Enough: Our Fight to Keep America Safe from Gun Violence

by Gabrielle Giffords, Mark Kelly

Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly, share their impassioned argument for responsible gun ownership.

After the 2011 Tucson shooting that nearly took her life, basic questions consumed Gabby Giffords and her family: Would Gabby survive the bullet through her brain? Would she walk again? Speak? Her hard-won recovery, though far from complete, has now allowed her and Mark to ask larger questions that confront us as a nation: How can we address our nation’s epidemic of gun violence? How can we protect gun rights for law abiding citizens, while keeping firearms out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill? What can we do about gun trafficking and other threats to our communities?

Enough goes behind the scenes of Gabby and Mark’s creation of Americans for Responsible Solutions, an organization dedicated to promoting responsible gun ownership and encouraging lawmakers to find solutions to gun violence, despite their widespread fear of the gun lobby. As gun owners and strong supporters of the Second Amendment, Gabby and Mark offer a bold but sensible path forward, preserving the right to own guns for collection, recreation, and protection while taking common-sense actions to prevent the next Tucson, Aurora, or Newtown. Poll after poll shows that most Americans agree with Gabby and Mark’s reasonable proposals.

As the book follows Gabby and Mark from the halls of Congress to communities across the country, it provides an intimate window into the recovery of one of our nation’s most inspiring public figures and reveals how she and her husband have taken on the role of co-advocates for one of the defining issues of our time.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Memoir, Crime

256 pages, Hardcover

First published June 3, 2014

About the author

Gabrielle Dee "Gabby" Giffords is an American politician from the U.S. state of Arizona. As a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, she represented Arizona's 8th congressional district from January 3, 2007 until her resignation on January 25, 2012, after surviving an assassination attempt that left her with a severe brain injury. She is the third woman in Arizona's history to be elected to the U.S. Congress. Considered a "Blue Dog" Democrat, her focus on health care reform and illegal immigration were sources of attention for those opposed to her candidacy and made her a recipient of criticism from various conservative groups.

Giffords is a native of Tucson, Arizona, and a graduate of Scripps College and Cornell University. Prior to her election to the United States Congress, Giffords served in the Arizona House of Representatives from 2001 until 2003 and the Arizona State Senate from 2003 until 2005, when she resigned to run for the house seat held by then-Congressman Jim Kolbe. She also worked as an associate for regional economic development for Price Waterhouse in New York City, and as CEO of El Campo Tire Warehouses, a local automotive chain owned by her grandfather. She is married to former astronaut and Space Shuttle Commander Mark E. Kelly.

On January 8, 2011, just a week into her third term, Giffords was a victim of an assassination attempt near Tucson, at a Safeway supermarket where she was meeting publicly with constituents. She was critically injured by a gunshot wound to the head; a total of thirteen people were injured and six others were killed in the shooting, among them federal judge John Roll and a 9-year-old child, Christina-Taylor Green. Giffords was later brought to a rehabilitation facility in Houston, Texas, where she recovered some of her ability to walk, speak, read and write. On May 16, 2011, Giffords traveled to Kennedy Space Center to watch the launch of STS-134, the final flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour, which was commanded by her husband Mark Kelly.

On January 22, 2012, Giffords announced her resignation from her congressional seat in order to concentrate on recovering from her wounds, but promised to return to public service in the future. She appeared on the floor of the House on January 25, 2012, where she formally submitted her resignation to a standing ovation and accolades from her colleagues and the leadership of the House.

Reviews

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give the book, Enough: Our Fight to Keep America Safe from Gun Violence, by Mark Kelly and Gabrielle Giffords, 5 stars because of its importance in the fight against gun violence in the U.S. Because they are gun owners and 2nd amendment supporters, Giffords and Kelly are in a unique position to present a rational non-political argument for tightening our laws to keep weapons out of the hands of criminals and the mentally unstable. When I contributed to their PAC, Americans For Responsible Solutions, I received the book in the mail.

In January, 2011, Gabrielle Giffords, U.S. representative of Colorado, and wife of astronaut, Mark kelly, was shot point blank by a deranged man, in the parking lot of a Tucson Safeway. She barely survived and will deal with the effects of her brain injury for the rest of her life. The gunman, Jared Loughner, was able to kill six others and wound 13, firing 33 rounds in just 15 seconds, all because of a vague grudge against the government. One of his victims was a nine-year old girl.

Ironically, Tombstone, Arizona, where the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral took place was in Gabrielle Giffords congressional district. Doc Holiday,and the Earp Brother were attempting to enforce a gun law, Ordinance # 9, that provided against the carrying of deadly weapons within the limits of the town. Wyatt Earp and cohorts successfully enforced the ordinance against the Clanton Brothers. Sadly, the "Wild West" rules of law make a mockery of present day Arizona, which has some of the laxest gun laws in the country.

In addition to the retelling of their firsthand encounter with violence and its aftermath, other preventable violent acts are examined, including Sandy Hook Elementary School, but most of the book deals with Gifford's and Kelly's brave fight to represent victims against the ultra powerful National Rifle Association.

I recommend this book to all civilized voters.

[Diane Blodgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book five stars because I think it is a book everyone should read. I admit that I was a bit shocked when I read that both Gabby Giffords and her husband Mark Kelly are gun owners. I grew up in a family that was anti-gun and that has always been my stance. We have never had a gun in our home and we didn't allow our son to have toy guns (he didn't suffer from that, in fact he is a fine upstanding young man, a wonderful son, a wonderful husband, and a wonderful father). When I picked up this book to read, I assumed that it would be anti-gun. This book gives a balanced view of gun ownership and it also addresses the second as amendment rights for gun ownership. Gabby was a polition when she was shot in the head by someone who was out to kill her. He had 32 rounds in his magazine and he fired 32 bullets killing or injuring many people. Tabby understands the ins and outs of politics and understands the importance of of working together to craft a law. This book not only taught me about the difficulties in getting gun control legislation passed, it also taught me about the political process--that there has to be some give and take--some compromise. This book also addresses the history of the MRS--what it started out as and what it has become--a powerful lobbying group that fights any attempt to pass laws for gun control--even gun control laws that seem to be no brainers. This book is about Gabby' s struggle after she was shot in the head and her and Mark's decision to make their life's work a fight for common sense gun control/safety laws.

I read this book because it was the April selection for my book club at church. Because of the timely and important topic of the book, my book club decided to invite our church's justice and witness team and then we decided to invite anyone from our church to attend our discussion on April 19th. We had quite a crowd of people attend and a very lively discussion. There were anti-gun folks like me as well as gun owners, former gun owners and former NRA members. We all agreed that common sense gun control legislation should be enacted. We also talked about what we could do as individuals as well as a congregation.

This is an important book for everyone to read--even members of the NRA! I bet most NRA members would be disconnected, if not shocked, at what their leaders are lobbying for and against!

[Margaret Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enough. Enough is enough. No more violence. My husband's family lives in Tucson. That was their grocery store. Still is. They knew most of the people shot that day. I have a friend who lives in Newtown and another who lives in Aurora. Enough. However, given the strength of the NRA, which this book clearly documents, the path will not be easy. Gabby and her husband Mark sprung into action while still in recovery mode when they were moved by Newtown. The book documents their personal pain, progress towards recovery and how they have gone about advocating/lobbying for sensible gun laws. Kudos to Gabby and Mark for having the moral courage and the strength to do this work. They offer practical suggestions as gun owners themselves and strong 2nd amendment supporters. It puts them in the unique position to work across the aisle in a bi-partisan way. Legislation primarily around background checks, closing loop holes and mental illness. And just a little bit of hope. The hope is that even after setbacks in the halls of Congress that Gabby knows all so well, they are still carrying out their mission, this time on the local level. They refuse to give up. As I often say, quoting Pirke Avot, "Ours is not to finish the task, neither are we free to ignore it." Gabby and Mark are not ignoring it. We all need to help.

The book could have used a better editor. Highly repetitive and sometimes the timeline jumped.

[Jeff Crosby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on the packaging of this wonderful book, I was surprised that the writing was entirely in Mark Kelly's voice rather than that of former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords or a blended perspective. But that small surprise does not devalue what was an immensely helpful work on the sadly enduring and all-too timely topic of gun violence in America. Drawing on not only the shooting of Giffords and several others outside a Tucson supermarket several years ago but also Sandy Hook school tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut and others, this book deftly portrays the sway that the NRA holds with American politicians and charts a way forward. It's important to note that both Giffords and Kelly are gun owners themselves (as well as concerned for the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution), even as they strongly challenge the gun lobby. A very important and highly-readable book.

[Book Shark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enough: Our Fight to Keep America Safe from Gun Violence by Gabrielle Giffords and Mark Kelly

“Enough: Our Fight to Keep America Safe from Gun Violence” is the inspired plea by former congresswoman Gabby Giffords and her husband retired astronaut and US Navy Captain Mark Kelly to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill. This admirable couple share Gabby’s recovery and their insightful quest to reduce gun violence in America. This moving 256-page book includes the following thirteen chapters: 1. The Line in the Sand, 2. Gun Country, 3. Active Shooter In Tucson, 4. “You Failed!”, 5. The NRA: From Markmanship to Muscle, 6. Newton, 7. How the NRA Controls Congress, 8. NRA, Inc., 9. A Broken System, 10. Guns Don’t Kill People. People Kill People., 11. Long Odds, 12. Senate Showdown, and 13. The Way Forward.

Positives:
1. A well-written, inspirational recovery story and plea for action.
2. A balanced story of recovery and politics. This is Gabby’s story of recovery and a quest to reduce gun violence through a moderate approach.
3. A good overall approach. The book has a good flow and it’s very easy to follow. It’s surprisingly insightful and takes the reader behind-the-scenes of the challenging world of politics.
4. A brief look at the lives, careers and views of former congresswoman Giffords and retired astronaut and US Navy Captain Mark Kelly. “Gabby entered politics in 2000 when she was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives. Then, at just thirty-two, she became the youngest woman elected to the Arizona Senate.”
5. A moderate approach to gun ownership. This is emphasized throughout the book. Giffords and Kelly are gun owners and thus provide a welcomed moderate approach. “Why, then, can’t we agree on a few simple rules about gun ownership that honor the Second Amendment while protecting Americans from random gun violence?”
6. A behind the scenes look at the shooting that changed their lives. A very candid account of what occurred and the impact it has had. “The bullet that passed through the left side of Gabby’s brain caused significant paralysis to the right side of her body. She had no use of her right arm, and her right leg was mostly paralyzed. She had to learn to walk again. She learned to write and use her iPad with her left hand. The bullet wound robbed her of the ability to speak with ease, but she made steady—and remarkable—progress. She still does, every single day. Her mind is clear, her memory intact, her thinking crisp.”
7. An inside look at the decision to create an organization to reduce gun violence, Americans for Responsible Solutions (ARS). “Gabby and I decided that it was time—long past time—to create an organization that could cut through the NRA’s rhetoric and convene a fair-minded dialogue about preventing gun violence. We made a commitment to each other to see this through.”
8. Provides practical and specific guidelines on how to reduce gun violence. “Expanding background checks and closing loopholes on gun-show and Internet sales.”
9. Loved the real story of Tombstone. “The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral wasn’t about men strutting around brandishing Colt .45s to settle their differences over horses. It was all about Tombstone’s gun laws.” Fascinating.
10. An interesting look at gun legislation. “When the Supreme Court in 2008 struck down the District of Columbia’s ban on handguns and affirmed an individual’s right to bear arms in the Heller decision, Gabby agreed.”
11. A very interesting history of the NRA. “In 1871, six years after the Civil War, Church and Wingate established the National Rifle Association in an armory in Manhattan with the goal of training marksmen. The initial mission of the organization was to ‘promote’ and encourage shooting on a scientific basis.”
12. Fascinating accounts of how conservatives view gun legislation in the day. In 1967 Reagan told reporters, “There’s no reason why on the street today a citizen should be carrying loaded weapons.”
13. A look at Wayne LaPierre’s rise to power in the NRA and his impact. “LaPierre and Baker oversaw the NRA’s intense lobbying drive that resulted in the 1986 legislative amendments that essentially gutted the Gun Control Act of 1968. Among other changes, the Firearms Owners Protection Act of 1986 made it easier for people to sell guns without a license, as long as they were not in the regular business of dealing firearms. The bill essentially created the loophole that has allowed the sale of weapons at gun shows and over the Internet, without the need for the buyer to pass a background check.”
14. Covers other recent tragedies such as the Newtown tragedy of December 14, 2012 that took the lives of twenty six people including twenty children. Does so with respect and this book was dedicated to their memory.
15. The chapter on how the NRA controls congress is worth the price of the book. “And yet just over a decade earlier, in the wake of the Columbine school shooting. LaPierre supported gun-free school zones. He said at the time, ‘We believe in absolutely gun-free, zero-tolerance, totally safe schools. That means no guns in America’s schools, period…with the rare exception of law enforcement officers or trained security personnel.”
16. Does a good job of exposing some of the tactics and influence that the NRA has even over gun manufacturers. “The NRA initiated a boycott, and Smith & Wesson sales plummeted by 40 percent.” Fair to say that the NRA welcomed them back.
17. A look at why the system is broken. “Gabby and I had long believed that the main problem was not the hardware itself, like the type of gun, but the type of person in possession of the gun. We don’t fundamentally disagree with the NRA’s constantly repeated line, ‘Guns don’t kill people. People kill people.’ But our country is in a state of crisis, especially compared to other developed nations, precisely because we have few measures in place to keep guns out of the hands of people who do kill.”
18. Great examples of how the system can work properly. Kelly demonstrates that by how easy and properly it’s done by providing just a driver’s license and filling out a 4473 form. “The store sent my name and responses to the FBI through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Five minutes and thirty-six seconds after beginning to fill out the form, I left with my new pistol and the ammunition.”
19. Interesting insights into the legislative process…on how to get a bill through. “The goal of Manchin’s bill was specific and concrete: to close the gun-show and Internet loophole.”
20. The future of ARS.

Negatives:
1. Not as comprehensive and in-depth as I would have liked.
2. No supplementary material. That is, no graphs, charts, timelines, photos or other kinds of visual material that would have added value. A chart illustrating all the senators and their particular stance on gun legislation seemed like a no brainer. They did go through some of the key senators’ views and votes on Manchin’s legislative effort but a chart could serve as easy reference.
3. No formal bibliography.

In summary, first and foremost I want to wish the best of health to Gabby and much success with the ARS. This is a very solid and balanced book on gun legislation. I like the fact that Gabby and Mark are both responsible gun owners and provide a moderate voice on what has become such a contentious and unnecessarily venomous issue. I recommend it.

Further recommendations: “That’s Not What They Meant About Guns!” by Michael Austin, “Reducing Gun Violence in America” by Daniel W. Webster and Jon S. Vernick, “Living with Guns” by Craig Whitney, and “The Second Amendment: A Biography” by Michael Waldman.

[John Darling · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you had any doubts before on whether or not there's needs to be stricter gun enforcement in our country, then read this book. I have always been a supporter of the second amendment and still am, but frankly, I'm shocked that even today there are not stricter laws on gun regulation. Had there been more background checks and preventative measures in place, then maybe all those who died at Sandy Hook, Tuscan, and Columbine would still be alive today. Mark Kelly and Gabby Giffords walk the reader through several horrific inicidents that occurred here in our own country over the past decade. As an American, I'm devastated that all of these events took place and even more shocked that we haven't done much to change our laws so this doesn't happen again. As a fellow Kings Point graduate, I have the utmost respect for Mark Kelly, as well as his remarkable wife, Gabby Giffords. I want to thank them for all they have done and I know they will continue to keep fighting the good fight in Congress. One day, we will have a system in place that prevents mentally unstable people, as well as criminals from being able to purchase weapons. I urge everyone interested to join their group, Americans For Responsible Solutions, so that day comes sooner than later. Until then, we can only pray that no more tragic shootings take place in our great country.

[Nelda Brangwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book sure to cause controversy. After Gabrielle Giffords' recovery from senseless gun violence, she and her husband, both gun owners, began looking for ways to promote responsible gun ownership. One of the main culprits they found is the NRA, which began as a way to promote gun safety, but has become a strong voice in promoting unchecked gun ownership. As a reader who supports their point of view, of course I agree with them. But there’s really nothing new, their book provides us with facts we already knew. Fewer and few people are gun owners, but those who are purchasing more. The NRA does nothing other than saying more guns will solve the problem to keep guns out of the hands of people who should not have them. And yes, I know there will be negative responses to this review and I hope people critical of Gifford’s stance with use accurate information when expressing their opinion. I hope they will have actually read the book and be able to illustrate with facts why the information presented in this book is inaccurate.

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

This couple's immense effort towards reforming gun laws is so honorable as they never dive into victimization yet show huge human depth during their ordeal. Being gun owners they're in the perfect position to change the narrative on this glaring issue in American society. The chapters on the NRA are informative yet still hard to believe that with only 1.5% of Americans being members and over 90% are in favor of simple measures like universal background checks they maintain such a stranglehold over GOP senators. Perhaps the only disappointment in this well-written book was their lack of addressing "a well-regulated militia" part of the 2nd amendment which only fosters the imaginary theory that hard righters hold of unfettered access to any and all (and their refusal to be challenged on this.) A heartfelt yet strong book.

[Marti Dahlquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every aspect of Gabby and Mark is brilliant.

[Linda Gaines · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it although it was hard to read about the way the NRA is stopping all reasonable debate about our gun culture. Mark and Gabi are gun owners and try to present their arguments to Congress but even when they see one of their own who is so physically changed by gun violence many don't vote for peaceful means.
It was so sad to read again of the children who died because America is in love with guns. Mark and Gabi will keep on in their crusade and we can help them.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Using rational logic and polite, moderate argument against the NRA works about as well as it would against a feral, cornered tiger. Which is why I'm not sure the point of this book, despite the good intentions of the author (not authors; Kelly is the only author here) and his wife's tragic story. Everyone but the tinfoil hats have already been convinced, and the hats never will be.

[James Henry Thornton III · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book and story...The Shooting of Gabrielle Gifford and her aftermath to keep America safe from Guns. The NRA history and politics was added bonus!

A miss read!!

[Frank Ogden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good memoir from Gabby Gifford and her husband Mark Kelly. It tells their story about trying to do something abut gun violence in our country.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would work better as an op-Ed. They aren't wrong but the book is really repetitive.

[Pctrainer98 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the idea of Americans for Responsible Solutions! It would be so nice to get off of this damn pendulum that swings far to the left and then far to the right.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative read on how the NRA influences the gun laws and why it takes so long to get anything done. Also a platform for their organization: Americans for Responsible Solutions.

[Al Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although written in 2014, the points made by Mr. Kelly are still applicable in 2018. America has a gun violence problem that is hindered by a lack of political will by many in our federal government and state houses. What would seem like a straight forward proposal like Universal Background checks for all gun purchases is an up hill battle in America. The example described in the book of the 2103 Manchin-Toomey Bill that ultimately failed to receive the 60 votes to become law teaches us all that even the most common sense gun legislation is a big lift in American politics. Still the book closes with hope and encourages us all to take the long view and push for change. Amen to that.

[Courtney Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Right now in the US, it’s harder to buy a box of Sudafed than it is to buy a lethal weapon.”

That line alone should send shockwaves out to the American people.

Additionally, nearly 90% of Americans support some form of common sense gun laws and yet the NRA is calling the shots and undermining every attempt to make our schools, streets, homes, and communities safer.

I feel honored to live in the same city and state as Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly. Two TRUE American heroes and patriots. This book was eye opening and tear jerking. We’ve got major gun issues in this country and the American people deserve to have their voices honored. Thank you for fighting this fight, Gabby and Mark. 💙🇺🇸

[Reba Hamilton · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I agree with the Giffords on their mission, this book was rather annoying. It was obviously written by a politician and sounded more like a stump speech than a persuasive argument. I also had a lot of problem with the audio version. They should not have used Mark Kelly to read the book- he sounded like he didn't really know what the sentenced meant or what he was trying to say, but read more like a 2nd grader who is just throwing out words. It was very difficult to get through without irritation.

In essence, this book did not accomplish its goal, and I'm already pro gun control.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

As advertised, this book gives a good, moderate view of steps lawmakers can make (in 2014 of course) to create barriers for the wrong people to get their hands on guns while maintaining freedoms for everyone else. Gabby being shot in the head by a mentally ill man, Mark being a veteran, and both also being gun owners gives them both good credibility in this debate. The history of the NRA and how they have come to pretty much control so many politicians was very interesting.

[susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this

Thought provoking and an educational work that seeks to explain the issues. And our politicians’ role in not wanting to be on the NRA blacklist. As I write this I’m shocked that this exists in what is supposed to be an educated society. Giffords and Kelly are 2nd Amendment supporters..it’s not about not having them, it’s about who has them.

[James Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

With it's goal of finding a moderate compromise solution, this book from Gabrielle Giffords makes a fairly pro gun argument for gun control in the United States. Both the Honorable Giffords and her husband Mark Kelly speak of their own passion for gun ownership, but a desire to see that gun ownership tied to responsibility.

[Kristen Iworsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a must read. I’ve been trying to learn more about the whole gun situation in America which often seems hopeless. This book is infuriating in that it shows how powerful the NRA is, so much so that even the most basic gun control laws have not been passed yet.

[Jamie Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written and eloquent essay on the need for reasonable, common sense gun control. In addition, it also provides excellent insight into the tactics of the NRA and the history of the organization.

[Jilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sorry that Gabby and Mark had to go through this. I really hope that, as Gabby and Mark suggest, each party can come together and find some even groups for common sense gun reform. The American experience is steeped in tragedy, and it should have to be.

[George · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reinforces the need for a common ground when it comes to gun public policy

[Alison Behling · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book itself wasn’t bad. A little slow and repetitive but the topic itself is important to be educated on

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was published in 2014, unfortunately enough is not enough for our “leaders” in Congress.

[Beverly Reidy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a little dated (2014) but gives a realistic view of how hard it is to fight the NRA and trying to effectuate change in our gun laws and to keep a balance between rights and responsibility.

[K.Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still relevant today. Kelly has a really clear, concise and motivational conclusion.