Beyond the Fields: Cesar Chavez, the UFW, and the Struggle for Justice in the 21st Century

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. For me, its greatest strength lies in the author's ability to describe organizing struggles from the past and make them feel fresh and immediate. The "Yes We Cane" chapter (which documents a labor battle in Florida) in particular was a page turner, something rare and difficult to accomplish with historical subject matter. I also think the author accomplishes one of his stated goals, which was to canonize the important work of these UFW activists - work I would've never known about had I not read this book. The breadth and depth of information uncovered by the author is unbelievable. An all-around excellent read.

Beyond the Fields follows in the tradition of Howard Zinn's People's History of the United States by providing little known history about the UFW, its organizing tactics and its profound legacy on political activism in America over the past four decades. The book provides a historic overview of the UFW, its leaders-- particularly Cesar Chavez--, its achievements and the lasting impact of tactics developed and used by the UFW on political organizing around the country. Many of the stories of post-UFW social justice struggles in the book are riveting, including the Justice for Janitors campaign in Miami and a history of the national movement for immigrant rights. The book is particularly timely now because of the use of UFW organizing strategies in the ground game to elect Barack Obama. Great as it will be to have Obama in the White House, Obama's election isn't a magic solution to the country's many and deep social problems. Shaw's book provides valuable history to guide activists in the battles to come.