Events Books

Mike Hillyard's book on Homeland Security and the Need for Change is an extremely timely and important book in the changing world that we now live in. After recently taking a Master's-level courses in National Security Policy and Homeland Security through the Defense Intelligence Agency, I thought that I had a good understanding of the importance of Homeland Security, but Mr. Hillyard's book shed even more light on the little-known subject. There are many authors attempting to write about Homeland Security, but none can compare with Mr. Hillyard's understanding of the need for change that we Americans must make in the future.

This publication is a welcome addition to the growing body of literature regarding Homeland Security. While the vast majority focus of books on government bureaucracy, organizational change and technological solutions, in his new book, Michael Hillyard chooses instead to emphasize that instead the answer lies in the education and training of the American citizen. Using historical examples dating all the way back to the Revolutionary War, he shows how people that are united together, in a common cause, can accomplish anything. By equating the analogy to the current Homeland Security challenge, the author accomplishes an extremely valuable service.
By highlighting the key role played by the local and regional first-responders, Hillyard demonstrates his grasp of this complex subject. That is the true value of this book, for it lies not only in his approach, but also the methodology that he employs to build a model for success in the future. The fact that many of the chapters were previously published as stand-alone articles, in respected journals, also add an air of authority to the manuscript.
In probably the best section of the book, in Chapter 6, Hillyard describes the need for a reassertion of the role of citizenship by the United States. He believes through the areas of prevention, mitigation, planning, response and recovery, that America can develop a concept for a greater citizen engagement in the role of Homeland Security.
I think that my only criticism of the book comes from a lack of a conclusion. While the case study on Three-Mile Island is great, a summary of all of the great points made in the book would have been nice. In addition, a checklist of Hillyard's recommendations would have been good to add as an appendix. However those small critiques notwithstanding, overall, I thought that the book was very good and makes a contribution to the body of knowledge concerning Homeland Security.

Hillyard has hit the nail on the head and has called attention to a critical link in the homeland security chain. He clearly reveals that homeland security is now everyone's job and how things can be exacerbated when people do not take responsibility and do this job. In this book he clearly notes that citizens must be proactive, and thus be trained, in basic homeland security response items such as being a resource for first response, basic assistance, and remaining calm at the targeted site. His message is that this must be taken seriously and the ability to recognize, respond and report a top priority for those who live and work in local communities. He notes that this is not a new concept and cites several examples of heroic life saving and property protecting acts performed by engaged citizens such as postal service workers, for example. Local citizen agencies as well as those in the highest levels of the national government will benefit from the message in this book.

Terrorists will hate this book. In the wake of September 11, a plethora of books has spewed forth, with not a single logical, workable "battle plan" to defeat terrorism--and do it right in our own neighborhoods. In addition, the author presents a compelling argument and blueprint for exactly HOW and WHY every citizen can run terrorists to ground. By putting the correct focus--with the correct components--on education by the main players in the homeland security arena, we are at last able to wean ourselves from the hand-wringing lament of "Why can't the government DO something?!" He lucidly dissects the worst statement our government made immediately post-September 11; i.e., "Go back to normal; everything will be okay." We did; and it wasn't.

Further, there is an astonishing account of all the errors that led up to the Three Mile Island accident. While that occurred in 1979, Dr. Hillyard makes an airtight case that a terrorist doesn't have to destroy a nuclear power plant--or any other piece of our infrastructure--he or she need only create FEAR. Aided by the sensationlism of the media and the on-air drivel of "experts" (who are not), they combine to create a tsunami of fear that quickly overwhelms us. In its wake are strewn the wreckage of warnings, workable plans for protection, and the seeds to ensure the same crisis does not repeat itself.

If you want to know how you CAN defeat terrorists, with no risk to yourself, why the terrorists are so vulnerable and can do nothing about it, and how you can wage the war on terrorists the day you read the book, buy it! It's one of a very few books that don't have a political agenda or pure stupidity at its core.

Most absolutely outstanding Book on Gays and Lesbians ever published. A MUST read for ever young Gay or Lesbian and their Parents.

This was an excellent read. Well written with clearly organized ideas, this book tells us what life is like for a gay midshipman trying to live up to (and succeeding) proper military ideals. You get a feel for who the author was as a human being and how unfair it was for him to be dismissed according to a military policy based in fear. Gay men and women who are looking to serve our country in the military would do well to read this book.

A very honest rhetorical satire on 'reality' . The author narrates the actuality of the country 'stalked' by homophobias. It leaves us thinking about how should we face up with such controversial issue; to feel for these individuals or to contiue with the discrimination that is presently destructing and murdering their spirituality. A good start-off for individuals who would like to expound on this issue.

An account of a young Midshipman's experience at the Naval Academy, and ultimate litigation as a result of his dismissal three weeks prior to his graduation. This book is well written and one more in a growing list depicting the mindless discrimination policies against homosexuals in the militar y. Joseph Steffan, as a cadet, was exemplarary in all aspects. Ironically, his dismissal was a result of his adherence to the "honor code". He refused to deny his sexual orientation, even though his conduct was never in question. A truly sad commentary on the military today, but nevertheless, the reality.

Rob Morris and Rep. Steve Gunderson tell their story very well. The layout is very well done with Rob and Steve each having their own section in each chapter. I couldn't recommend a better book to politicaly motivated gay men and women. Oh, and yes, a great cover design too!

I read this book a few years ago and was particularly interested because I had lived for years in Steve Gunderson's congressional district, had met him several times and had voted for him. He was first elected as I recall in 1980 as part of the Reagan Revolution. He was a decent enough fellow, did his job conscientiously and probably with his background in agricultural issues might've ended up as a Secretary of Agriculture perhaps. Whatever his rise was in the Republican Party it pretty much was ended after he was "outed" although I was impressed in the book about his friendship with Newt Gingrich and Gingrich's acceptance of his homosexuality (then again, one of Newt's sisters, I believe, is gay). Say what you want about his personal lifestyle, if it had a bearing on his political future (and how could it not have) then it was the public's loss in the long-run to have a conscientious congressman like Gunderson take himself out of the political arena.

Being the only gay GOP congressman, Gunderson's book is worth reading if only for that fact. I had moved out of his district by the time he was "outed" by "B-1" Bob Dornan but I recall having heard years earlier about his being gay and knew that one of his Democratic challengers during his tenure had struggled with the idea of outing Steve himself in order to try and win the election; this was long before Dornan decided to do what he did. In the end the Democratic candidate decided to keep the news to himself, so to speak, and not make an issue of it. He was soundly defeated in any event, by Gunderson.

As a liberal Democratic activist, I was suprised how much I liked this book. While I had known Representative Gunderson was hardly one of Ginrich's drones, his independence impressed me in some cases.

Throughout the book, Gunderson and his partner are frank in exploring the balancing act between being gay and Republican. It also makes no bones about the dislike for former Representative Robert Dornan (who was thankfuly replaced by Democrat Loretta Sanchez)Yet, at the same time Dornan was responsible for Gunderson's outing, the congressional conservative unwittingly freed his colleauge from a long standing dilema.

Myself included, some allies and GLBT people might forget there are Gay Republicans and they are just as deserving of equal rights as the more typical members of the community. In a non-judgemental tone, this book shows the skeptical reader just how difficult it can be to maintain those two identies. Ultimately, honesty is the best policy.

In a day and age when politicans from both sides of the aisle are caught up with imagery instead of truth, reading this book is a thought provoking and humbiling experience for any individual regardless of party or sexuality. Although I might disagree with some of Gunderson's decisions, I at least know that he has character depth.

This is a story once again that shows how religion damages gay people, but how individual integrity can win out. Gunderson seems at times naive and is often trapped by his homophobia. His struggle to accept himself is painful. I wished for more House and less Home, but it is his story to tell and it was very interesting and complelling.

I applaud the author for this effort and will gladly donate the cost of the book to any non-profit organization that is "helping to make the world a better place" in return for an electronic copy of the book. Ideas such as this should be available to everyone.

I have not read the book, so this is really not a review, but how could anyone give a negative review of such a work? I look forward to reading this material and as a result, taking action where possible to help reach the goals.

Presentation:
The interior text is formatted nicely. I don't recall encountering any typos. No interior illustrations, graphics, or photos. The text is divided up into headings, subheadings, etc to lend sufficient visual interest, and this makes it significantly easier to skim the book if necessary. The writing style is neither humorous nor bland.

Subjects covered:
The book is divided into eight parts, is further divided into 33 chapters by subject, and is further divided into 116 "actions."

The parts are these: Building community. Raising the next generation. Computer activism. Protecting the environment. Food, hunger, and agriculture. Socially responsible banking and investing. The responsible consumer. Peace, Justice, and social change.

Each "action" is fairly brief, only a couple pages, and tells you some background information about the subject, argues why something should be done, and tells you what you can do, and who to contact to learn more and actually do some things. There are plenty of things you can do other than donating money to organizations, such as volunteering or making changes in your lifestyle. Interestingly, the last action listed in the book, number 116, is about supporting gay rights.

Since this book was published in 1995, much of the information may no longer be of use:
~ References to the Internet are obsolete, since this was before the World Wide Web.
~ Changes may have happened to mailing addresses, phone numbers, and fax numbers of organizations to contact. You'll have to Google them and find out where they are now.
~ Statistics aren't fully up to date, although ten-year-old statistics are probably satisfactory information.

Suggestions:
~ Since a lot of this book is disappointingly out of date, get it from the library rather than buying it. Don't feel bad, since the book itself says that getting library books is better than buying a book you're doubtful about, since it conserves resources.
~ Read this book with a notepad at hand, to jot down things you found interesting: points, actions, and names of organizations to look up later.
~ You can read this book in short breaks when you're fairly busy with other things, since its layout makes it very easy to find your spot again to resume reading, or to skim.

This book is different from most books of the 50 Ways to Save the Earth genre because it covers a diverse array of social, political, ethical, and environmental problems in an in-depth fashion. The authors explain tough issues like the environmental effects of eating styles in clear, calm terms. The suggestions to make the world a better place range from extremely easy acts to reduce personal consumption to ambitious, challenging proposals for personal engagement with the homeless, the homebound, and others in need of assistance. Not only has it changed my own daily behaivor, I've found it to make a great, thought-provoking gift

This is a great book, reminding us that no matter what we do, it affects the whole world. So we might as well direct our attention and affect our world in a positive way by following the suggestions the authors have put together. Extremely well researched and organized book. Everyone can make a difference. I wish everyone would read the book to find out how!!!

This book is both terrific and important -- crisply written, sophisticated but accessible, and extremely valuable for progressives in the United States who want to reanimate the global justice movement here.

First and foremost, Engler persuasively argues that the Bush administration has pursued a policy of unilateralist, nationalistic, and militarized "imperial globalization" that differs from the "corporate globalization" model of the Clinton years. Doing so, Engler pleads that we recognize differences of opinion and strategy -- and the opportunities these fissures and tensions create -- among global elites. The key question Engler poses is: as the Bush model runs aground, will we simply go back to the globalization of the 80s and 90s, or can there be alternatives? A lot of evidence suggests that there is a real chance to develop alternatives: many Democrats now oppose neo-liberal free trade; more importantly, there has been, in the years since 9-11, a tremendous rollback of neo-liberalism in the Global South. Engler educates us about these alternatives, and challenges us to revitalize the global justice movement based on an informed understanding of recent trends, crises within the pro-globalization community, and the activism in the Global South.

Written with the precision of a scholar, the flair of a journalist, and the heart of an activist, this book is vital reading for so many communities: academics, policy makers, activists, and anyone who wants an up-to-date account of the state of the global economy. I can't recommend it more strongly.

Jeremy Varon

With not much to add to the other reviews, this book has great depth and gives insightul knowledge of how the war in Iraq as well as The battle against the WTO, World Bank and IMF, needs to be thought out differently.
The author doesn't spend his time attacking or belittling some of the common held views of the left, he simply adds to the argument, a refreshing thing when several books on the above subjects just keep repeating the same ideas. I highly recomend this book, if only for the chapter on Thomas Friedman. Another book to read is Jeff Faux's "The Global Class War" which is quoted in this book a few times.

Engler's ideas are intelligent, interesting, and extremely relevant. His style is very clear and accessible. "How to Rule the World" is highly recommended reading for anyone concerned about US foreign policy and the global economy.

Mr. Engler describes the efforts of the greatest economic engine in the world (still), known to many as the United States, to determine and control the future of developing countries, whether by cloaked capitalism (Clinton-Blair third way neo-liberalism) or fiat (G.W.Bush aka Teddy Roosevelt). But, as he documents, that effort is failing, whatever its motivation, as the United States loses control not only of its economic fiefdoms in South and Latin America but of its own population, as its efforts to control the world incur domestic debt and keep its own middle class stagnant and the poor yet more impoverished. Like the history of its predecessors, the British, French, Dutch and Flemish empires, it is a modern ride on the Appian Way with the real reasons for the fall of the empire explained, unlike that other book which explained every battle of the Roman Empire but left the reader wondering why it actually failed. As with Americans, new to this outcome, the Brits and others have yet to acknowledge their diminished, yet mostly comfortable status as now just a nation. But Americans, unused to their diminished supermacy, are certainly feeling its effects.

Mr Engler looks at the details, the intracacies of finance and their implications for the target countries, but his thesis is the nature of a changing world where economic development and, moreover, its native control, in the Southern American hemisphere (Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Boliva, Cuba) engenders independence and dooms (despite the WTO and the World Bank) a century of American hegemony. His discussion of debt cancellation, the H&R Block of international finance, more than his other examples, reveals the vulnerability of North American attempts to control fledgling South American governments. While Engler's focus is the popular movements in Central and South America, he does consider the East, never under the American thumb, but quarantined by the West, with China now holding most of America's debt the United States incurrs trying to keep its power everywhere. Our economic dependence upon the East that the Unites States has never had to entertain in a marketplace it had always exploited, but now readily accepts, whatever the consequences, as long as a buck can be made does not bode well for capital owners of the homeland. Oh, it must make those bulwarks of British Imperialism, the last vultures of the underdeveloped world, just shudder the thought of those despicable yellow people in implicit control. They and we can commisserate over our oriental tea.

Oh, you can bet there will be consequences. And Engler, knowing that the closer one gets to an issue, the more one loses the luxury of unbridled ideology, takes issue with the conclusions of commentators and analysts, both right and left, providing a studied guide to where the road may lead in the deep, deep woods of the twenty-first century.

It is wonderful for use as a Bible School teacher.It condenses, stays true to the scriptures and adults as well as children will enjoy it. I use it constantly.Makes a wonderful gift.

It is wonderful for use as a Bible School teacher.It condenses, stays true to the scriptures and adults as well as children will enjoy it. I use it constantly.Makes a wonderful gift.

Words could never express the gratitude that I have that this book was made available to me as a child, for it has brought the most important positive impact that any book has ever had upon my life, enriching it in every area of my life (spiritually, mentially, emotionally, financially) in ways that I could have never imagined.

This is not just another "Children's version of the Bible", but a straight-forward retelling of the chain of ALL historical events (and thus their lessons) of the Biblical record from beginning to end, in all of it's vivid detail. Youths (and men/women of any age) will easily learn here priceless lessons from both the positive and the negative choices and experiences of many well-known people of the past, because all of the events are told, not just the sweet and most beautiful. (The only accounts that are left out are those of a sexual nature.)

If this rating system had 1,000 points, I would unquestionably have to give it 1,000 out of 1,000. Thank You, Thank You, Thank you, Mr. Hurlbut, for this wonderful service rendered to me.

While we were young, our family read a story each evening together. Hearing the book several times gave me an overall picture of God and man's history and relationship. That's a treasure from my family that will never die. Now my children and grandchildren are appreciating the stories and truths that will enrich their spiritual growth and knowledge. Recently I began using it with international women in Bible studies. They find the larger print and simplicity of language a great help. Yet the Bible's message is unchanged. It is something they can share with their children who often pick up English faster than they have.

This is a novel,to me every word was channeled from Jesus himself it was enlightening and gave me peace and hope. It is the truth that has been lost for so long ,the message is God is here for all of us we don't need anyone to get us to God. He is love we are one with him or her.

All I can say is that book is truly inspired (if not Divinely). It is a beautifully and realistic tale of Jesus' journey and initiation through the mystery schools of the Middle and Far East. Dolores' portrayal of Jesus is human, compassionate and authentic. She did a great job of describing the process through which he may have been prepared to transmit the world's truths. I love that Jesus is educated by life's experience, humble, "average" people, as well as the great teachers of his age. She shows him as he grows in wisdom, knowledge, underatanding and COURAGE!!! WONDEROUS!!!!!

This book is a work of complete love. Delores Pevehouse has captured the person and personality of Yeshua (Jesus) in an unparalleled masterwork. This book is not for Bible literalists, but is for those interested in the totality of who Jesus was and is today. "I, the Christ" chronicles his "lost" years ('tho it's difficult to consider anything about him as being "lost") from age 12 to age 30, describing the world and her people, as he saw and learned from everything and everyone who crossed his path. It is written from the first person, which is breathtaking for the reader and incredibly courageous for the writer. However, it becomes very clear early on that it is He who is the writer; Ms. Pevehouse the channel who prepared herself for His story to come through. Read this and be changed forever.

I, The Christ, is Dolores Pevehouse's first book, and what a treasure it is. She says that the novel came to her in a "burst of inspiration."

The book is presented as a journal written by "Yeshua the Nazarene." He is a student at the School for Initiates and is required to write an account of his life before he can graduate.
He begins when he was twelve years old and traveled to Jerusalem with his parents, Yosef and Miryam, for his bar mitzvah. He then records the details of meeting Rabbi Hillel, the first of his many teachers. He spends the next fourteen years traveling and studying with great teachers from Egypt, Palestine, Persia, India, and Tibet. Along with his travels, Yeshua chronicles his inner journeys, and his unswerving devotion to God.

Finally, when he's twenty-nine years old, he's ready to graduate. Not only has he completed his journal, he's accomplished the one task the other Initiates are afraid to even try--he's raised himself from the dead. The priests honor him with an elaborate ceremony in which he is Christed.

Moments later, they all turn against him and he flees for his life. The reason? When asked to declare his life's work, Yeshua replies, "my chosen mission is to make known to all men all mysteries now separating them from God." He wanted people to have a direct relationship with God, and not have to rely on intermediaries.

Yeshua is, of course, the man we know as Jesus Christ.

"Pevehouse has written a powerful, radically new story of the 'lost years' of Jesus. . .[giving] us a rich portrait of the inner life of Western culture's pivotal figure." Readers will find I, The Christ interesting and informative.

The book is an eye opener for sure. It really puts the war on drugs (the people) in the real world. It's a got to read kind of book, do your self a favor and read it!

Ibogaine, the illegal, boycotted and most effective treatment for addiction known to man. The ibogaine story reveals the behind the scene story of ibogaine and the bogus war on drugs. Ibogaine is a broad spectrum anti-addictive natural substance that has been used for thousands of years by native people. The attempt by the US government and pharmacutical companies to keep it off the market (and information about it from the public) is cruel and criminal. Being safer than asprin and not subject to any abuse potential it does not qualify as a schedule 1 controlled substance with the likes of heroin and cocaine, yet it is so scheduled. Why? Could the government actually want drugs on our streets? Could it be a threat to many billion dollar medications? Read the book for the answers.

The in-depth information on the theoretical/pharmacological actions of addiction (and Ibogaine's role on resetting the mind's regulatory systems) alone should be enough of a motivation to buy this book. OK, the story line gets a bit muddled here and there - as the authors weave many independent threads into this contemporary account of growing public awareness of the importance of Ibogaine - but don't let this stop you from reading this book. The research covered by this presentation is about as exciting as REAL science gets. After all, scientific discovery is truly a human drama.

Since the overt suppression of research on "psychedelic" (mind-manifesting) drugs, few animal studies - and far fewer human studies (almost none) - have been authorized by the FDA. This book clearly emphasizes the importance of on-going research based in these important chemicals.

Anyone truly interested in the mechanisms of human consciousness and behavior should absolutely read this seminal work. Our potential as individuals (and by extension as a race) is eternally tied to our ability to understand (and ultimately control) the mechanisms governing individual consciousness. As this book clearly illustrates, addiction is a malfunction of the biomechanics of consciousness - as well as the result of bad decisions. Yet, it appears that it may take more than self-help programs to permanently reverse the damage done. When it comes to curing individuals - and by extension society - of addictive behavior, Ibogaine appears to be just the tool we need to tackle this problem at the source.

I might append "The Ibogaine Story" with this epilogue. The maintenance of our own bodies is an individual responsibility. Learning to do so intelligently is nothing less than a primordial right. Put another way, "big brother" has no authority inside the soul's temple. When it comes to the eternal "war on tyranny," if information is power, than THIS BOOK IS A WEAPON OF MASS ENLIGHTENMENT.

The topics of ibogaine and the drug war in America are covered nicely in this book, with an emphasis on historical perspective and cultural insights. This is an important book, but it is also somewhat confused in its overall presentation. By that statement, I mean that it goes so deeply into the topic that it begins to confuse the average reader. This book is a must have however, for anyone interested in the current politics and background of ibogaine.

This is one book where you must read the introduction. and then when you read the book you find out thatthe book can be interpreted in at least one other way. i think everybody would take out something different but that would always be refreshing. i could not stop myself from saying 'aha' at many places. still, i think he sometimes is contradicting himself. he thinks that socialism and liberalism can go together. maybe he is right. i dont think so.

Written by a very advanced thinker, this book represents a shattering statement against the Christian petit-burgois morality of work, a true revolution and evolution in man's thinking.

Russell became famous as a mathematician and philosopher.

But when he won the Nobel Prize, it was for Literature. When you read this book of essays, you will see why.

It is beautifully written and has all of Russell's virtues: clarity, wit, humor, forcefulness, simplicity.

Even better, it is a brief education in itself. Most of the essays were written just as the Great Depression was beginning, and Russell gets right to the heart of a problem Capitalists and Socialists do not usually address: How much work is needed, and what is the ultimate point? He constantly stresses that we do too much work, and most of it is unneeded, and makes life grim. He never ceases to remind us that we should work to live, not live to work.

He addresses this point in many ways--through economics, through architecture, through the then-raging problems of Fascism and Communism. And though he treats serious problems seriously, he always has time for the breathtaking perspective and the ligtht touch--as with the essay, "Man Versus Insects."

A wonderful, even life-changing book.

+++++

Controversial philosopher and Nobel Prize winner Lord Bertrand Russell (1872-1970) has written fifteen scintillating essays on which to whet our intellectual appetites. These short essays were written between 1925 and 1935.

Russell writes in an elegant, readable, and understandable style. His arguments are well thought out.

These essays consider social questions not discussed in politics. The general theme that ties these essays together is that the world suffers from dogmatism and narrowness; what is needed is the willingness to question dogma.

These essays are a blend of philosophy with other disciplines such as psychology, economics, science, and history. All the essays are brutally honest and forthright. Each is packed with loads of wisdom. What's amazing is that these essays are as current today as when they were first written and their messages will probably remain relevant in the future.

My five favorite essays in this collection include the following:

(1) "In Praise of Idleness." Discusses work and the importance of leisure. In order to get an idea of Russell's insight that permeates this book, here's a sample sentence from this essay: "The morality of work is the morality of slaves, and the modern world has no need of slavery."

(2) "'Useless' Knowledge." Points out that all knowledge is useful not only that which has a practical value.

(3) "The Case for Socialism." Russell gives many arguments in favor of socialism, most notably the need for preventing war.

(4) "Western Civilization." Discusses its characteristics. Sample sentence: "I cannot escape from the conclusion that the great ages of progress have depended upon a small number of individuals of transcendent utility."

(5) "Education and Discipline." Sample sentence: "Education...must be something more positive than mere opportunity for growth...it must...also provide a mental and moral equipment [for] children."

In conclusion, this book is Bertrand Russell at his best. Enjoy!

+++++

Excellent series of interviews with still pertinent movers and shakers in the realm of spiritual activism. Incredibly inspiring. Very very relevant for today, though written in the late 80's.

This book will inspire you to begin making the changes in the world that you desire to see. It includes inspirational and down to earth interviews with some of the greatest activists that ever lived. Always remember change is possible if we take action and pursue it with love. Highly recommended.

Now in a newly revised edition enhanced with a new foreword by Arun Gandhi, and featuring interviews with Mubarak Awad, Ram Dass, Thich Nhat Hanh, Cesar Chavez, H.H. The Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, Joan Baez, and others, In The Footsteps Of Gandhi: Conversations With Spiritual Social Activists is a collection of deeply contemplative and insightful essays written by a diverse roster of contemporary spiritual and social activists. Touching on an impressive array of modern social issues ranging from AIDS, to apartheid, to the Israel/Palestine conflict, and more, this seminal tribute to the power of (and desperate need for) nonviolence is emotionally moving, morally relevant, and enthusiastically recommended reading for anyone concerned with how best to address the rampant social issues of our time.

Catherine Ingram's beautifully constructed book presents interviews of spiritual social activists that serve both as a historical record and, in our current world climate, an inspiring reminder that it is important to take action in line with our beliefs and principles, and that the word "spiritual" can include engaging oneself in crucial social and political issues that affect us all.