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

All you bright avid readers out there, who are complaining about the state of affairs in this country, you have the courage to do that behind closed doors, of course ! Have you read this book ?! I see no reader's review for it until 2006 ! But go beyond reading it, petition it to the US Senate to issue a bill where this book would become part of the curriculum in the 21st century. Not in those so-called universities or failing high schools ! But in the pre-K and/or nursery schools - before scared parents succeed to instill fear in their own kids. Our kids look up to us, mimic us, and if they see fear..... they copy it and react accordingly. So stop blaming them when they will become inept in taking over the leadership of tomorrow, give them this book, after you have read it first. SAVE AMERICA ! P.S. It is a very well-written book, and various levels of understanding will grasp its deep historical meanings. I guarantee you, even the cynics will secretly love it, yet not share with you their approval ! It takes guts for that !!

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.

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.

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!

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.