Awakening: The Upside of Y2K [Paperback]

Judy Laddon (Author), Tom Atlee (Author), Larry Shook (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1998

This compelling collection of articles explores three questions: 1) Why should we worry about Y2K?, 2) What can be done about it? and 3) How can I think about it? Contributions are from leading Y2K analysts, community organizers and experts in the behaviorial sciences and sustainability arenas. BACK COVER: Awakening... to the Year 2000 (Y2K) Computer "Time Bomb" that Could Alter Our Way of Life Forever

Awakening describes the national emergency declared by a distinguished group of American leaders because of the Millennial Computer Crisis. "If you listen to what they have to say and still decide not to act, you might as well just stock your cupboard with gin..." Equal parts alarm, encouragement and reassuring companion, this book is rooted in the faith that embedded in our hearts is a power far greater than the faulty chips embedded in our computers. Rather than inviting alarm or survival strategies, Awakening is for all of us who believe that this time of danger can also be one of the greatest eras of social reinvention in history.

" suggests a far more sensible and surprisingly spiritual approach to the predicted technological catastrophe." --Gail Hudson, Amazon.com

"It was so funny! I even read it aloud to my husband!... This is the best book compiled on 'Y2K' and how to keep your sense of humor in light of the greatest challenge humanity has yet to face." --Carol Brouillet, Sojourn Magazine

"I wept for joy three times while reading this inspiring, hopeful and practical collection of essays..." --Michael Dowd,

"Instead of the technical advice or strategies to protect me and mine offered by other books, Awakening leads into a more compassionate vision of working with neighbors and building community resilience." --Susan Kleihauer, EarthLight Magazine

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Rather than recommend that we hoard canned goods and build solar panels in the face of a potential Y2K-caused computer meltdown, Awakening offers a far more sensible and surprisingly spiritual approach to the predicted technological catastrophe. This collection of engaging articles offers convincing evidence that Y2K could create extreme havoc in our daily lives--causing loss of electrical power, national food shortages, even a stock-market crash. Nonetheless, the contributors (which include national computer consultants, investigative journalists, a community planner, a retired naval officer, and a psychotherapist) never falter into doomsday, fear-inducing babble. Instead, they sound like the voices of reason and spiritual maturity, recognizing that citizens must prepare for extremes by creating a lifestyle that is less computer-dependent and more human-dependent. (Specific suggestions are offered throughout the book.) In fact, this is precisely the "upside of Y2K": a computer disaster that could ultimately lead to more small-scale, locally supported agriculture, more localized energy cooperatives, and certainly more faith in humanity than technology. In short, Y2K may be a welcome "glitch" in our social evolution--helping us assert and live out our highest human and spiritual values in the face of the new millennium. --Gail Hudson

Review

Instead of the technical advice or strategies to protect me and mine offered by other books, Awakening leads into a more compassionate vision of working with neighbors and building community resilience -- EarthLight, Fall 1998

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 188 pages
• Publisher: Printed Word; 1 edition (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966703006
• ISBN-13: 978-0966703009
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,149,196 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a dynamic,insightful,motivating book., June 12, 1999

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[e-mail] (U.S.A.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Awakening: The Upside of Y2K (2nd edition) (Paperback)

A real eye-opener! I was so astonished to find that there is a 'real and present danger'. After reading this book I am better able to prepare for the coming 'adventure'. I applaud the authors and editors for their vision and expertise at presenting it to us in lay terms I am able to comprehend...A must read for everyone YOU care about...Thank you, Judy Laddon *****

5.0 out of 5 stars Mind and heart expanding, April 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Awakening: The Upside of Y2K (2nd edition) (Paperback)

The articles in this book help put the technical Y2K problem in human context. I realize that things I have always taken for granted are choices society made in the past. The authors inspired me to consider what choices we are making now for our future. A must read for those looking beyond the narrow technical problem of Y2K to its possible implications on society.

1.0 out of 5 stars Spiritual... maybe. Technology? No., January 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Awakening: The Upside of Y2K (Paperback)

Why to try to raise spiritiuality of current generation with doubtful speculations? Yes, there is Y2K problem, but it would never create global disasters as promised by many "experts"; first of all ones, who are financially depends on a existence of such image: computer consultants working on this problem (well, I am computer consultant too, I see that around me) Using such things like Y2K or asteroiuds disaster often just a way of marketing - create a lot of noise, make a movie, make money on souveniers and forget about forever like nothing happened... Using false statements to stress good ideas does not make the case stronger.