Frequently Asked Questions

We DO donate directly above and beyond these commissions, and we encourage you to do the same—direct donations are always the most effective way to support Luigi's defense. But here's the reality: you're going to buy books, gifts, journals, tote bags, and other items anyway—for yourself, for holidays, for birthdays. We're offering you a way to redirect that spending toward something meaningful. If you like what we're doing, great. But for people who are already shopping, why not make it count? This is about creating options, not replacing direct support.

This isn't just about fundraising—it's about education and systemic change. The bookshop serves multiple purposes: educating people about injustice, corporate greed, and capital punishment through curated book collections. Supporting independent bookstores in their fight against Amazon's monopoly. Building a community of informed activists. Turning everyday purchases—whether it's books, holiday gifts, journals, or tote bags—into meaningful action. The items people buy become tools for understanding and engaging with important social issues. We're raising consciousness and building a movement, not just raising money.

Absolutely. Impact isn't measured solely in dollars raised. Consider what we're accomplishing: (1) Education: People are discovering books about justice, corporate accountability, and systemic issues. These books create informed citizens who understand important social topics. (2) Sustained engagement: Unlike a one-time donation, this keeps people connected to the cause over months and years. (3) Fighting monopolies: Every purchase through Bookshop.org instead of Amazon challenges corporate consolidation and supports independent businesses. (4) Zero-cost activism: People redirect spending they were already doing—no additional cost to them. (5) Complete transparency: We model what accountable grassroots organizing looks like. Financial contributions matter, but the cultural and educational impact is equally important. We're raising consciousness and building a movement.

This bookshop is part of a broader criminal justice reform effort. We're partnering with Death Penalty Action to oppose the death penalty for Luigi Mangione—you can sign their petition here. We're also working to get educational and helpful books into ADX Florence, the U.S.'s most restrictive federal prison, specifically for the men whose sentences were commuted by President Biden and who were subsequently transferred there. This bookshop is one tool in a larger toolkit for justice reform, education, and systemic change.

No, and we're upfront about that. Direct donations to the official defense fund are always the most effective way to help. However, this bookshop serves multiple purposes beyond just fundraising: it educates people about justice, corporate accountability, and systemic issues; it supports independent bookstores fighting against Amazon's monopoly; it builds community around these important topics; and it provides a way for people who were going to buy books, gifts, and other items anyway to redirect their purchase toward a meaningful cause. Think of it as turning your regular shopping—whether for yourself or for holiday gifts—into activism.

No. Due to prison regulations, Luigi cannot be involved in operating a business. This is an independent fundraising initiative, and neither Luigi nor his representatives are involved.

Luigi Mangione is facing a complex legal battle across three jurisdictions for a single act, and he has pled not guilty. Supporting his defense helps ensure he has the resources to navigate this process fairly. Contributions directly impact legal costs and his right to a fair trial.

When you purchase books, gifts, journals, or any other items through our Bookshop.org affiliate link, Bookshop.org pays 10% of the sale as affiliate commission, which we donate (100%) to Luigi's legal defense fund via the official fundraising site. This happens through Bookshop.org's affiliate program, which is tracked transparently and reported monthly. Bookshop.org also directly pays indie bookstores an additional 10% of every purchase—so your purchase supports both the defense fund AND independent bookstores. See details about the program here and our complete financial transparency with receipts here: Dashboard and Docs.

ABSOLUTELY NOT. 100% of the commissions go directly to Luigi's defense fund. We pay all marketing costs, website hosting, social media advertising, and operational expenses out of our own pocket. Not a single penny is deducted from donations. Every dollar Bookshop.org pays us goes straight to the defense fund. See complete financial transparency with receipts and monthly records here: Dashboard and Docs.

When you make a purchase, Bookshop.org gives 10% of your total purchase amount as a commission. 100% of that commission (the entire 10% of your purchase) goes to Luigi's defense fund. We don't keep any portion of it or offset promotional costs with it.

All affiliate commissions earned are sent directly to Luigi's official legal fundraising site.

We publish monthly impact reports showing all commissions earned, all titles purchased, and how they've been allocated to Luigi's defense. These reports are available here: Dashboard and Docs.

Yes, and we strongly encourage it. Direct donations to the official defense fund are the most effective way to support Luigi: Official Defense Fund.

No! While we curate collections to promote education about important causes, any item purchased through our link will generate the same 10% commission for Luigi's defense fund. Feel free to purchase novels, cookbooks, children's books, journals, tote bags, gifts, or anything else that interests you. This is perfect for holiday shopping, birthday gifts, or treating yourself.

Yes, but currently Bookshop.org only pays affiliate commission on physical books with U.S. shipping. Consider purchasing both and sharing with friends and family.

Yes! International customers are welcome to purchase books and other items through our Bookshop.org affiliate link. However, please note that all orders must be shipped to a U.S. address. Your purchase will still support Luigi's defense fund regardless of your billing address location.

No. Bookshop.org handles all aspects of fulfillment, including shipping, customer service, and returns. We never touch the books or handle any shipping—you are buying directly from Bookshop.org.

Orders typically ship within 1–2 business days. Delivery usually takes 3–10 business days depending on your location. Bookshop.org handles all shipping and customer service.

Bookshop.org handles all returns. According to their policy, items can be returned within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. Visit Bookshop.org's help center for details.

Absolutely not. Bookshop.org works with Ingram, the largest book wholesaler in the U.S. Orders are fulfilled by Ingram's distribution centers, fully independent of Amazon. Bookshop.org was created as an alternative to support independent bookstores.

We encourage supporting local bookstores directly whenever possible. But not everyone has access, especially to specialized titles. Our shop ensures access while also supporting the indie bookselling ecosystem, since Bookshop.org gives 10% of every purchase to indie bookstores.

Bookshop.org has generated over $40 million for indie bookstores since 2020 by:
• Giving 10% of all sales to indie shops
• Paying 30% on sales through bookstore storefronts
• Allowing stores to sell online without managing e-commerce
• Serving as a lifeline during the pandemic

Primarily Amazon, whose practices have historically undercut small bookstores. Bookshop.org levels the playing field by channeling online sales to community-based businesses instead.

We understand this concern. While our primary partner is Bookshop.org for new books, we are exploring partnerships with used book retailers in the future. For now, new books provide reliable inventory for our curated collections. We also encourage using libraries, sharing books, or donating them to community exchanges.