Still Hopeful
Lessons from a Lifetime of Activism
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
“Canada’s best-known voice of dissent.” — CBC
“It’s time we listened to the Maude Barlows of the world.” — CNN
In this timely book, Barlow counters the prevailing atmosphere of pessimism that surrounds us and offers lessons of hope that she has learned from a lifetime of activism. She has been a linchpin in three major movements in her life: second-wave feminism, the battle against free trade and globalization, and the global fight for water justice. From each of these she draws her lessons of hope, emphasizing that effective activism is not really about the goal, rather it is about building a movement and finding like-minded people to carry the load with you. Barlow knows firsthand how hard fighting for change can be. But she also knows that change does happen and that hope is the essential ingredient.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Looming issues like the pandemic and climate change can make it hard to feel optimistic, but this down-to-earth book by Toronto-based activist Maude Barlow provides a ray of hope. Part autobiography, part activism guidebook, Still Hopeful walks us through Barlow’s rich history of political action, from bringing international attention to the environmental catastrophes of Mexican mine sites to leading the non-violent protests at the World Trade Organization’s international meetings. Barlow artfully draws on experts ranging from philosophers to psychoanalysts to explore the mental toll that activism can take—and suggest ways to keep your desire for change strong even when the fight gets tough. (Journaling and talking to fellow activists both go a long way.) The entire book feels like a rallying cry to channel tough emotions like fear and anger into a constructive political force and a reminder that even the smallest wins can unleash the power of hope.
