Soul of a Citizen: Living with Conviction in Challenging Times

Had to read this book for a social psychology course and could only get halfway through it. Loeb's ideas are far from visionary and his privilege as a white cishet man comes through the entire book. Spend your money and time on books written by Black women.

As we near the end of an electoral season that has been marked by widespread cynicism and apathy--now is the time to turn to a challenging book like Paul Rogat Loeb's "Soul of A Citizen." No matter how the Presidential election turns out, millions of Americans will be convinced that our new leaders are not up to the task of healing our national malaise. But it is not necessary or logical to expect leadership in this task to come from one person, living in a city from which many of us feel remote, even estranged. Loeb's book reminds us that the healing, redemptive task belongs to us as individuals, working in spheres of civic action we have carved out for ourselves. Through our dedication we can not only forge hope for society's future, we can open the door to our own spiritual growth. "Soul Of A Citizen" would be a great holiday gift book this year, or any year. It may confirm the faith of some; and--even more important--it may restore the faith of others.

I LOVED this book! I just finished it and thoroughly enjoyed every word. I loved the way it made me feel--far from hopeless, but inspired, renewed and invigorated. It was philosophical yet practical, and I now somehow have the feeling that even doing a LITTLE to improve the world, is doing a lot. It's strange to read something and actually feel like a "better person" for having done so! I've never had that happen before. I feel better for wanting to become more active, better for being as active as I already am, (even though it isn't nearly as much as I'd like it to be,) and better for wanting to share what I've read with others. This book, which was a gift to me from a dear friend, will now be a gift FROM me to many deserving people!

My husband and I have always wanted to help improve the world, especially on enviromental and sustainability issues. In the past we have felt overwhelmed to do anything. All issues appeared to big, the gov't too far away and unreachable. Then we both read the book "Soul of a Citizen" by Paul Roget Loeb, we now know that our efforts do add up and make a difference. We are currently working on a letter writing campaign to get the Children's Enviromental Protection Act passed.This is an excellent book. Read it today and start changing the world!

This incredible book teaches us that everyone can work for social justice and claim their right to participate as a citizen in everyday life. In a time where many small groups of ordinary citizens are choosing to re-engage in American democracy through Salons and Circles, we are grateful for this book to inspire and empower us. Loeb uses storytelling to illustrate how involvement in citizenship is surprisingly powerful and creates a tremendous sense of personal and spiritual growth. This hopeful and transformative book invites each of us to choose to take responsible action instead of choosing the civic apathy that has allowed America's governing bodies to listen to the wishes of the most powerful and profitable over the majority of its people. It is time for each of us to choose a better way -- our children, our communities, our democracy, and our natural world depend on us. This book is a great step in the right direction!

This book is a keeper. It's a good, inspiring read, plus it's good to simply have around, reminding you of its contents. It struck me as a political version of Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way." While she explains that "born" artists are a myth, Loeb describes community activists who aren't saints or crazies. Both writers try to motivate flawed, busy people to forget about perfection and take the plunge-whether it be into playful creativity or a social cause-in order to feel more whole and alive. I recommend this personal guidebook to everyone, to every age and class, from the left to the right.