Memoir by Simon Tam

Slanted: How an Asian American Troublemaker Took on the Supreme Court

  • Silver Award for Best Autobiography/Memoir from the Independent Publisher Book Awards

  • Named One of the Best Books on the Constitution of All Time by Book Authority.

    "His compelling memoir is about keeping true to his punk-rock heart and making history." - The Washington Post 

When Simon Tam started an Asian American dance rock band called The Slants, he didn't realize that he was starting an entire movement around freedom of expression and discussions on identity. The band flipped stereotypes with their bombastic live shows and community activism. But when Simon applied to register a trademark on the band's name, the government dragged him all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States.

Slanted is the story of an indomitable spirit who so believes in the idea of justice that he's willing to risk everything along the way for the dignity of self-identity. Simon shares a deeply personal account that will take you from anime conventions to the Supreme Court, all in the name of justice. The story provides a raw look at our legal system with unflinching honesty and offers timely insights on freedom of speech, how to connect with others we disagree with, and the power of music.

Gripping, funny, enlightening, and ultimately uplifting, Slanted proves that no obstacle is too difficult to conquer --as long as you have a little heart and a lot of rock n' roll. It's an irrepressible story that is fresh, alive, and defines what it means to be American.

Read excerpts or order from your local bookstore here.

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Books About Simon & His Work

Simon Tam has been featured in over 250 published books for his contributions to art, culture, and the law. His story is taught in thousands of classrooms around the world, from U.S history to literature and from music business to Asian American culture.

These are some recent titles:

  • We Sing from the Heart

    We Sing From The Heart: How The Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court.

    ALSC Notable Children's Book by By Mia Wenjen & Victor Bizar Gómez

  • Wonderhell: Why Success Doesn't Feel Like It Should . . . and What to Do About It

    Wonderhell: Why Success Doesn't Feel Like It Should . . . and What to Do About It

    Wall Street Journal Bestseller by Laura Gassner Otting

  • Hate: Why We Should Resist It with Free Speech, Not Censorship

    Hate: Why We Should Resist It with Free Speech, Not Censorship

    By Nadine Strossen, part of the Inalienable Rights series of books

  • The Bill of Rights: A User's Guide

    By Linda R. Monk with foreword by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg of the U.S. Supreme Court

  • Get Out of My Head: Creating Modern Clarity With Stoic Wisdom

    Get Out of My Head: Creating Modern Clarity With Stoic Wisdom

    Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly Bestseller by M. Andrew McConnell

  • Constitutional Law

    Textbook by Kathleen Sullivan and Noah Feldman

  • Free Speech: A History from Socrates to Social Media

    Free Speech: A History from Socrates to Social Media

    by Jacob Mchangama

  • Leave Your Mark: Land Your Dream Job. Kill It in Your Career. Rock Social Media.

    Leave Your Mark: Land Your Dream Job. Kill It in Your Career. Rock Social Media.

    by Aliza Licht

  • The Supreme Court and the Philosopher: How John Stuart Mill Shaped US Free Speech Protections

    The Supreme Court and the Philosopher: How John Stuart Mill Shaped US Free Speech Protections

    by  Eric T. Kasper and Troy A. Kozma

  • The Millennial Game Plan

    Forbes Signature Series book by Laura Shin

  • The Soul of the First Amendment

    by Floyd Abrams

  • 88 MORE Ways Music Can Change Your Life

    by Vincent James and Joann Pierdomenico