More than three dozen women, and a few men, come together to represent diverse but complementary points of views dealing with society’s most pressing problems, from economic recovery to environmental responsibility, from political viability to personal vulnerability. Committed, concerned, connected, each contributor demonstrates a passionate devotion to causes that have only one common goal: the betterment of humankind. Positing that the leadership needed to bring these various missions to fruition must reflect both a theoretically feminine mindset—one that is inherently respectful, cooperative, and inclusive—while exhibiting the focused, determined, and assertive characteristics traditionally labeled as masculine behavior, Simons showcases the works of ardent individuals whose philosophies and actions exemplify these shared attributes. From playwright Eve Ensler and author Alice Walker to activist Jodie Evans and artist Lily Yeh, the prominent and unknown share equal billing in this stimulating, hopeful, and imaginative collection that provides limitless motivation for those wishing to effect change on a personal or global level. --Carol Haggas
"Reading
Moonrise--or even scanning the names of contributors and titles--will make the reader very aware that there are many important conversations, thoughts, and feelings articulated here. It is affirming to find in the words of others, our own heart-felt knowledge expressed, or echoed. Within these pages, there is feminine wisdom and collaborative ways of solving problems that the planet sorely needs now." (
Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D., author of
Urgent Message From Mother, Aug 2010)
“Nina Simons’
Moonrise brings together thirty wise essays on transforming the old ‘masculine’ and ‘feminine’ division into a human style of leadership. These are writers and activists who know how to link rather than rank, and so can help each of us to learn as well as to lead.” (
Gloria Steinem, pioneering feminist, author, and founder of
Ms. Magazine)
“May this book filled with the words of women still connected to their heart, in fact, still driven by the passion of its thought, be a guide to others for believing we can think and feel intensely at the same time, finding our way to balance with all that exists.” (
Alice Walker, author and poet, winner of the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award)
“If you have ever wondered why some of us believe that women have the power to change the world or if you have asked yourself why so many women are remarkable and brave leaders (and even in the case that you are skeptical about these claims and want to see some concrete evidence), this is the book for you. Such a rich range of experience is described in these pages, stories of resistance, creativity, and care fueled by a profound sense of connection with the earth, family, neighborhoods, community, and widening circles of common cause. To a war-torn world, beset by poverty, pollution, and global warming, this collection seeds not only hope but also courage by presenting us with so many clear paths to action.” (
Susan Griffin, author of
Woman and Nature,
A Chorus of Stones, and
Wrestling with the Angel of Democracy)
“
Moonrise is like a warm blanket on a cold night. Its nurturing stories touch the heart. And it is like a dip in the pool on a hot day, enlivening the mind. You’ll keep this book by your bed always, ready when you need to read or reread the essays for leadership inspiration and aspiration.” (
Gloria Feldt, author of
No Excuses: 9 Ways Women Can Change How We Think About Power)
“
Moonrise shows us the power of leading with love--a power we must all learn the use of if we are to save our planet and civilization.” (
Judy Wicks, founder of White Dog Café and Business Alliance for Local Living Economies)
"How could the title of this book not hook you? Power. Women. Heart. So, maybe I was biased from the beginning. Honestly, I was hoping that the book would be "all that." It was. By page fifteen, not having gotten past the editor's introduction, I was pulsing with energy. . . Each and every essay contained in
Moonrise is inspiring, touching, and revitalizing to the reader. Not all of the authors are women, but each and every one of them celebrates the unique gifts that women bring to the world in the form of their vision and perspective as caring, compassionate individuals, who have found ways to rise above feelings of powerlessness and living in the minority to honor their communities, societies, and indeed, the entire planet." (
Kari O'Driscoll,
Feminist Review, August 2010)
"The stories from these activists, biologists, doctors, writers and others offer glimpses into their leadership impulses, and how they perceive and use their feminine strengths, and ways they are reinventing a more yin-based leadership model. Many of them have mentored dozens of younger women, so there are sure to be valuable mentoring gems in their stories." (
Whole Life Times, September 2010)
"Like an inspirational daybook and resource for social and environmental change visionaries, Moonrise shines beams of hope on efforts to bring inner feminine qualities into conscious leadership--and illuminates what the result can look like. . . . After reading thirty-seven rich, true perspectives, some may find the heartbreak and loss of our mistakes too much to bear. Yet, as women recognize, tears can soften unyielding ground. This compendium for change agents is highly recommended." (
Bobbye Middendorf,
ForeWord Reviews, October 2010)
"
Moonrise should be required reading to anyone, particularly women, who are looking for inspiring ideas, unique perspectives, and calls to action with regards to the social and environmental challenges that we're all facing." (
The Magical Buffet, October 2010)
