A Beginner's Guide to Changing the World
A True Life Adventure Story
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5.0 • 1 Rating
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- $6.99
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
Tired of writing the obligatory letter or two on behalf on Amnesty International, Isabel Losada decides to walk the talk and help save Tibet. So begins the remarkable A Beginner’s Guide to Changing the World, in which Losada explores whether it’s possible for an ordinary person to make a difference, and if something so serious can be achieved with joy in one’s heart.
Dedicated to ending the cultural imperialism of the Chinese Government in Tibet, Losada travels from London to Asia and back, meets with the Chinese ambassador and Tibetan awareness-raising groups, and is even introduced to the Dalai Lama. She single-handedly hatches a stunning PR coup involving Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, a 60 foot banner and a base-jumping parachutist; the event captures headlines worldwide.
Warm and funny, moving and thought-provoking, A Beginner’s Guide to Changing the World celebrates the fact that, whatever our passions may be, we can make a difference.
Isabel Losada has worked as an actress, singer, TV producer and full-time single parent. She is the author of The Battersea Park Road to Enlightenment which became a bestseller in 12 countries. She really does live on Battersea Park Road, in London.
“Can one person make a difference? Isabel Losada’s answer is a joyful and persistent Yes! Her latest book is a funny and fast-moving tale that celebrates the power of compassionate action ... With its large doses of humor delivered with a British accent and its endearing humility, this book just might inspire you to change the world in your own way - whatever that may be.” - Tricycle
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Losada, an English actress, singer and TV producer, detailed her New Age search for happiness in her previous book, The Battersea Park Road to Enlightenment. Now she turns away from the "tummy-button" of her search for personal happiness to take on social action on behalf of Tibet, harshly occupied by China, and its leader in exile, the Dalai Lama. Losada is disappointed by British organizations working in support of an autonomous Tibet, because they don't necessarily embrace the Dalai Lama ("the sanest voice on the planet"). To ease her frustration, Losada makes some contacts, develops a Web site and dreams up some publicity schemes, including "tits for Tibet," involving topless women in a van. Cooler heads prevail, and the author settles for a parachutist jumping from Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square while unfurling a picture of the Dalai Lama, a stunt that attracts international news coverage. Losada also travels to Tibet and falls in love with a monk. An audience she has with the Dalai Lama is recounted in glowing terms. She seems unfamiliar with political, historical and religious complexities, but there's no doubt that Losada is a good-humored, hard-working activist for Tibet. Her heart is in the right place, but much of the time her head doesn't follow. Illus. not seen by PW.
