Social Studies Books

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was educational, and heartwarming and a sweet look into the lives of four women who honestly shared the details of their lives.

This is a great read!! This book shows the value of long-time friendships and demonstrates how friends are fun during the good times, but are necessary to help get through the hard times.

These four women share their personal lives with us: their triumphs and their trials. A book that motivates you to call and connect with that close friend that you may not have found time for recently. This is a beautiful story of friendship and the value of sisterhood.

Keep us posted ladies!! We are waiting for Wearing Purple - the Sequel.

There are many touching, humorous, profound thoughts beings passed on in these letters between the 4 women. However, I had trouble following who was who. First, I went to the back and read each author's personal statement. Then I found myself going back again and again. It think it would be helpful to have a "time line" for each of the authors so their letters could be put in a better context.

This book is a marvelous expression of the true love and support that comes only from having good friends. I initially purchased the book simply because I know one of the authors. I wanted to get an autographed copy for my sister. I naturally purchased one for myself as well. It has helped me to refocus on that which brings true happiness, the joy of having a very few good friends who accept you as you are and love you unconditionally.

I truly enjoyed reading about a beautiful, caring "circle" of friends. I hope that through the years I will be able to form a lasting bond with my friends much like the bond that the authors share. Through this book, I realized how precious true friendship can be

Charles Wohlforth's The Whale and the Supercomputer is a brilliant conversation between the indigenous Inupiat of Barrow, Alaska, and the Anglo world of science. It deals not only in ideas, observations and theory, but in the lives of the women and men who give rise to these ideas, observations and theories. The result is a deeply human book.

Wohlforth gives all sides of the conversation a hearing, showing the strengths and blindness of each. Many of us who claim to be environmentalists live too far away from the land to really know it, but our critique is also helpful to those who live too close.

Some of the most interesting stories in this book are the ones he does not tell. It seems that many people do science as a way of getting back to the land. It also seems that some of those who do the science are worried about what their experiments are showing and so they do them again and in different ways, just in case there might be a different outcome. The result is that Wohlforth thoroughly engages his reader.

The conversation between the Native Way and White Capitalism that is going on in Alaska today may be the most important conversation Americans will ever have. I am grateful to Charles Wohlforth for letting us listen in.

who are 11 and 13. They wanted me to read the whole chapter about the snow-sampling expedition. They are thrilled and disturbed by the whale hunts and the vivid descriptions of the ice, and they are more interested in the science than I expected -- but as another reviewer noted, the author is a parent, too, and while the science isn't oversimplified, it is set out in plain language.

My kids want to go to Alaska as soon as possible, "before it's all melted and gone forever" as my daughter says. And my son wanted to know -- "Mom, if I can figure out cold fusion, will you be proud of me?"

All the accolades by other reviewers here are well deserved. This is a wonderful read; the science is woven into the story so seamlessly that you don't realize just how much you're learning. But I think the most important message of this story is that the earth has an intrinsic value and beauty that we do not have the right to destroy.

So, get this book. Read it. Donate a copy to your local library. Maybe our children really can save the planet. This book could be the inspiration.

I flew a Jet Ranger helicopter for ERA Helicopters in the spring of 1969, shortly after oil was definitely discovered at Prudhoe Bay. I was the farthest west contract at that time, living with and working for a seismic crew. As a result I had to learn a lot about surviving in the white-out, memorizing the shapes of all the tundra ponds, various willows and other Arctic shrubs, snowy owls and ptarmigan, and so forth. Reading this book brought me back to all those adventuresome skills and a time just before we were all so skeptical of our society and its outcome. Working in extreme outdoor jobs then was a lot like the life described in this book. Certain abilities to pick up on local lore of the Natives, as well as the most advanced technical thinking was expected of you, and comforting. I have enjoyed seeing anything about the Arctic's North Slope of Alaska ever since, and hope we can move forward into our complicated future without confiscating that amazing habitat up there. And good luck to the Arctic Ocean's inhabitants and their ecology; they are going to need it for what we have done to the atmosphere. This writer is a fine journalist for conveying what we have learned so far.

This book tells many stories centered on the theme of climate change as seen in Northern Alaska. The Iñupiat people have lived around what is today Barrow, Alaska for over a thousand years. As with many indigenous peoples, they have a keen awareness of their natural surroundings. For the Iñupiat, knowledge of weather, ice and whale behavior is a matter of life and death, both moment to moment in a climate so harsh the cold can kill quickly and in the larger life of their villages, where successful whale hunts are needed to feed the people.

Barrow has also been the site of scientific Arctic climate studies since the 1800s. A parallel culture of scientists has developed in the several research stations in the area. For many years, the Iñupiat and scientific communities have coexisted in varying states of tension. Both recognize strengths in the other but their ways of approaching life and understanding the world are very different and often not possible to reconcile. While the scientists have frequently consulted with and tried to learn from the Iñupiat, the scientists have typically found this a frustrating exercise and the Iñupiat have had enough bad experiences with researchers on short projects not really understanding the people or the place that they do not easily trust outsiders.

Charles Wohlforth has lived in Alaska and did a remarkable job of coaxing stories out of the Iñupiat. They are storytellers - telling stories has long been deeply ingrained in their culture and way of life. We hear some of their stories as well as those of the scientists. Perhaps most remarkably, we meet a scientist who returned to Alaska to adopt the Iñupiat way of life as a whaling captain instead of pursuing his scientific career and Iñupiat who have made their way as scientists even as they live next to the people they grew up with.

But most important, while we see the effects of global warming and climate change as seen by the scientists doing research and the Iñupiat whalers trying to cope with the impact of bad ice and warmer weather on all aspects of whaling, the author reminds us that these local effects are just a snapshot in one place of changes that will affect us all. Reading this book compels an appreciation for the depth and breadth of knowledge of an indigenous people surviving the changes in the modern world while preserving their native ways and traditions.

We know why this book was honored with the 2005 Los Angeles Times Book Award for science/technical writing. Wohlforth cheerfully tackles the deep fog of climate science (even some of the career scientists he interviews seem hopelessly befuddled by the complexity of it). But he approaches it both as a journalist who makes his living by storytelling, and as a father used to gently encouraging his four bright, curious children to understand their world. He can distill a century of mind-numbing bench science into a metaphor that his 10-year old can understand and that readers of all ages will appreciate.
To get the story he drops into whaling expeditions and arctic research explorations with equal aplomb by chipping in and becoming one of the team. (The comparison is not unlike the cinematographers who capture on film the drama of a Mt. Everest ascent: the only way to get the picture is to strap on the gear and make the climb themselves, right alongside the adventurers they're filming.)
Getting and telling the story is what Wohlforth knows how to do. In his book, he captivates us by telling us what his "characters" know how to do. From the fox who knows how to skitter across a thin sheet of newly-forming ice without falling through, to the native who knows how to take compass readings by studying the shadows on snow drifts, to our generation's academic elites who know how to wrap their minds around the infinitely complex equations that underlie the mysteries of climate change. In the end, it's really not so mysterious: the signs of climate change are obvious and all around us.
Read this book and prepare to be moved and enlightened, just as you will be charmed by the people whose lives, livelihoods, and ways of knowing are as diverse as the environment itself.

If You don't know about all the '70s films,this book will let you know.I was blown away with this book it's a must have for all black film fans!

Without a doubt one of the Baddest Books that i have ever read.this book talks about my Favorite ERA.it explains the importance of these films&Artists.cuz at the time Tinseltown wasn't happening.the Black Artists here&their Films kept the Lights&Power on.this book sheds Light on Many Topics.the Impact of the Images have Lasting Impact.I'M Glad that Many Artists in the book said that they couldn't stand the term Blaxploitation.I Agree.Hollywood is a Business if the films weren't happening&Making Profit they wouldn't be on display.No Impact,no Word of Mouth they wouldn't be Happening.not everything was cool or worth watching but it was the kind of Charge that is needed to Level the Playing Field.it left a Lasting Impression on Me&Countless others.this is a Must have.very Detailed.

I was expecting this kind of book because I'm now deep into Blaxploitation era, but also curious about Black movements of the 60ies and 70ies. In a way I learned a lot of things. A big deception is Ron O' Neal (aka Priest in "Superfly") isn't there, and the authors could also have gotten Tamara Dobson, James Brown, the late Curtis Mayfield and Willie Hutch. But that's life ! A big book, great value for me

I thoroughly enjoyed the artwork in this book. I wish they still made movies like they did back in the day.

Great book about the 70's black movies. I thought I seen them all but this book talked about movies I did'nt know about but would like to see, if I could just find all the videos! The art work alone is worth the price of the book! If you plan or get invited to a 70's party use this book as a guide to get that true afropicking,bellbottom,platform shoe wearing look.

The CEO of Seventh generation, Jeffrey Hollender, pens this book on responsible business. I came across this book because Seventh Generation recently decided to sell their wares through Target instead of Wal-Mart. Most small businesses would love to be courted by the Wal-Mart retailing giant but Jeffrey Hollender felt that Target agreed more with Seventh Generation. In this book, Jeffrey discusses his thoughts on running a responsible business.

The opening chapters were somewhat difficult to get through. Perhaps it just took several pages for me to get used to his prose?

The underlying message I felt was that having a socially responsible business is possible but will require a lot of work on everyone's part. Everyone is so connected to each other now. Perhaps an environmental conscious entrepreneur decides to open a chain of organic restaurants and ensures that farmers are paid a fair price. But what if the restaurant hires an exterminator that uses a toxin that ends up contaminating the soil for generations?

The idea is to have a closed-loop business model ... that leaves things in the same condition as when the company began. For example, think of the credo of camping sites. Moreover, the closed loop business model is more than just your business but includes your suppliers and customers. Specifically, there are hidden costs to disposal of things like electronics and the ubiquitous clear plastic bags. Of course, we every day consumers can throw them in the trash for someone else to deal with. But someone does deal with our trash and there are some real costs. The book gives a story of a putrid land in China where a lot of our electronic waste goes.

I have always loved companies that are transparent with their business models from a financial perspective. Transparency is about communicating to shareholders, consumers, and employees. Transparency is about being candid and introspective on dealings and reasoning for decisions.

There are a mixed bag of corporate stories mainly with Ben & Jerry Ice Cream (who is now part of Unilever) and Seventh Generation. There is of course some mention of Johnson and Johnson's Tylenol case and also on electronic companies like Hewlett Packard and Dell. There is some applause for British Petroleum for a decision to put no money to politics and Shell who compromised with Greenpeace on an issue in Africa.

Surprisingly this is a well thought out book that doesn't get hysterical. It's honest, transparent and I recommend it.

I found the book to be uplifting. It is nice to see this type of behavior being practiced. We have entered a time in our existence where we have to start thinking of how we operate as an industrialized country.

Chris Ortiz, author of 40+: Overtime Under Poor Leadership

As a professor management who is interested in corporations acting more responsibly, I have just begun to use this book in my senior strategic management course. Hollender is a thoughtful and insightful proponent of socially responsible business. Each chapter covers a specific characteristics of SRB (accountability, transparency, sustainability, etc.).

He recognizes that running a company using these principles is not easy but definitely worth it.

He covers most of the pioneers in the field (Roddick, Cohen, Anderson, Chouinard) and their struggles to live their corporate lives in a responsbile way.

I highly recommend it.


Dale Fitzgibbons

This review is an adaptation of my review published in Personnel Psychology, Winter 2004 issue.

As one of the pioneers in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) movement, Hollender is evangelical about promoting the implementation of CSR "in all of its forms." I'm not sure I know what he means by that. As he acknowledges, it's in the "mind of the beholder" because there's "no firm consensus" about what CSR means. I certainly can't criticize him for not pinning down the concept. Professor Ronald Sims (2003), in his own book on the subject for instance, has offered five different definitions. I think Hollender equates CSR with the idea of a triple-bottom line of responsibility and accountability for fulfilling what he thinks should be the financial, social, and environmental obligations of a corporation.
Margaret Mead once said in effect that social change always starts and can only start with a small group of people. The small group identified in the book as pioneers in the CSR movement include small business entrepreneurs like Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield of Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream, socially responsible investment funds like the Calvert Social Investment Fund, and a host of advocacy groups or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like the activist group, Greenpeace, and the more reserved Businesses for Social Responsibility (BSR) that was conceived as sort of an alternative Chamber of Commerce.
The book gives an interesting account of the different ways in which these pioneers promote CSR among big corporations. One way, for instance, is non-confrontational and educative in trying to "bring big business [no matter how socially irresponsible] to the table and then move the table." For example, BSR works closely with big companies to promote a set of best practices that hopefully will not only further the CSR progress of those companies but also entice other companies not to be left behind. Another way is confrontational, involving pressure tactics and sometimes law suits. Greenpeace, for example, gradually succeeded in pressuring Royal Dutch Shell to choose a more environmentally responsible way to dispose of an obsolete oil storage tanker and loading platform in the North Sea.
As you can well imagine, the notion of CSR is controversial and fraught with issues. The authors clearly know that and for the most part deal with the issues relatively well in my opinion. I'll mention and discuss a few of the issues.
Perhaps the biggest issue is over what should be the legitimate purpose of business. Hollender, understandably, totally rejects what he considers to be the "hysterical" opinion of conservative economist Milton Friedman that CSR is "fundamentally subversive" and that the only legitimate responsibility of business is to make an honorable profit. To Hollender, CSR "in all of its forms" is the legitimate purpose. Thus a corporation that seeks to ameliorate public problems not of its own making is a more socially responsible company. He cites Coca Cola as an example of a company persuaded by activists to modify its operations in ways to further the prevention and treatment of AIDS among its employees and those of its bottlers and suppliers.
Three related issues are over who should be the public corporation's legitimate stakeholders, for what should it be held accountable, and over what period of time. To people in Friedman's camp, the issues are no-brainers. Shareholders are the only stakeholders, the corporation is only accountable for maximizing their wealth and doing so through legal means, and time is marked in quarterly returns. This view is basically that the conventional bottom line is the only one that must matter. To people like Hollender, the issues are also no-brainers. Absolutely everyone and everything, including the environment, along the company's long value chain from initial product resources to product disposal are the company's stakeholders, the company must be held accountable through full and transparent cost accounting to every one of those stakeholder interests, and time is marked in the long run. The conventional bottom line is thus immensely modified quantitatively and qualitatively.
I found the authors a bit lax in relying on several of their sources about one important matter bearing on those three issues. The sources were quoted as claiming that boards of directors have a statutory obligation to maximize shareholder wealth in the short term. I questioned that claim, and one of Hollender's spokespersons acknowledged that it was a mistaken claim. But this nevertheless doesn't negate the immense pressure CEO's are under to hit the numbers each quarter. This pressure comes primarily from institutional investors who might as well be surrogates for a statute. It takes a morally courageous CEO and a sustainable company to resist that kind of pressure. In an article featuring Hollender and Bill George, the recently retired CEO of Medtronic, the latter commented that he would say at every annual shareholder meeting that the company was "not in the business of maximizing shareholder value," and he believed he "got away with that because the results were so good" (Kelly, 2004).
Another related issue is over how much self-disclosure there should be of a firm's CSR performance. Hollender proposes full "transparency," yet acknowledges that it can make the company squirm, as his did, over risking the possibility that full disclosure may end up making the company legally liable for a product shortcoming that might not otherwise ever be known. He agonized, for example, that while one of his products was more "natural' than that of any of his competitors, he was sure some of his customers at least presumed that his product "was a bit better than it actually was." Not being a fanatically unrealistic CSR advocate, he decided to put a "product self-critique section" on his company's Web site instead of putting a disclaimer on the product's packaging. It's a compromise, yes, but far more responsible than the values held and practiced by a baby food maker I remember as once having been charged with diluting its product.
Another related issue is whether to take a public company private to escape Wall Street analysts and record-keeping requirements. More public companies are apparently going private, and Hollender himself is a case in point. He took his firm private, and that is what it still is today. He points to the private outfitter, Patagonia, as being able to take socially responsible actions much more easily than if it were traded on Wall Street.
Yet another issue addressed, and the last one of theirs I'll mention, is over whether a small, socially responsible company should "sell out" to a larger corporation. An advantage of doing so besides making a lot of money from the sale is the prospect of a responsible product being introduced to a much larger market. But a disadvantage is that the seller risks seeing its values and practices diminished if not overturned altogether by the larger corporation. The authors describe how Ben and Jerry initially felt they had negotiated a deal with Unilever, the buyer of their company, to preserve the values the two pioneers held dear, only to learn later of some actions taken by Unilever incompatible with the values.
The authors claim that the CSR movement has become a "contagious trend." I think that's a bit exaggerated, and the authors offer little hard data to back up their claim. I think it is true that CSR is becoming a more popular topic, but I suspect, and the authors acknowledge, that it lends itself to tokenism or lip service for the sake of appearances or reputation. That's why incidentally I chose to mention the authors' examples of Shell and Coke. Shell reportedly regards the North Sea experience positively and claims there is now "increasingly open and honest communication with the communities," yet we read recently that its two top executives were forced to resign after lying for several years about the company's oil reserves (see, e.g., Timmons, 2004). As for Coke, it's frequently in the news for its "cozy ties to strong arm dictators and rogue bottlers" and for other alleged wrongdoing (see, e.g., Klebnikov, 2003). I could also have mentioned wrongdoing by some of the other companies the authors cite as making progress of one kind or another in their CSR performance. My point is that with so much harmful wrongdoing being committed by public corporations, I would far prefer to see a relatively more restrained movement, one that "simply" calls for public corporations to operate "harmlessly." Achieving that standard would be a quantum leap from prevailing corporate behavior, and I think corporations should direct their resources to taking that leap and not diverting them to the solving of problems not of their own making or to giving guilt gifts through philanthropy or to offering isolated token efforts.
The book is intended for a wide audience, including business leaders, employees, and NGOs. I personally think it deserves to be on a best seller list and should be read by the CEO of every public corporation who has yet to decide where to position his or her company on the CSR spectrum. I also think all thoughtful citizens should read this book. It matters a lot.

REFERENCES

Kelly, M. (2004). Conversations with the masters: Two of the great CEOs talk about the pressures of managing with values. Business Ethics, 18, 4-5.

Klebnikov, P. (2003, December 22). Coke's sinful world. Forbes, 86-92.

Sims, RR. (2003). Ethics and corporate social responsibility: Why giants fall. Westport, CT: Praeger.

Timmons, H. (2004, March 04). Shell's top executive forced to step down. The New York Times.

Another leader of an iconic "green company", Jeffrey Hollender - founder and CEO of Seventh Generation (yes, I use their laundry detergent exclusively) discusses the challenges of running a business with high integrity and full disclosure. In particular, Hollender recounts Seventh Generation's stint as a publicly traded company and posits that public ownership inevitably leads to an erosion of core values by the pressures of the markets. He cites also the example of Ben and Jerry's take-over by Unilever. I personally believe that positive social change can be wrought through the public securities markets and that values driven investing is the most significant tool available.

I appreciate What Matters Most as a cautionary tale keeping me alert to some of the perils of my chosen approach (Socially Responsible Investing as a vehicle for change). I had the privilege of hearing Jeffrey Hollender speak at a Working Assets brown bag lunch lecture. He is a forceful presence and very inspiring in his forthrightness in answering questions probing the gray areas that an ethical company must struggle with.

P.S. A recent addition to my review: The Resources section at the back of the book is very well researched and thorough. It would be worth buying the book merely for that appendix.

Amidst the plethora of business books out there, here's one that is likely to remain in print for many years without ending up in the $1.98 bargain table at your local Borders Books. Lewis's tract covers over 60 different countries and virtually every major region in the world. New chapters in this Third Edition include information on doing business in Iraq, Pakistan, Serbia, Columbia and Venezuela.

"When Cultures Collide" is more than just a book on doing business internationally; it is guide to communicating effectively with the individuals of these diverse and emerging markets across the global marketplace.

Divided among the "Lewis Model," the author examines and divides cultural types through what he calls "linear-active, multi-active, and reactive variations." For example, the Germans and the Swiss are considered "linear-actives" as they thoughtfully plan, schedule, organize, doing one thing at a time; in contrast, the Chinese, Japanese, and Finns tend to be "reactives" since they value and priortize courtesy and respect, as they listen quietly and react carefully to another's proposal.

The book has been tremendeously helpful to me in negotiating deals foreign clients allowing me to avoid the faux pas we Americans erroneously commit while doing business with our international customers.

In a nutshell, the author examines how the mind--any mind is conditioned even at an early age. As a result, the irreversible nature of this childhood training establishes a relationship between langauge, action and thought.

For anyone who does business internationally, or simply wishes to find out more about the other cultures on this ever-shrinking planet we share and inhabit, Lewis's book is a must read.

Great resource to help you understand the cultures you'll encounter when working abroad. The first half provides an overview of cultures and how they are formed, etc. The second half is full of short 5 page overviews of cultures by country. A great combination of background (1st half) and country specifics (2nd ahlf) that you can reference as necessary depending on where business takes you.

Working only in the USA? Well this is a good resource to understand some of the folks you'll manage or work with from other cultures.

If you're managing a project outside of your cultural home country, this book is worthwhile reading, or at least skimming (as I did) to get ideas on how to work more effectively with your "foreign" partners. If nothing else, it'll remind you that for them, you're the foreign person. Also good to remember that even if you yourself immigrated, your cultural outlook is likely still from your country of birth, especially if you lived there through adulthood and first job.

The first half of the book covers different concepts (e.g. time, communication, life outlook) for a variety of countries. The second half is an encyclopedia of short chapters on different specific countries.

While being expert at working in another culture comes only with time, it's certainly worth reading parts of this book (the general chapters plus a specific country's chapter) before your first working meeting on a multi-cultural project.

At times this book veers on being discriminatory, shallow, stereotypical and arbitrary. For instance, what has Mr Lewis got against the Finns to focus on them mercilessly? Is it really useful to paint these simple caricatures of whole nations, with all their diversity and increasing multi-ethnicity?

Well, in a word, Yes. Yes, if you are suddenly faced with having to do business with people from other nations. I cannot praise highly enough how this book, in both its current and previous editions, enabled me to come to terms with the challenges of working across cultural divides. It has come to my rescue on no end of occasions, helping me adapt my expectations and be open to differences. The style is light without being shallow, and it can be dipped into as easily as it can be read cover to cover.

And it was particularly useful when I suddenly found myself responsible for a department in Finland!

This is an excellent book. From its marketing, I thought that "When Cultures Collide: Managing Successfully Across Cultures" pertained specifically to dealing with people of different nationalities in the business place. And indeed, it is a most useful book for that purpose. However, I was struck by how much one could apply Lewis' analyses to other situations, for example, dealing with people of other nationalities on a social level. Indeed, I have many aquaintances, and some close friends, from diverse backgrounds, and this book sometimes occupies us for entire evenings, discussing our experiences with one another. The chapter on Hungarians I found particularly accurate, and entertaining. I believe that Lewis would have enjoyed hearing some of these discussions (and arguments). My point is: don't dismiss this book thinking it is a businessman's tool. It's a good read for anybody who encounters people of other nationalities and cultures, irrespective of the context.

I became fascinated with the work of RAWA about six months ago. I had never heard of the organization before and although I knew the Taliban was a terrible regime, I had no idea that pre and post Taliban rule there was this wonderful underground organization working to promote independence for women, hope and peace for the country. I have read quite a few books on Afghan's women's struggles, and many books with a focus on RAWA, and I have to say this one is by far the best book written on the organization of RAWA. Anne Brodsky spent much time in both Afghanistan, and Pakistan, observing, interviewing and living with supporters and members of RAWA. None of the other books I have read on the subject get as deep into the underground workings of this incredible group of people. Unlike some of the other books I have read by authors that have visited with RAWA members, Anne Brodsky has a journalistic style of writing, where her personal opinions don't over dominate the book. She is very objective, and writes much like an observer, which I really appreciated. I highly recommend this book.

From its opening pages, describing the mobilization of RAWA members to clandestinely record, at tremendous personal risk, the Taliban's public execution of a woman, Anne Brodsky's book affords the reader a gripping account of a remarkable, dedicated group of individuals. The shocking footage of the burqa-clad figure toppling to the ground after a rifle-shot to the head was subsequently seen by audiences the world over; that it was seen at all was entirely due to the courage and determination of the members of the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan.

Each chapter of "With All Our Strength" carries as its title a verse from poetry written by the extraordinary woman who founded RAWA - Meena, murdered at age 30. This apt touch presages the exceptional degree to which Brodsky fashions her narrative from the words of RAWA's members. Unlike so many other writers and journalists who have ventured of late into this geographical and political territory, Brodsky does not project herself front and center into her tale. Instead, she serves as a witness - an attentive, informed, empathetic one - who helps put the RAWA phenomenon into cogent historical, political and sociological context. No mean feat, given the complexities of the modern history of this region, as well as the sheer number of voices she interweaves into her narrative. What's more, while contributing to the central story of RAWA's rise and ongoing struggles, these voices also emerge, distinctly and movingly, as those of individual women who have made difficult choices and extraordinary sacrifices in the effort to create change.

These days, with the Bush Administration taking credit for bringing freedom to Afghanistan, it is vital to recognize the dedication of the RAWA members who militated for democracy and women's rights while the U.S. was supporting the forces that coalesced into the savagely misogynistic Taliban. It its parts and as a whole, "With All Our Strength" portrays the bravery of individuals and the power of collective action in the face of evil. Profiles in courage, indeed.

I first learned about RAWA and the deplorable situation for women in Afghanistan several years ago in a pre-9/11 magazine article. I was horrified by what I read about the Taliban and the unimaginable restrictions on and persecution of Afghan women. I wanted to help, and I was excited when I learned about RAWA and what they were doing to help the women of Afghanistan. Since then I've searched for more information on RAWA, and this book was the answer. Ms. Brodsky's book is well researched (she spent time in both Afghanistan and Pakistan with RAWA members and was the first writer to be given such unrestricted access to them). In her book I learned information about the history of RAWA, their organizational structure and operations (which was fascinating to me), and their struggle to overcome enormous obstacles with limited funds. Most mesmerizing for me, though, were the author's many excerpts of interviews with members of RAWA, both new members and those who have been with the organization almost since its inception. After reading this book, I was so impressed with the members of RAWA -- with their strength and courage, their fierce determination to better the lives of the women of their country, their great personal sacrifice, and their total devotion to their cause that I am sending a monthly donation to them. (Ms. Brodsky is donating all of her profits from this book to RAWA.) This book is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about RAWA or to anyone interested in feminist issues or resistance movements.

I really liked Anne Brodsky's book because you can tell that she really got in there with the women of RAWA to tell a true story about them. As it says in the book, many tell tales of RAWA, but they make them one-dimentional. In other books and publications, it felt more like a story of heroines, instead of real women who are actually sticking their neck out and seriously risking their lives to help people. Not just women, people. This was a very good book and I think it was great that she spent time there with the women.

I have been a supporter of RAWA for four years, and thought I knew a lot about the organization, until I got my hands on this book. All of the questions that I have had over the years have been answered here, and then some! Brodsky's analysis and background information fill in the gaps for me in ways that nothing else has to date. I have read many books on Afghanistan, Afghan women, and even the other recent books that focus on RAWA, but this book is my best source yet. For anyone interested in helping this magificent organization, this book is a MUST read. I have given this book to family members and friends as gifts so that they may understand why RAWA is so important to me. I urge everyone who is even remotely concerned with women who resist to read this book. You will not be able to help but love RAWA and their spirit of resistance and strength. I thank Anne Brodsky for this enormous gift of information. Her contribution is truly in the spirit of RAWA, and I cannot encourage enough people to read it and to help these valiant women in their life-changing, tremendous work. If ever an organization deserved the attention of people all over the world, this is the one!

I read this book and was very impressed with the balance that Dr. Jacobs showed. For those who have wanted to factually know once and for all what scripture says about women in ministry, this is for you.

I loved this book. It has been my desire to find out what my destiny in this life is. This book was a wonderful start as it gave insight on what a woman's destiny.

Cindy Jacobs really lays things out in clear view for you to grasp and understand. It is biblically based. She also has her own personal testimonies interwoven in this book.

This book was a gift from my sister. I will cherish it always. If you are wondering what to do or how to go about finding out what your destiny is, get this book. It has truly blessed me.

This book inspired me to move forward with what I feel is God's call on my life. If you have confusion about reconciling what you feel God is calling you to do because you are a woman, this book will help you see your way clear. Cindy Jacobs combines solid scriptural research with humor and personal testimony to lead the reader through the issues of the taboo of women in the ministry - as well as many other women in Christianity issues. Very readable.

Finally, a book that affirms the value of women in the church! There have been many books written for Christian women, but this is the first one I've seen that actually tackles the issue of whether women should be pastors head-on. All Christian women (not to mention Christian men) can benefit from reading it. In examining the scriptures of the New Testament in their original Greek AND in their cultural context, Cindy Jacobs comes to a startling conclusion: rather than being subservient "drudges", the women of the early church were in fact church elders, deacons, teachers (in spite of 1 Timothy 2:11-15, which supposedly forbids women from teaching!) and yes, even pastors. Jacobs' take on the so-called "difficult passages" is thought-provoking, as she refers to the writings of theologians of the past, such as Katherine Bushnell and A.J. Gordon. Other chapters are "Halls of Fame" presenting the reader with the accomplishments of strong Christian women of the past. Also of interest is Jacobs' sobering examiniation of the place of women in society prior to the coming of Christ. (All those who say, "The Church has been oppressing women from the beginning," please take note!!!)

In general, the message of this book is invaluable, and I recommend it for the personal library of every Christian woman. If books like this were more widely read, perhaps we would have fewer people turning to the theologies of "The Da-Vinci Code" for answers.

This is a special treat from Cindy Jacobs. Cindy's bold approach is not to encroach the male domain, but to reposition women roles to where they should belong in the Body of Christ. She, tactfully, defends the spiritual rights of women, giving classic examples of past and present generals of God who have changed the biased views of women role in the church.

She scores great in her personal testimonies. Her transparency and candor will open up more balance voices in today's marketplace where gender is always an issue. Fortifying her conviction with biblical scriptures, Cindy invades the draconian wall of today's belief that women has no place in the House of the Lord.

This book will gag the mouth of those who fight only for their selfish interest. Many like to interpret the biblical scripture according to their one-sided experiences or singular cultures. So you can see how the expansive meaning of the scriptural text was truncated by the lack of depth in interpreting by ignoring the biblical culture and environmental context when the scripture was first penned. However Cindy cleverly treat the situation by responding with well research and cognitive facts.

Cindy's contents is a healing to wounded female who have been kept backstage for too long. In the same tone, this book also alludes that women when co-exist and co-labor along with men will bring the church potential to the maximum that God intended.

So let's take the saddle off the women, they are going places !

One of my colleagues who had a son in service read "Women Write the War" . I share her comments: I will share this book with my son who recently returned from service. It was very cathartic to read and share other moms' feelings who had children in Iraq. It was the scariest time in my life and this helped. I only hope the author, Bee Pedersen, knows that she made a difference with her book.

This book, with its countless tearjerker stories, is a beautiful anthology of women's accounts of the war. So many peoples lives are affected by their loved ones serving in the war, and though this is a small number of their voices, these stories are the day to day happenings of these women.

I feel extremely privledged to have my story beside other stories of courage in this book. This book is also complete with pictures of the writers and their families, which makes it hit close to home. A MUST READ!!!!

This book immediately tugs at your heart and starts the tears flowing. It is an intimate look into the thoughts and feelings of those who have loved ones fighting in Iraq. It makes you so proud and thankful of all the men and women who are risking their lives for us. It made me feel guilty I don't donate more or offer more support. As a woman, daughter, wife, and most treasured, a mother, this book has made me truly realize my freedom is another's sacrifice.
Excellent work from Bee Pedersen.

"Women Write the War" is a collection of heartrending, brave and forthright letters written by women who are living the ultimate sacrifice. These are the mothers, wives, daughters and friends that have sent their loved ones off to war so we can sleep peacefully each night. Unless a person has a loved one defending our country it is truly impossible to understand what everyday life is like for these people. The logistical nightmare of juggling children, schedules and jobs to accommodate the missing link in their lives not to mention the 'real life story' on the battlefield told by the soldiers themselves. The daily news reporting one of the recent tragedies of war sends shivers through their bodies not knowing if the casualties may include their loved ones. Not even Hollywood could produce such compelling stories of the lives these people are living as relayed through these letters.

Bee Pedersen has opened my eyes and heart to a whole new level of honor, gratitude and respect for those who sacrifice much of their lives for our safety. I'm not a bumper sticker kinda gal, however, I'm now proudly sporting a yellow ribbon to help others remember our troops and Godspeed them home.

Women Write the War is a collection of stories, vignettes and letters written by women who are soldiers in Iraq or who have loved ones there. Bee Pederson and the many contributors bring a human aspect to the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan that is not shown on the major television networks or rarely written in the newspapers. This book brings the lives of the soldiers and their families into your living room up close and personal. You feel as though you know each and every one of the contributors personally after reading this book. The stories will inspire you to be more patriotic as well as inspire you to be more understanding, sympathetic and appreciative towards our troops and their loved ones. I immediately tied a yellow ribbon around a tree outside my home as a small symbol of the immense gratitude I have for the many sacrifices made by our troops and their loved ones, parents, spouses, children, siblings, friends and neighbors. A must read now and for generations to follow.

Great Exercises, in some cases they were challenging. This book really helped me to heal. I'll still refer to it in years to come.

Sometimes all it takes is someone saying something very simple like this to get you to wake up and realize. Dr. Grace is one of the best at what she does. I read the book years ago but forgot to do the review. I wish I still had the book now to reread it, but you know what happens when you let people borrow good stuff. They never want to give it back and you lose touch with them...... GO get this book! ALL WOMEN!

This book hit the nail right on the head. It let me see into my own relationships and I found out what I was doing wrong or what my partner was doing wrong. It was refreshing to find out I wasn't the only one bumping my head in relationships. I INHALED this book within a day and learned so much to make me a better person in life and in my relationships. THIS BOOK OPENED MY EYES. I shared this book with my best friend and within a few pages she was crying seeing the "TRUTH" in her own relationship. Dr. Cornish is a blessing to women that need to hear the truth be told without making us feel less than for making less than perfect decisions in relationships and the pursuit of happiness. GET THIS BOOK!!!!!

I brought this book and read it in two days! Thank God for smart black women like Dr. Cornish, who have dedicated their lives to educating and informing black women on sexuality and healthy relationships. I was just about to make one of the biggest mistakes in my life until I read this book. This should be requried reading in college classes on gender and sex.
Thanks Dr. Cornish.

Kudos and 5 stars to Dr. Grace for writing another spectacular book. No matter what stage you're at in life, you will be able to relate to a least one of the stories in this book. Buy the book and buy it now if you're ready to find and meet your soul mate. Dr. Grace gives a great prescription in her seven steps to healthy love. This book is amazingly uplifting, inspirational and optimistic. Although she includes Christian principals and addresses some of the issues that Black women and men face specifically, don't think for a moment that this book can't be applicable to your life if you happen not to be a Christian or African American. Her message is universal, easy to understand, and practical. Having met Dr. Grace in person she truly practices what she preaches. If your ready to make some lasting and positive changes in your love life this book is for you, go ahead buy it because you deserve healthy love Sis!

YOU'VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES is one of the most inspiring and high interest books I've read in a long time. The author includes women's true experiences and transparently shares her own personal "growth spurts" as a Christian professional woman. Woven through the book is a well-researched historical overview of women's opportunities in our world. Very helpful in understanding personality traits.

Great book to give to Christian women in lay ministries or any kind of leadership.

This book inspired me to go after my dreams even if they are only fulfilled in my "back yard". The book validated my desire to serve by believing in and using with the gifts that I was born with. This book is for readers who think they are going to be bored by yet another "how to" book. Not so! "You've Got What it Takes" makes you believe it was written about and for you!

Marita Littauer captures the essence of and the dilemmas that women face today. She gives a great over view of how women's roles have evolved (American Women)in the history of our country.

She brings a positive light to a variety of situations that women find themselves in today: Single, Married, Divorced, with or without children, stay at home moms, and work outside the home moms. She challenges us to go forward and to pursue our strengths and goals.

Each of us can discover our unique personality and pursue our gifts and talents no matter what the circumstance. You will read examples of several women who are fulfilling their dreams. For too long, women have been "tossed about" in trying to live their lives without guilt (i.e. am I taking care of husband, kids, home,job, etc?) Marita helps women take a closer look at the attitudes that stifle what God has planned for you. EACH PERSON IS UNIQUE AND GIFTED.

This book is practical, straight forward, inspiring and challenging. READ IT and take up the challenge to live life to the fullest! Thank you Marita Littauer for your straight forward and honest view point.

I ordered 'You've Got What It Takes' as soon as I learned about its existence, and I finished reading it in less than two days. I loved every word! What a wonderful encouragement for women of every walk of life, with every skill and talent and interest. As I applied the information presented in this book to my own personal life and speaking/writing ministry, I learned that I was already doing many things right, yet I also received an array of new ideas and suggestions. As Marita encourages, I immediately sat down to write my own personal and professional mission statements, and I received great joy and satisfaction from the process of solidifying my life mission on paper. I was especially glad to receive confirmation from Marita about a process I had already been going through -- narrowing my focus so I can use my energies and resources most effectively. God has called each of us to a very special and specific work, and this book encourages us to first discover and then rejoice in that fact. I will be re-reading this book as my ministry grows and expands, and whenever I need some encouragement and a cheerful reminder of all that I can be in Christ. What a blessing!

Marita Littauer has asked what it takes to be a fulfilled woman today, and provides some answers and guidance in this helpful, easily applied book. The title, "You've Got What It Takes," echoes Marita's enthusiasm and desire to see women claim what is theirs. She emphasizes finding a spiritual anchor, understanding personalities, defining a personal mission, and going for jobs that reflect a woman's personal passions. She buttresses her points with powerful sidebar quotes from women in leadership. Positive and persuasive, this book will lift you to higher goals. Marita is a cheerleader for others' successes, and this book extends that part of her heart. If you've felt yourself getting into a slump over your role as a woman, get this book and absorb it--and apply it.

"God Wants You to Flourish!" says the blurb on the back of You've Got What it Takes, and in her latest offering from Bethany House, Marita Littauer proves that she, too, wants women to flourish.

I loved this book! It's all about celebrating, and that's what I felt like doing when I finished. So many books tell women what they "should" do or how to do it--but Marita tells women to "go for it!" The "it" could be raising a family, crafting a business plan, or reaching for a dream.

Marita has a gift for encouraging women to fall on their knees before God, find their passions and fulfill their purpose (in that order). And if you're looking for a cheerleader to accompany you in your pursuits, buy You've Got What it Takes today.