Editorial Reviews
From the Publisher
“One of the kindest and most generous human beings I have had the privilege to know. In my view he’s truly earned the Nobel Peace Prize. If we had a few more like him, the world would be a far more peaceful place.”
—Oliver Stone
“I first became aware of Blase in the mid-eighties, when he and Theresa were working with the poor and disenfranchised in Central America. He has been a source of inspiration for me ever since. His unrelenting commitment to peace and justice is as extraordinary as his life. He is my personal hero.”
—Paul Haggis
“Blase helps us to understand that the unconventional wisdom of the ages is far more valuable than the conventional hype of the moment.”
—Martin Sheen
“I couldn’t walk in Blase Bonpane’s shoes, they’re too heavy. But I have tried to follow his footsteps which nimbly, deftly, wisely and lovingly try to coax our world into the practice of what it preaches. Not only his feet are prodigious but his hands are the hands of a craftsman, a builder toward those same goals. And to top it off, he’s got the head and heart to guide all four. I have been ennobled by my association with Blase and you will feel similarly having read his autobiography. This is a man for all seasons, all peoples.”
—Edward Asner
“I am often asked by young people, deeply disturbed by the state of the world, 'What can I do to make this sad world a better place?' An eloquent answer now is, “Read Blase Bonpane’s autobiography. If you can aspire to a fraction of what he has achieved, you will look back on a life well lived.”
—Noam Chomsky
Kirkus Reviews
Heady reflections on a lifetime of activism.
Throughout the book, Bonpane (Civilization Is Possible, 2008, etc.) reflects on Christianity, America, and the gulf between the developed and developing world. Ordained asa priest in 1958, the author was soonat odds with the Catholic establishment and eventually struck out on his own, even marrying. He points out that he never left the Church and is still a priest, even if not in good standing with the ecclesiastical hierarchy. In the mid-'60s, Bonpane became involved in the violent atmosphere in Guatemala, the first of many connections to Central and Latin America throughout his life. He went on to become a visible member of the antiwar movement during Vietnam, while continuing an interest in other questions of foreign and domestic policy. After an unsuccessful run for Congress, Bonpane worked for the United Farm Workers with César Chávez. This was followed by heavy involvement with the Nicarauguan Revolution and leadership in the Office of the Americas. Reading Bonpane's memoir is like exploring a mini-history of liberal activism over the last 45 years. From Kent State to Rodney King, Bonpane seemed to always have a connection to the flashpoints in modern American history. The author is not afraid to speak his mind or tip sacred cows--e.g."As is the case of Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, the Central American Wars were pure and simple state terrorism on the part of our country."Despite a heavy emphasis on the story of his activism, Bonpane always comes back to issues of religion, addressing his belief in liberation theology and in a universalist, non-sectarian adherence to faith.
A fascinating read for students of modern American liberalism and foreign policy.
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