Extremist Groups

"Extremist Groups," like the other books in the excellent "Opposing Viewpoints" series, offers a variety of contrary perspectives in an easy to read and enjoyable format. The book is based on a series of essays that discuss activist groups on the political fringe. For example, both positive and negative essays are written about religious fundamentalists, animal rights groups and militias. Obviously, your reaction to these writings will depend largely on you own political perspective. Personally, I most appreciated the essays that were critical of right wing religious extremists and were supportive of environmental activism. Of course, other readers will have their own preferences. Overall, the essays are well written, though some seem hopelessly naive while others are downright disturbing, such as the one written by white supremacist Matt Hale. In any case, this is a book that most readers, with an interest in social issues, will both enjoy and learn from.