Social Action

Reading Program 1999

ANOTHER AMERICA: THE POLITICS OF RACE AND BLAME

South End Press, 1995
219 pages
Kofi Buenor Hadjor
#4902/$15.00

This is a collection of essays on race, class and politics. The author shows how assaults on Affirmative Action, the myth of reverse discrimination, and the so-called war on drugs are being used to blame African Americans for their plight in a society where racism remains pervasive.

CHAOS OR COMMUNITY? SEEKING SOLUTIONS, NOT SCAPEGOATS FOR BAD ECONOMICS

South End Press, 1995
221 pages
Holly Sklar
#4910/$15.00

The American dream is slowly dying as a smaller percentage of individuals claim most of the wealth. Modern American social and economic issues are probed in this book, which offers solutions for bad economic policies.

COMMON FIRE: LIVES OF COMMITMENT IN A COMPLEX WORLD

Beacon Press, 1996
288 pages
Laurent A. Daloz, editor
#4916/$15.00

These are the stories of more than 100 people who live for the common good, seeking to overcome problems of urban conflict, a polarizing economic system and environmental degradation. The book concludes with practical suggestions for people willing to work for a better world.

DEFENDING OUR LIVES: GETTING AWAY FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & STAYING SAFE

Anchor Books, Doubleday, 1996
236 pages
Susan Murphy-Milano
#4918/$14.00

This is a comprehensive guide to options available to battered women and to supportive family and friends. The author defines domestic violence, how to enlist the help of the police, and how to find a safe place once the decision is made to leave the abusive partner.

FELLOWSHIP OF LOVE: METHODIST WOMEN CHANGING AMERICAN RACIAL ATTITUDES 1920-1968

Abingdon Press, 1996
335 pages
Alice G. Knotts
#4924/$14.00

This book explores the efforts of Methodist women to change attitudes, practices and federal policies relating to race relations and civil rights. The Gospel message linked black and white Methodist women as they responded to the call for racial inclusiveness and to demonstrate God’s love and justice in tangible ways.

FOR CRYING OUT LOUD: WOMEN’S POVERTY IN THE UNITED STATES

South End Press, 1996
414 pages
Diane Dujon and Ann Withorn, editors
#4926/$15.00

Included in this series of essays women’s poverty in the United States are stories of poor women struggling to survive and explorations of issues such as homelessness, battering, immigration and welfare.

GATHERING STORM: AMERICA’S MILITIA THREAT

HarperCollins, 1997
288 pages
Morris Dees with James Corcoran
#4928/$13.00

This revealing account ties together the events, players and history that gave life to the militia operating across the country. It explores events at Ruby Ridge and the Branch Davidian tragedy in Waco, Texas, and suggests ways to confront the militia.

HOMOSEXUALITY AND CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

Westminster John Knox Press, 1996
159 pages
Choon-Leong Seow, editor
#4935/$16.00

Princeton Theological Seminary professors address questions such as what do the Scriptures say about homosexuality, and how do we live faithfully in regard to it? Although the writers often disagree, they help us reflect on a topic that continues to be a major issue within the Church.

MARTIN LUTHER KING: THE INCONVENIENT HERO

Orbis Books, 1996
146 pages
Vincent Harding
#4946/$12.00

These essays reflect upon Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy over the past two decades and the meaning of his life today. A portrait emerges of a man who went deep into the roots of violence and injustice, and whose challenge remains timely and necessary.

ONE WORLD, ONE EARTH: EDUCATING CHILDREN FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

New Society Publishers, 1993
131 pages
Merryl Hammond and Rob Collins
#4950/$14.95

The authors offer concrete suggestions for adults who want to help educate children for social responsibility. With a playful, passionate spirit, this book helps introduce children to peace, environmental and other social-justice issues.

PEACE BEHIND BARS: A PEACEMAKING PRIEST’S JOURNAL FROM JAIL

Sheed and Ward, 1995
234 pages
John Dear
#4953/$14.95

Jesuit priest John Dear spent eight months in jail for his part in a disarmament action. In his journal, we glimpse the world of prisoners and county jails, and the soul of a committed Christian peacemaker.

SONG OF RITA JOE: AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A MI’KMAQ POET

Ragweed Press, 1996
191 pages
Rita Joe with Lynn Henry
#4960/$14.00

Straight from the heart, this autobiography of a Canadian Indian tells of her tumultuous childhood in foster homes; education in an Indian residential school; a turbulent marriage; and daily struggles with prejudice, sexism and poverty -- battles that led Rita Joe to discover her poetic voice.

STREET SOLDIER: ONE MAN’S STRUGGLE TO SAVE A GENERATION: ONE LIFE AT A TIME

Delta/Bantam Doubleday Dell, 1996
336 pages
Joseph Marshall Jr. and Lonnie Wheeler
#4963/$12.95

Frustrated by watching his most promising inner-city students drop out or get killed, Joe Marshall determined to do something about it. This is his courageous and inspiring story. Warning: The book uses frequent profanities and vulgar language -- the street language of the youth whom the author worked to save.

VOICES FROM THE FUTURE: CHILDREN SPEAKOUT ABOUT VIOLENCE IN AMERICA

Children’s Express, 1996
253 pages
Susan Goodwillie, editor
#4970/$14.95

Adolescents tell the story of how violence affects them in their homes, schools and neighborhoods. In the raw language of youth with little hope for the future, we learn about the racism, homophobia and gangs that threaten their lives each day. Warning: This book contains frequent profanity and vulgar language.