Customer Reviews

Hope and Heroes: Portraits of Integrity

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is a perfect remedy for the onslaught of negative news we live with every day. It gives readers countless examples of lives well lived, including almost every age group, from senior citizens to high school students. I had been expecting more celebrities, but was really surprised by how many of these people were just ordinary citizens, making a difference on local or international levels. I was also impressed by the sheer range of these activities - we always seem to think that it's only the Mother Theresa's of the world who save the world. Barry Shainbaum boldly illustrates that everyday folk, of any age, color, or race, have daily opportunities to change our world. I was so inspired by these stories, I kept picking up the book again and again when I felt overwhelmed by life...in fact, I ended up buying copies for family and close friends, so that they could revisit it any time that they felt the same.

I have grown more and more concerned over the years that our children are growing up without true heroes. If you ask a child who their heroes are, they are very likely to be athletes, singers, movie stars or celebrities in one field or another. Most of our children do not even realize that these people are icons, NOT heroes.
If asked why they admire these individuals, a child's response will usually be based on the amount of money the person earns, their appearance, their athletic ability, and so on. NONE of these qualities make an individual a hero.
In Barry Shainbaum's book, HOPE AND HEROES: Portraits of Integrity, we are given glimpses of real people, even though some are in the entertainment business or well known celebrities, who help define the true meaning of hero. Their lives represent deeds, accomplishments, organizations, beliefs that serve others in unselfish ways for the greater good rather than for the financial prosperity or career advancement of the individual.
After the tragedy of the World Trade Centers on September 11, 2001 many of our children got their first media introduction to heroism through the firefighters, police officers, airplane passengers, and other ordinary citizens who risked themselves for the sake of others.
Although the text in this book would be more appropriate for junior high school students and above, even younger children can appreciate the images of people throughout this book who have been photographed in interesting and compelling ways.
In my opinion, this book is an excellent source for looking at heroes, values, stories of hope and success, as well as a source for redefining what makes a hero.
Mr. Shainbaum's book should be part of every library collection in every school across the country as well as in every public and private library.

Barry Shainbaum has not only captured some amazing people with a photo lens but he has captured the idea of hope and love for our world with their stories of integrity. From Nelson Mandela, Rick Hansen and Dr. Maya Angelou to a group of elementary school kids who saved a local mountain from coal mining destruction.

It's not just a book of pictures. It's a book with heartfelt goals, ideas and inspirational messages that motivate one to be committed to making the world a better place.

A great gift for the heroes in your world and for one for yourself!

Exceptional photographs of exceptional people. That was my first reaction. After a closer look, the underlying meanings jumped forth to make the messages heard. I particularly liked Mr. Shainbaum's perspective on each photo. The text was well written and the images compelling. An excellent display book. For inspiration, I keep mine in my office facing me. Bravo!

I'm fascinated with the phenomenon of celebrity and how we turn these people into figures of worship so, naturally, I was curious about this book. First of all, there are some pretty interesting books out there about "heroes" classical and contemporary -- this isn't one of them. I think the fact the creators used Uri Geller to try and lend authority to this mess of a book (almost as impressive as if they'd gotten Sally Struthers to hawk the book) says quite a lot! The photos are as interesting as anything you might find in a newspaper or mainstream mag (i.e., not especially inspired or aesthetically/technically sophisticated). The writing that accompanies the photos is sophomoric. Ergo, anybody can get a book published if it's got celebrities in it. Save your money for a good book of photography... Mary Ellen Mark, Avedon, etc. Otherwise just go buy a USA today... you'll find the same PR style pap and conventional photography.