Customer Reviews

You Have the Power: Choosing Courage in a Culture of Fear

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4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is unbelievably timely and written in such a way that its inspiration easily translates into personal understanding and action. We truly are living in a culture of fear, and though the recognition of that is an important first step, "You Have the Power" explains the necessary subsequent steps we need to break out of that culture and live our lives in a powerful, authentic way. The authors' personal stories are deeply honest, allowing the reader to truly connect to the concepts laid out in the book. Like so much of Ms. Lappe's recent work, the underlying sensation that change IS happening further inspires the reader to re-view the way he/she looks at fear. A society changes when individuals change, this book is a guide to making that individual change.

I think this book is for anyone who recognizes fear as a force in their lives that makes them feel helpless or stuck. It's a powerful reminder that we have a choice in how we respond to fear and don't have to let it defeat us--a radical notion, especially in our current political climate.

Frances Moore Lappe and Jeffrey Perkins have written a powerful book for our times that I would encourage everyone to read. They challenge us to break the fear paralysis that holds us back and to take action that comes from our deepest humanity toward our highest goals. I was especially stirred by the reminder that we need not take on huge issues, or even solve specific problems - we must simply heed the inner voice to let our lives speak. Read this book, share it with everyone, take a deep breath, and jump in!

As a counselor on a university campus, I found this work to be relevant in providing a context for some of our students who live a life of stress and anxiety, over and above the normal reactions to the demands of higher education. Lappe and Perkins' work can help individuals realize that their psychological responses to difficulties may be understood more deeply in a community and/or global context. Also, the authors' emphasis on personal actions as an antidote to fear provide solid examples to students who are wondering how to live in this world. Finally, I can imagine the graphic of "Seven Old Thoughts, Seven New Thoughts" hanging prominently as a reminder to all those who enter our center that our beliefs and actions can govern our emotions and abilities.

Can't imagine how this book has not made it to the Oprah Show!I found this book by accident much to my good fortune. It is not only inspiring but motivating. It is a real keeper to read and re-read. I feel empowered and emancipated on the micro and macro level. I no longer fear my fear and all its paralyzing forces! This is a must read for people of conviction who feel foolish or insignificant by believing that their positive actions for the common good do not count. I strongly recommend it for those entering the political arena or policy making process from the grass roots. It validates and vindicates! My hat is off to Frances Moore Lappe and Jeff Perkins - thank you.

This is a book that everyone who feels intimidated by the enormity and complexity of the world's problems needs to read.Most of us think that the entrenched power of corporations and governments is too overwhelming to be challenged. Lappe and Perkins demonstrate that individuals who persist in following their convictions about justice can turn the power equation upside down. One of their heroes, George Leger, says, "If just one person tries to respond to a heartbreaking situation, that in itself is reason for hope.If I turned my back on the situation, that...would make it seem hopeless."

Fear serves a purpose and we'd not survive without a healthy dose of appropriate fear. But in order for us to create a more fair, peaceful and healthier planet we need to get beyond much of that fear and become activists. This book reinvigorated my enthusiasm towards being such an activist and towards encouraging others to "jump in" to help save the planet. Just the right book at the right time!!

This book really hit a chord with me. I'd been feeling stressed out and like I had no time for myself, but also like I wasn't sure what I should be doing with my life. One of the things the book talks about is the need to make time to listen to yourself, to "face the void," so to speak. After I read the book, I actually did this, and ended up reaching a small epiphany about what I wanted to do with my life (local government! but that's just me :) ). The book motivated me, but in a gentle, not-too-pushy kind of way, to face my own fears and to embrace a challenge rather than ignoring it. I'd particularly recommend this book to 20-somethings going through quarter-life crises (like me!), or anyone that's trying to figure stuff out or deal with a secret fear, no matter how big or small. Plus, it's really well written, with lots of personal stories (which I prefer to theory-based "lessons") so it's a quick, enjoyable read. I highly recommend this book. :)

This book goes to the core of fear, helping you to understand the behavior. It has helped me to view fear in a new light, as a vehicle for change. Face the monster, read the book. I look forward to reading other books by Lappe and Perkins.

This easy to read little gem of a book is relevant on an individual level, and on a national, even global, level. It offers seemingly simple, yet profound, concepts to expel fear and jettison one forward with renewed conviction, both within oneself, and on a larger, societal scale. Living with fear, and believing in the messages fear delivers, affects one's personal life, and affects the nation as a whole. Frances Moore Lappe and Jeffrey Perkins have given a lot of thought to converting the negative paradigm of fear into one of empowerment. This book arrived at exactly the right time for me, both personally and as a global citizen. Choosing courage (rather than stumbling across it) is a very empowering concept that is a sure recipe for dispelling fear.