Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Book Review [Not On Our Watch by Don Cheadle and John Prendergast]

When I see the face of Don Cheadle the three things that come to mind are Sylvester, Mouse and Hotel Rwanda. I now have one more thing to add to my fond memories for Mr. Cheadle, Not On Our Watch. This book is a journey, a history lesson, a manual, and a call to action that tap dances on the open nerves of the compassionate citizens of the world.

It is said that there is a part of social history written in every book. Not only does Don Cheadle and John Prendergast highlight pertinent aspects of political protocols of our time, they do so in a style of writing that blends facts, personal accounts and data to cover all sides of the subject for a vivid picture of important realities beyond United States borders. This definitely an "if you didn't know, now you know " book that could very well become a go to book for those wanting to know how to affect change at home and abroad. The wealth of information on organizations and ways of making a difference, leaves the reader no choice but to "do something".  Living in a globally accessible world makes activism more real for more people.

Reading this book nearly ten years after it's publication made the reality of Dafur even greater because on web searching for what's going on now, it appears that the conflict is still affecting the lives of the the Southern Sudanese. Articles are still being written to assist those that were displaced "Don't Forget Darfur" by Eric Reeves http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/12/opinion/dont-forget-darfur.html?_r=0 Helping the poor and unfortunate is still an honorable and spiritually balancing way of living in the world.

The text does use constant repetition of  its most important points which can tire the reading sometimes. Aside from that sequence is good and it's an easy read. I do know however that there was so much more to tell in this story of the Dafur times of these two author activists. I would have wanted to hear more of their interactions with the people of Darfur.

It's not too late even after a decade or more to share some light with those in need somewhere. I say everyone should have a cause because the world fell out of balance a long time ago and in every corner of the globe light workers are still working hard to even the score with those who have done wrong.

K. Akua Gray
April 6, 2016
Houston, TX

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