BuzzFlash Reviews

February 2005

The Impossible Will Take a Little While: A Citizen's Guide to Hope in a Time of Fear by Paul Rogat Loeb

BUZZFLASH REVIEWS

When we first offered this book in October 2004, our readers responded quite positively to its message. Following the election, readers who didn't buy it asked us to carry it again. The subtitle says it all: A Citizen's Guide to Hope in a Time of Fear. As FDR might have said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself . . and George Bush's manipulation of it."

On to our October review . . .

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As we hold our breath at the latest despicable Bush Cartel morally corrupt and grossly hypocritical attack on John Kerry's war record, it is easy enough to fall into the trap of believing that it is inevitable that the apostles of fear and lies will inevitably prevail in November.

But Paul Rogat Loeb has once again brought out a book that speaks to the hope and promise of working to improve the world, one step at a time. The impossible may take a little while, Loeb argues, but ameliorating the conditions in our community and nation can begin at any moment.

Author of the empowering "Soul of a Citizen," Loeb brings together an anthology of inspirational activists who didn't let the bleak prospects of success deter them from succeeding. As he did in "Soul of a Citizen," Loeb emphasizes, in his introductions to each chapter of essays -- and in his selection -- the empowering grace of interacting with other individuals to improve the common good.

Perhaps it is just a cliche to say that at the center of Loeb's message is the mystical notion that if you feel hat you will never make your destination, you will not take the journey to get there. And yet, ironically, if you take the journey -- as part of a community -- you may arrive at the destination that you thought was not within your reach.

Except that with Loeb, you come to believe that this is not a mystical notion; it is the truth. You just need to take the first step and let your faith in the power of the human spirit overcome the debilitating force of fear. And, in that simple notion, the world can be transformed.

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"A soul-stirring anthology which we guarantee will lift the spirits of anyone looking for reasons to carry on."
- Spirituality & Health, Sept/Oct 2004

"Extremely important."
- John Kenneth Galbraith

"An intelligent, impressive compendium of ideas and feelings that, if implemented, will lead to a far more civilized society."
- Peter Matthiessen

"A feast of inspiration to help people keep working for justice."
- Ben Cohen, founder of True Majority.org and of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream

"For anyone worn down by Bushism, The Impossible Will Take a Little While is a bracing double cappuccino."
- Barbara Ehrenreich

"This inspiring collection from is such a song of hope in these difficult times."
- Bonnie Raitt

"I’m reminded yet again of the incredible power individuals have. Thank you for this inspiring book."
- Joan Blades, cofounder of MoveOn.org

"A magnificent anthology celebrates hope, guts, and the power of taking action....Paul Rogat Loeb has done us a great favor."
- O, The Oprah Magazine, September/October 2004

"A much needed salvo against despair."
- Psychology Today, September 2004

"Stop worrying, stop feeling sorry for humanity and read 'The Impossible Will Take a Little While.'"
- Chicago Tribune, September 2, 2004

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