Based on never-before-seen documents and recordings from the highest levels of government, the book has headlined national news.

Martin came to Full Circle Bookstore for a book signing event on May 24, where he was joined by Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt for a moderated discussion about the book with nearly 200 people in attendance. Martin took audience questions at the end of the presentation.

Martin explained, “‘This Will Not Pass’ began as a campaign book, but in the aftermath of the 2020 election it became clear the moment demanded something bigger. So we wrote what is the first history of 2020-2021, an extraordinary period in American politics. We interviewed hundreds of officials in both parties, often in real time as events unfolded.”

The authors describe how both political parties handled the Coronavirus pandemic, detail the 2020 election including the January 6 attack on the Capitol, and reflect on President Biden’s first year in the White House.

“Jonathan Martin is an incredible reporter and it’s hard to imagine anyone has more depth on the political landscape and history in all 50 states. He’s a walking encyclopedia,” said Mayor Holt. “Jonathan reached out wanting to visit Oklahoma City for his book tour. I’m convinced he has

a soft spot for us. We’re honored to host him and I’m thrilled we could partner with the legendary Full Circle Bookstore to make it happen.”

Jim Tolbert, Full Circle Bookstore owner, said, “Full Circle is honored to host Mr. Martin and the state launch of this most important book. We pride ourselves on being an open outlet for discussion of important matters affecting all Americans. We are especially grateful that Mayor Holt will be taking time from his busy schedule to join the discussion.”

Politics is what brought about a friendship for Holt and Martin.

Mayor Holt explained, “I first met Jonathan Martin in 2014 when he came to Oklahoma to cover the U.S. Senate race happening here. We’ve stayed in touch ever since and catch up almost every time I’m in D.C.”

“I’m thrilled to return to Oklahoma City,” Martin added. “I’ve visited a few times on work trips and am looking forward to my conversation with a figure who is attempting to bridge our two warring political parties in these polarized times, Mayor David Holt.”

The book is an account of the 18-month crisis in America and exposes the degree of the strain that the two-party system has endured.

“I love the genre of telling in-depth history shortly after it has occurred,” Mayor Holt said, “It’s an important gift we can leave to the historical record. This book will contribute greatly to the way we understand recent events, but it also leaves a record for us to consider decades from now.”

The book also highlights Oklahoma in parts of it.

Martin said, “Notably for Oklahoma readers, we recount former President Trump›s now-infamous visit to Tulsa during the first months of the Covid pandemic and take readers inside Representative Tom Cole›s Capitol office as rioters stormed the Congress on January 6th.”

Dozen of extra chairs were added for the discussion and book signing at Full Circle Bookstore. Many pointed questions from audience members were asked and Martin answered thoughtfully and thoroughly. Tolbert explained, “Full Circle is a place where all are welcome and civil discourse is encouraged.” National reporters have also commented on the book. “Martin and Burns have chronicled a tumultuous time with precision and scope and their tireless reporting unearths revealing new details. Their wide-angle lens reminds us how much was—and remains—at stake. Masterful!” said George Stephanopoulos, ABC News anchor. “What an account of these extraordinary times. Martin and Burns deliver reporting from deep inside both parties with fresh facts and new details on nearly every page about a political system pushed to the brink. When future historians chronicle this time of crisis they will turn to this book as a deeply valuable account of our all too human leaders,” said Peggy Noonan, The Wall Street Journal. n