Halfway Home : My Life 'til Now

Book Description

Yes, I am a singer. But I am also a horseman, an athlete, and a doctor. I am a son, a brother, and a friend. I can sing as I do only because of the life that I've led. With each decade, I've found myself in very different, evermore challenging arenas, but the many stages of my life have always intertwined. I have moved from one stage to the next as if on a wild steeplechase, keeping my eye fixed straight ahead and above me. If there is a single line connecting all the episodes and main events of my life it is this -- a gift both given and received.

-- from the Introduction

Diagnosed with a lower limb disability at birth, Ronan Tynan had his legs amputated below the knee when he was twenty years old. Eight weeks later, he was climbing the stairs of his college dorm, and within a year, he was winning races in the Paralympic Games, amassing eighteen gold medals and fourteen world records. After becoming the first disabled person ever admitted to the National College of Physical Education, he served a short stint in the prosthetics industry and began a new career in medicine. He continued his studies at Trinity College, where he specialized in orthopedic sports injuries.

After earning his medical degree, Ronan chose music for the next act in his life. Less than one year after he began studying voice, he won both the John McCormick Cup for Tenor Voice and the BBC talent show Go for It. He went on to win the prestigious International Operatic Singing Competition in France, and in 1998 his debut Sony album, My Life Belongs to You, became a top-five hit in England within just two weeks and eventually went platinum. Later that year, he was invited to join The Irish Tenors, furthering a journey that started in a small Irish village and has brought him to the world's grandest stages.

In Halfway Home, Tynan movingly describes his life story, which Barbara Walters called "so amazing you may find it hard to believe."

Download Description

In Halfway Home, a beautifully written memoir, Ronan Tynan, a member of the enormously popular Irish Tenors, shares his remarkable story of overcoming adversity and attaining worldwide success in several different areas. Diagnosed with a lower limb disability at birth, Ronan Tynan had his legs amputated below the knee when he was twenty years old. Eight weeks later, he was climbing the stairs of his college dorm, and within a year, he was winning races in the Paralympic Games, amassing eighteen gold medals and fourteen world records. After becoming the first disabled person ever admitted to the National College of Physical Education, he served a short stint in the prosthetics industry and began a new career in medicine. He continued his studies at Trinity College, where he specialized in orthopedic sports injuries. After earning his medical degree, Ronan chose music for the next act in his life. Less than one year after he began studying voice, he won both the John McCormick Cup for Tenor Voice and the BBC talent show Go for It. He went on to win the prestigious International Operatic Singing Competition in France, and in 1998 his debut Sony album, My Life Belongs to You, became a top-five hit in England within just two weeks and eventually went platinum. Later that year, he was invited to join The Irish Tenors, furthering a journey that started in a small Irish village and has brought him to the world's grandest stages. In Halfway Home, Tynan movingly describes his life story, which Barbara Walters called "so amazing you may find it hard to believe."

Customer Reviews:

A Must Read...Motivational and Inspirational.......2007-01-03

Firstly this review is not intended in any way to be objective. I love the man who is Ronan Tynan, I love his voice and all that he has contributed to the world. Halfway Home is the story of a man who is passionate, driven, inspired and someone who refuses to beaten down in any way. He is a Maverick, who in this side-splittingly funny book, outlines just some of the things that he has done in his life. What makes this book special is that his accomplishments that are detailed in this are done so with such humility that it seems as if he is with you in your living room having a friendly chat. I met him a few weeks ago and he is just as funny and outgoing in person as this book suggests. One of life's true heroes.

Dennis Charles

Spell Binding.......2006-03-04

This is one of the few books I've had trouble putting down. It's the story of an amazing man that I truly admire. I would recommend this book to everyone. Also his CD's and those of the three tenors are beautiful music to say the least.

Inspirational, heart-warming, friendly.......2005-11-29

Dr. Ronan Tynan has to be one of the most friendly, inspirational, and heart-warming people on the face of the planet. I'm convinced of it. For a man who has had to persevere as much as he has, his outlook on life, his accomplishments, and his stories are awe-inspiring.

I first learned of Tynan when I heard him sing "God Bless America" on TV. I was enthralled. I had never heard a voice so pure, so powerful, so emotional. His voice touched me, it caused goose-bumps. I immediately began to research, trying to find out about the man who had just amazed me so.

After reading "Halfway Home", I am even more impressed with the man. In every aspect of life, he has triumphed over odds and circumstances that would have buckled the average person. To be accomplished in so many ways, to have lived such a rich, full life, is a dream for which we all should strive. The blueprint for such a goal is in Ronan Tynan's approach to life, which is guided by kindness, decency, hard work, love, passion, and faith.

At times the book is a bit boring, as is nearly all biographical material, but the inspiration overcomes, just like Tynan. Add him to my short list of personal heroes.

Ronan "All of Him".......2005-11-26

In the book "Halfway Home-My Life til Now" Ronan talks about family and those whom he has met so far in his life. He also talks about the women he has slept with so far. Which I find appalling, and just plain bad taste. He should apoligize to the women he talks about in the book. I wouldn't let anyone under the age of 21 to read this book. Keep it away from children.

Inspiring.......2005-09-28

This is an inspiring book. I cannot overstate that. Ronan could have folded his cards and done nothing in the face of adversity. He could have just stayed inside and watched tv or something of that nature. Instead he did not even let it bother him at all. In fact he hurdled right over the adversities.

Average customer rating:

Halfway Home My Life Til Now :Tynan
Ronan Tynan
Manufacturer: SIMON & SCHUSTER @ TRADE
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000SH9XB2

Halfway Home: My Life 'til Now (Harlequin Superromance No. 538)

Average customer rating:

Halfway Home: My Life 'til Now (Harlequin Superromance No. 538)
Beaumont
Manufacturer: harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

Harlequin Superromance | Series | Romance | Subjects | Books

Regency | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0373705387

Book Description

My long personal association with Mr. Lincoln gave me special facilities in the direction of obtaining materials for these volumes. Such were our relations during all that portion of his life when he was rising to distinction, that I had only to exercise a moderate vigilance in order to gather and preserve the real data of his personal career. Being strongly drawn to the man, and believing in his destiny, I was not unobservant or careless in this respect. It thus happened that I became the personal depository of the larger part of the most valuable material in existence. Out of this store the major portion of the materials of the following volumes has been drawn.

In determining Lincoln's title to greatness we must not only keep in mind the times in which he lived, but we must, to a certain extent, measure him with other men. Many of our great men and our statesmen, it is true, have been self-made, rising gradually through struggles to the topmost round of the ladder; but Lincoln rose from a lower depth than most of them - from a stagnant, putrid pool, like the gas which, set on fire by its own energy and self-combustible nature, rises in jets, blazing, clear and bright. I should be remiss in my duty if did not throw the light on this part of the picture, so that the world may realize what marvelous contrast one phase of his life presents to another.

The object of this work is to deal with Mr. Lincoln individually and domestically; as lawyer, as citizen, as statesman. Special attention is given to the history of his youth and early manhood, and while dwelling on this portion of his life the liberty is taken to insert many things that would be omitted or suppressed in other places. The endeavor is to keep Lincoln in sight all the time, to cling close to his side all the way through - leaving to others the more comprehensive task of writing a history of his times. I have no theory of his life to establish or destroy. Mr. Lincoln was my warm devoted friend. This is a facsimile reprint of the 3 volume set “As Published in 1888”.

Customer Reviews:

Great Personal Recollection of Honest Abe.......2006-02-26

Book is true of facts and shows the true Abraham Lincoln. One of the best books on honest Abe. Takes you back to a time long passed and puts you in the mind of one of the true patriots of America.

The True Story.......2005-06-19

I had long wanted to own a hardcover edition of Herndon's famous book on Abraham Lincoln and the purchase of this one by Digital Scanning, Inc. fulfilled my desire perfectly.

Everyone with a serious interest in Mr. Lincoln's life should read this book. Originally published in 1888, it is one of the main starting points for all subsequent works devoted to understanding this complex man. It remains a great book for reading after all of these years.

REVIEW OF WILLIAM H. HERNDON'S LINCOLN BY JOHN CHUCKMAN.......2005-02-25

With a certain group of American historians, largely those concerned with preserving images of America's founders and luminaries as saintly figures in white plaster togas, this book remains controversial.

In fact, it is perhaps the greatest biography of an American historical figure ever written. It is recommended highly to all lovers of good biography. It is indispensible to serious students of American history.

The official defenders of America's Civic Religion dislike this book because it captures some raw and awkward aspects of Lincoln, but Lincoln was rather raw and awkward and self-taught. It is the rise of such a man to such heights, plus his great natural eloquence, that make Lincoln remarkable.

Such historians love to cite this or that relatively insignificant error (in a 500-page book replete with details) to discredit Herndon, but Herndon's own detail and sense of honesty make him the best argument against such foolishness.

No one was better qualified than Herndon to record the life of Lincoln, having been his friend and business partner for many years. Herndon also conscientiously compiled a large archive of letters and memorials after Lincoln's death.

Herndon focuses on the personal Lincoln, and it is especially his observations about Lincoln's religious skepticism and family life that so disturb those who would have Lincoln embalmed like Lenin. Herndon gives us a vivid Lincoln, and if you like good biography, you will be impressed. The book was clearly a labor of love, and that fact still comes through more than a century after it was written.

Interesting Perspective of Lincoln.......2002-10-25

You know its funny to be writing a review about a book that was written so long ago, but I think this review may help encourage others who haven't already been acquainted with this wonderful book to take a look at it. It offers a very human view of Lincoln before he became the president of the United States. I agree with the fact that it doesn't reveal a lot about the civil war, but you know what, that was the authors intention. William Herndon, Lincoln's Law partner for about 20 years, knew that other people were going to focus on the war years far better than he could (Like John Hay and John Nicolay who worked for Lincoln in the White House) therefore, his focus is to reveal Lincoln as he was as a young man, but mostly during his years living in springfield, illinois. Its really quite entertaining, and at times comical to read how quirky he was back in those days. Sure, Herndon has been criticized about his biography over the past 100 plus years its been out in circulation, particularly his whole take on the Ann Rutledge affair and attitude on Mary Todd Lincoln. Regardless of that, I think he honestly attempts to provide an accurate portrayal of Lincoln without holding back any details. He wants to reveal Lincoln the way he viewed the man through his own eyes--as an ordinary man who had faults like anybody else--who went through tough, turbulent, and dark times--had a sense of humor--had insecurities--but in the end remained an honest to goodness human being who struggled to make his mark in this world. Trust me folks, this is a fascinating read. You will have a difficult time trying to stop reading.

One and Only.......2002-10-07

There are, it is said, more books about Lincoln than there are about anybody but Jesus. Every man setting out to write about Lincoln has an idea of him, a shadow to look for Lincoln in and the huge weight of tradition and history on his back while writing. Even Nicolay and Hay, his secretaries, and authors of the voluminous collected papers which are probably the best source on the Presidency, only knew the man in office, once he had enfolded himself, if you will, inside his great ambition. Herndon knew the man. He shared his office with him, a law practise which consisted of Lincoln throwing the case notes and money into his hat before putting it on to his head, and splitting all the money down the middle. Herndon also went around talking to everyone who knew Lincoln while he was alive before they died.

Book Description

An associate of Abraham Lincoln offers an intimate view of the president’s relations with military men and top politicians, placing particular emphasis on the election campaigns of 1860 and 1864.

A. K. McClure, a Republican powerbroker and later editor of the Philadelphia Times, reveals how Lincoln replaced Vice President Hannibal Hamlin with the southern Democrat Andrew Johnson on the 1864 ticket. According to McClure, Lincoln kept his hand hidden in order not to offend Hamlin and his New England supporters. In 1892, the publication of Abraham Lincoln and Men of War-Times caused an angry exchange of letters (included in this edition) between McClure and the late president’s secretary, John G. Nicolay.

For all his nobility, Lincoln was a shrewd and cautious politician, running scared for reelection until major Union army victories in September 1864. McClure writes candidly about William T. Sherman, Ulysses S. Grant, and George B. McClellan. Among the politicians discussed are Lincoln’s predecessor, James Buchanan, who fixed the Southern policy that Lincoln followed until war came; Salmon P. Chase, the annoyingly ambitious secretary of the treasury; Edwin M. Stanton, the moody secretary of war; and Thaddeus Stevens, the ferocious congressman whose relations with Lincoln were uneasy at best.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful "Window" into the life of Abraham Lincoln.......2000-07-08

Even a casual student of American history can recite many of the salient points of the career of Abraham Lincoln as president. This book takes the reader far beneath the superficial surface information. While McClure was an eyewitness to many of the events described, he maintains an objective viewpoint. I enthusiastically recommend this book to any reader who desires a "fly on the wall' perspective of Lincolns presidency.

Personal Recollections of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War

Average customer rating:

Personal Recollections of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War
James R. Gilmore
Manufacturer: Stackpole Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Firsthand account of Lincoln during the Civil War
Covers the Emancipation Proclamation, the New York Draft Riots of 1863, and other topics
Provides a glimpse into Civil War journalism, including stories about Horace Greeley and Gilmore's behind-enemy-lines interview of Confederate president Jefferson Davis

Book Description

When President-elect Abraham Lincoln was preparing to go to Washington he appealed to his old friend and law partner Ward Hill Lamon: “I want you to go along with me. . . . In fact I must have you. So get yourself ready and come along.” Lamon journeyed from Springfield to Washington in 1861 and returned to Illinois in mourning in 1865. Lincoln chose Lamon as his bodyguard when he slipped into Washington by night to foil conspirators intent on murder. The president sent him on missions and appointed him marshal of the District of Columbia. During that time of civil war Lincoln was often dispirited, and Lamon tried to cheer him.

These recollections were compiled from Lamon’s notes and papers by his daughter, Dorothy, and published in 1895. The expanded second edition of 1911 has been used for this reprinting. Recollections of Abraham Lincoln has often been cited for its firsthand testimony about key episodes and incidents, including at the phantom-like train trip to Washington in 1861, a visit to Charleston during the secession crisis, and Lincoln’s foreboding dreams.

As James A. Rawley points out in his introduction, Lamon’s recollections of Lincoln’s personal qualities an presidency are important to history.

Customer Reviews:

Lincoln's Hat with the Hole in it?.......2007-07-04

This primary source finally cleared up for me what really happened on that famous ride back from the Soldier's Home.

Didn't one TV 'dramatization' depict Lincoln showing his hat around, with a bullet hole in it?

A valuable primary source.

Lincoln's Bodyguard Speaks.......2007-03-04

Books about Abraham Lincoln written by those who knew him are fascinating. This one is especially so in that Lamon was not only a friend and legal colleague, but during Lincoln's presidency, his bodyguard.

"Hill," the president-elect told him before leaving for Washington, "I need you." So he went.

Of special interest are two chapters:

One, that deals with Lamon's explanation of something Lincoln was criticized for. After a particularly bloody engagement of the Civil War, Lincoln visited the battlefield and during that visit, requested that Lamon sing a few ballads for him. (Lincoln was in the habit of asking Lamon to do this, as apparently, Lamon had a good singing voice.)

And another in which Lamon tells of Abraham Lincoln's prophetic dreams, including a recurring one he'd had ever since he was a youth that presaged Lincoln's rise to the presidency and his bloody death.

As I said, there is interesting material here, the stuff of legends. Well worth the attention of any Lincoln fan, or indeed, any student of U.S. history.

Abraham Lincoln.......2000-05-04

I found this book to be interesting for its personal stories and perspective, but this is also what makes its downfall. Lamon was a personal acquaintance of Lincoln's and it is evident that he revered the man greatly. This gives way to much bias being placed on Lamon's accounts, failing to mention many negative things about the assassinated president. Lamon refrains from using opinionated words in much of the biography, but his personal opinions are sometimes evident. This book is kept interesting through his personal stories and the hand-written letters that are included. It is good as a resource about Abraham Lincoln, but take Lamon's opinions with a grain of salt.

Recollections of President Lincoln and his administration,

Average customer rating:

Recollections of President Lincoln and his administration,
L. E Chittenden
Manufacturer: Harper & Brothers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Herndon's life of Lincoln,: The history and personal recollections of Abraham Lincoln as originally written by William H. Herndon and Jesse W. Weik; (The Living library)

Average customer rating:

Herndon's life of Lincoln,: The history and personal recollections of Abraham Lincoln as originally written by William H. Herndon and Jesse W. Weik; (The Living library)
William Henry Herndon
Manufacturer: World Pub. Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Abraham Lincoln and Boston Corbett,: With personal recollections of each; John Wilkes Booth and Jefferson Davis, a true story of their capture

Average customer rating:

Abraham Lincoln and Boston Corbett,: With personal recollections of each; John Wilkes Booth and Jefferson Davis, a true story of their capture
Byron Berkeley Johnson
Manufacturer: The Lincoln & Smith Press]
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Abraham Lincoln and Men of War-Times Some Personal Recollections of War and Politics During the Lincoln administration with Introduction By Dr. A. C. Lambdin.

Average customer rating:

Abraham Lincoln and Men of War-Times Some Personal Recollections of War and Politics During the Lincoln administration with Introduction By Dr. A. C. Lambdin.
A. K., McClure
Manufacturer: The Times Publishing Company, Philadelphia
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000TNGU52

A boy in the White house;: Recollection of my father, General Grant--Part I

Average customer rating:

A boy in the White house;: Recollection of my father, General Grant--Part I
Jesse R Grant
Manufacturer: Harper & Brothers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0008ABLRS

Book Description

Naomi Klein’s No Logo is an international bestselling phenomenon. Winner of Le Prix Mediations (France), and of the National Business Book Award (Canada) it has been translated into 21 languages and published in 25 countries.

Named one of Ms Magazine’s Women of Year in 2001, and declared by the Times (London) to be “probably the most influential person under the age of 35 in the world,” in Fences and Windows, Naomi Klein offers a bird’s-eye view of the life of an activist and the development of the “anti-globalization” movement from the Seattle World Trade Organization protests in 1999 through September 11, 2001. Bringing together columns, speeches, essays, and reportage, Klein once again provides provocative arguments on a broad range of issues. Whether she is discussing the privatization of water; genetically modified food; “free trade;” or the development of the movement itself and its future post 9/11, Naomi Klein is one of the most thoughtful and brilliant activists and thinkers for a new generation.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting but scattered read.......2005-02-24

Fences and Windows is an interesting read but much of its content seems both reactionary and propagandic. There is little coverage of the actual 'meat' to the issue of globalization. Instead this book gives the reader little snippets of information (ie: Some really interesting protester was arrested) which lack much intellectual value. Overall, the book is an interesting read but provides little additional information to the globalization discourse.

A depressing read.......2004-12-09

I thought that No Logo had reached the bottom of the pit as far as the literature on anti-globalization goes but here we go again.
Naomi Klein does write her dispatches from a perceived front-line. She strikes out against the very things that are making the world more open, such as tearing down regulation, allowing people to move around and opening markets (putting her in the same camp as neo Nazis and other nationalists whom she is against) but most seriously, her arguments ring flat and one is left wondering what the anti-globalization movement stands for. Even the things for which it is against seem inconsistent.
As one of the apostles of the anti-globalization movement, Klein is a poor one. She does not see the irony of Zapatista t-shirts, baseball hats and ski-masks. She does not find strange the fact that Marcos, who leads the Zapatistas and with whom she seems infatuated happens to have his greatest following among middle-aged women.
She fails to convince the reader that the anti-globalization movement is anything but some hazy new-age mixing of anarchists and doped up teenagers that haven't showered in a week. What sense can one make out of her arguments that the movement is waiting for "something entirely unprecedented"? Are we to wait for Godot?
I have had the misfortune to have read her articles in the Guardian in the UK and like a bad dream; I am hoping that she fades away harmlessly. But with the rise of protectionism around the world, which will hurt the poor world the most, the Naomi Kleins of the world are, unfortunately, the ones, who through their ill conceived logic and weirdness, will shape the thinking of the public.
Reading this book gives one an insight into the anti-everything movement but one does not come out the wiser as to what they really want.

Another eye-opener.......2004-06-15

I was not initially sold (no pun intended!) on Klein's earlier No Logo. I found it repetitive and lacking a clear literary style. Obviously I was pretty much alone in that as the book inspired a generation of young anti-Corporate activists. And rightly so. Klein returns with a collection of articles about the time after No Logo. I found these very moving and concise snapshots of the globalization movement and the need to regain a perspective on the role of multi-nationals in our lives. Now a respected voice on the world stage, Klein finally gets down to writing the book I wanted to read first time around. Not as cleverly titled though :-)

Involving if not surprising.......2004-06-07

The thing about a book by Klein is you are either a real fan or you aren't - there really isn't a middle point. Most people who have encountered Klein before would have read `No Logo' and this book is very much in the same vein, with commentary on, or more specifically against, the perceived rise of a capitalist corporatist culture, driven by a consumerist West which is disadvantaging the rest of the world. This book is a collection of articles and speeches by Klein about issues regarding international regimes, the good and bad sides of globalisation, and the resistance movements that seem to now be a prerequisite for any meeting of economic importance. A good non-scholarly take on one facet of the many-sided debate on globalism and its effects.

Opens a Window.......2004-05-17

This book is not "No Logo". It will not be the Bible of any movement, however it is a good source of information about events that are happening in the stuggle against globalization and neo-liberalisms. The media has a bias and Naomi is the one who gives us the truth behind the events. She gives us understanding into the police crackdown and the politicians desire to stifle freedom of expression.
As it is a collection of articles it's a book that can be picked up and read at any point. The articles are compelling and will help you to see a truth that's not given in the mainstream.

Fences and Windows: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the Globalization Debate & Making Sweatshops: The Globalization of the U.S. Apparel Industry.(Book ... article from: Ethics & International Affairs

Average customer rating:

Fences and Windows: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the Globalization Debate & Making Sweatshops: The Globalization of the U.S. Apparel Industry.(Book ... article from: Ethics & International Affairs
Rebecca DeWinter
Manufacturer: Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Ethics & International Affairs, published by Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs on April 1, 2003. The length of the article is 1500 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Fences and Windows: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the Globalization Debate & Making Sweatshops: The Globalization of the U.S. Apparel Industry.(Book Review)
Author: Rebecca DeWinter
Publication: Ethics & International Affairs (Refereed)
Date: April 1, 2003
Publisher: Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs
Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Page: 166(3)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Fences and Windows: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the Globalization Debate.(Book Review) (book review): An article from: Multinational Monitor

Average customer rating:

Fences and Windows: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the Globalization Debate.(Book Review) (book review): An article from: Multinational Monitor

Manufacturer: Essential Information, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Multinational Monitor, published by Essential Information, Inc. on January 1, 2003. The length of the article is 431 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Fences and Windows: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the Globalization Debate.(Book Review) (book review)
Publication: Multinational Monitor (Refereed)
Date: January 1, 2003
Publisher: Essential Information, Inc.
Page: 37(1)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

Reorienting the way human beings live on the Earth and educating children to their highest capacities have much in common, say the thinkers and educators behind this groundbreaking book. Both endeavors must be viewed and pursued in the context of systems: familial, geographic, ecological, political. And our efforts to build sustainable communities cannot succeed unless future generations learn how to partner with natural systems to their mutual benefit. In other words, they must become "ecologically literate."
The concept of "ecological literacy" advanced by this book's creators, the Center for Ecoliteracy in Berkeley, California, extends beyond the discipline of environmental education. It aims, as David W. Orr writes in his foreword, "toward a deeper transformation of the substance, process, and scope of education at all levels."
The reports and essays gathered here reveal the remarkable work being conducted by the center's extensive network of partners. In one middle school, for example, culinary icon Alice Waters founded a program that not only provides students with healthy meals but teaches them to garden--and thus to study life cycles and energy flows--as part of their curriculum. Other hands-on student projects supported by the center and described in this book range from stream restoration and watershed exploration to confronting environmental justice issues at the neighborhood level.
With contributions from distinguished writers and educators, such as Fritjof Capra, Wendell Berry, and Michael Ableman, Ecological Literacy marries theory and practice based on the best thinking about how the world actually works and how learning occurs. Parents and educators everywhere who are engaged in creative efforts to develop new curricula and improve children's ecological understanding will find this book to be an invaluable resource.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books