allyoopadoop's review against another edition
5.0
What a beautiful message in a guidebook for activist thought. These lessons from John Lewis are helpful for those who are seasoned activists and those who are just starting out.
blueprairieskies's review against another edition
5.0
What a beautiful book. As only John Lewis could, with chapters titled Faith, Study, Hope, Act, Love and Reconciliation, he writes to all people whether of faith, or not. It is about humanity, justice, love and peace.
I did not want this book to end.
I’m keeping this book to read, and re-read every January.
It is a must-read.
I did not want this book to end.
I’m keeping this book to read, and re-read every January.
It is a must-read.
frosty_the_bookman's review against another edition
5.0
A clarion call for Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Zers endowing us with the blueprints and framework necessary to continue the fight for justice and equality that still eludes many today.
John Lewis, son of sharecroppers, brings new meaning to anyone can make a difference by sketching out his transcendence from farm boy to freedom rider to political juggernaut. His is a story of bravery, triumphs, set-backs, and dogged perseverance, that will inspire anyone looking to agitate against the biased systems that govern us today. He provides sage advice on how to properly protest to effect meaningful change, starting with educating yourself on the laws, politics, and/or politicians you oppose. In other words, “Know your enemy.”
Whether you’re a neophyte activist still in their teens or early 20s, or a seasoned agitator who may have marched side-by-side with Senator Lewis himself, this book will motivate you to stay the course, and carry on the social activism torch that he and other Civil Rights pioneers left behind.
John Lewis, son of sharecroppers, brings new meaning to anyone can make a difference by sketching out his transcendence from farm boy to freedom rider to political juggernaut. His is a story of bravery, triumphs, set-backs, and dogged perseverance, that will inspire anyone looking to agitate against the biased systems that govern us today. He provides sage advice on how to properly protest to effect meaningful change, starting with educating yourself on the laws, politics, and/or politicians you oppose. In other words, “Know your enemy.”
Whether you’re a neophyte activist still in their teens or early 20s, or a seasoned agitator who may have marched side-by-side with Senator Lewis himself, this book will motivate you to stay the course, and carry on the social activism torch that he and other Civil Rights pioneers left behind.
ericsutliff's review against another edition
4.0
Lewis was a humble giant. A colossal force in the American psyche for over 50 years. His writing is approachable and clean. Clear, full of wisdom and hope. Across that bridge is not only a recollection, but a call to action. Urging the up and coming generation to commit to a common goal not led by passion or division, but built on urgent patience, preparation, and love. To continue to lift our nation to a form of objective good, while charting out ways to find purpose in a subjective culture. Thank you John Lewis.
drsdon's review against another edition
3.0
A short book with much content to reflect upon. John Lewis's work here is about how to effect change in the world, primarily through the non-violent means he so effectively used as part of the Civil Rights Movement. One thing that stands out, which is true of Lewis as well as others who have championed non-violent protest and means, is how vitally important this tenet is to the person's very core.
In the book, Lewis talks about certain core values that drive him - Faith, Patience, Study, Trust, Peace, Love, Reconciliation. For Lewis, to authentically be in service of these values, one must challenge the injustice and inequality in the world, but these challenges must be done via non-violent means; to utilize any other tactic means one loses their core self, and, won't actually affect true change.
Lewis's writing is direct, and the book is not difficult to read. Considering the concepts being discussed, this is another strength of the book. Solid read.
In the book, Lewis talks about certain core values that drive him - Faith, Patience, Study, Trust, Peace, Love, Reconciliation. For Lewis, to authentically be in service of these values, one must challenge the injustice and inequality in the world, but these challenges must be done via non-violent means; to utilize any other tactic means one loses their core self, and, won't actually affect true change.
Lewis's writing is direct, and the book is not difficult to read. Considering the concepts being discussed, this is another strength of the book. Solid read.
niki_reads's review against another edition
5.0
Being an advocate for social justice, this book is one of my favorite books. The insight John Lewis gave in organizing actions around inclusion, love, and inspiration is so strong and can be life-changing for many civil rights movements we see today. To fight hatred with love is extremely hard to do, but the book really emphasizes that the best non-violence resistance is the ultimate weapon of love.
Another interesting concept, which I never really thought about before, was using all of the past civil rights movements as a template for current and future movements. To organize, protest, and encourage others to join in similar ways that was done in the past.
Another interesting concept, which I never really thought about before, was using all of the past civil rights movements as a template for current and future movements. To organize, protest, and encourage others to join in similar ways that was done in the past.