Paul Swenson Releases SLAPPED! Based on a True Story
By: Christina Mancuso Nov. 11, 2013
"SLAPPED!" is a new novel about free speech by author Paul Swenson and coauthor Jessica Tobler.
Swenson and Tobler's new book is based off a true story of a strategic lawsuit against public participation, S.L.A.P.P., in Utah. The book surrounds two main characters, Jessica Tobler and Julie Bell, as they fight to preserve open space near Utah's Jordan River for their children and coming generations.
"We led a grassroots alliance to try to preserve riparian river bottoms from being paved over with parking lots, glass and concrete office towers and were sued for 1.7 million dollars," Tobler said. "We were told if we kept our mouths shut and quit protesting their development, they'd drop the lawsuit."
These two women continued to fight for what they believe in, even though vicious actions such as neighborhood vandalism, malicious gossip and dirty tricks ensued.
"This book will make you laugh, make you cry, make you angry, and make you anxious to read the next chapter," Tobler said. "It is dedicated to all those individuals whose inner beliefs and values cause them to go up against great odds for a cause they believe is worth fighting for."
For more information, visit http://www.slappsuit.org.
"SLAPPED!"
By Paul Swenson
ISBN: 978-1-4918-0176-5
Retail price: $21.56
Available in paperback, hardcover and e-book
About the authors
Paul Swenson passed on February 18, 2012 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was a news reporter for the Deseret News, a writer for The Salt Lake Observer and editor of Utah Holiday Magazine. Swenson also had a passion for poetry and was published by Signature Books. Coauthor Jessica Tobler resides in Salt Lake City, Utah and is still today a strong free speech, environmental and gun rights activist, as well as a loving mother and wife. Tobler is a graduate from Brigham Young University, Utah and a member of the Mormon religion.
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