Book Description

During the 1980s and 1990s, Brazil struggled to rebuild its democracy after twenty years of military dictatorship, experiencing financial crises, corruption scandals, political protest, and intense electoral contention. In the midst of this turmoil, Ann Mische argues in this remarkable book, youth activists of various stripes played a vital and unrecognized role, contributing new forms of political talk and action to Brazil's emerging democracy.

Drawing upon extensive and rich ethnography as well as formal network analysis, Mische tracks the lives of young activists through intersecting political networks, including student movements, church-based activism, political parties, nongovernmental organizations, and business and professional organizations. She probes the problems and possibilities they encountered in combining partisan activism with other kinds of civic involvement. In documenting activists' struggles to develop cross-partisan publics of various kinds, Mische explores the distinct styles of communication and leadership that emerged across organizations and among individuals.

Drawing on the ideas of Habermas, Gramsci, Dewey, and Machiavelli, Partisan Publics highlights political communication styles and the forms of mediation and leadership they give rise to--for democratic politics in Brazil and elsewhere. Insightful in its discussion of culture, methodology, and theory, Partisan Publics argues that partisanship can play a significant role in civic life, helping to build relations and institutions in an emerging democracy.

Book Description
From beginning to end, the captivating story of Sophie Scholl and the White Rose is an uplifting and enlightening account of the largely untold story of German resistance to the Third Reich. With details of Scholl 's arrest and trial before Hitler's Hanging Judge, Rol and Freisler, and including the leaflets that the White Rose circulated throughout the German population, this volume is an invaluable addition to World War II literature. And it is a fascinating window into human spirit. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

A must read for a restless conscience
If you have a restless conscience then you will better understand the members of the White Rose. Like most kids in Germany in the 30's Hans and Sophie Scholl joined the Nazi youth movement and bought into National Socialism. However through their father who opposed National Socialism and a God instilled restless conscience they soon saw National Socialism for the evil it was and is. The author does a good job of making you feel the tension and stress as the story unfolds. Their dileama was how do you mount a meaningful opposition toa totalitarian state from within. Who can you trust? Gestapo everywhere and all opposition to the State outlawed.By 1940 most of the 500 or so pastors who would not bow down to Hitler were in jail or executed. By the time the White Rose decided to take action in 1942 most Germans were scarred to death of the police state they had allowed to enslave them. But there was sporadic uprising against Hitler. One interesting story in the book was when the gov't banned all the crucifixes from the public schools in Bavaria in 1941.The parents signed protest letters and petitions and even threw the mandatory picture of Hitler out of classroom windows. The protest was so strong that Hitler backed down. Its scary to think that our gov't has taken Christianity out of the classroom but Hitler couldn't. As you read the book you feel that they felt they were going to get caught but their restless conscience would not let them turn from the course of action that would lead to their deaths. As we see our own freedomsof privacy (Patriot Act), speech (Hate Crime Bills) and other constitutional rights being taken from us by an ever growing central gov't we can learn a lot from this book. At her trial Sophie Scholl said "Somebody had to make a start". They certainly did and their pamphlets and death had a lasting effect on the German people. Hans Scholl's last words were "Long live Freedom". The essence of freedom is the limitation of gov't and requires eternal vigilance. The German people allowed Hitler to much power and he enslaved them. We still have the time and ability to limit the power of our gov't but it will take a lot of work and most importantly a restless conscience. 5 stars for this book.

Amazing - a must read!!!
This book was definitely a must-read, not only for those that are interested in this time period of study, but for anyone who wants to have a better understanding of world history.It's amazing, simply put.It reads so quickly.You are definitely drawn in from the very first page to the last.

Understanding the other side of the story . . .
I bought this for research and it is terrific. It really gets into the mindset and political background of the story of the White Rose and helps the reader to understand the 'why' of the story. Not as personal as other accounts, it nevertheless is a wonderful background that will help you see Nazi Germany in a whole new light while telling the moving and touching story of Sophie Scholl.

Sophie Scholl and The White Rose
It is quite impossible to do an adequate job of reviewing this book.
Knowing that these young German students really lived, daring to risk their young lives and, indeed, losing them, for their distribution of their printed words challenging German people to act against Hitler, is unbelievably humbling and cause for great hope for mankind. Passive resistence worked. Life triumphed over death. Good was stronger than evil.
The authors, Annette Dumbach and Jud Newborn, becameaccomplished talents with the publication of this book alone.
Their ability to combine the biographies of Sophie, her brother and their compatriots in the making and distrubtion of the White Rose and the requisite history and analysis of the political climate in Germany during The Holcaust is masterful.
The book reads like a suspense thriller one could read in a few hours. However, their thoughtful, detailed insights into the minds and hearts of the protagonists, compel the reader to read and then rereadmany passages before being emotionally able to read on. This is a must read for young and old students of the human condition, a truly unforgettable book.

A very powerful and memorable book
SOPHIE SCHOLL & THE WHITE ROSE is, essentially, about the finest aspects of human nature. The White Rose members' integrity and their compassion for their fellow Germans and, more surprisingly, for the Jewish population who had endured years of prejudice and oppression followed by vicious persecution is very impressive.

To mount a secret campaign against the Third Reich, a totalitarian regime of insidious oppression and unbelievable brutality against both the German people and its conquered populations, takes amazing courage.

But to face up to that regime on an intensely personal level, without hesitation or - apparently - regret, fully aware of the consequences, is simply awesome. And it awes me that most of the White Rose members were students like myself! This is a very memorable book with a powerful message. ... Read more

Amazon.com
Today's teenagers are often accused of being apathetic, nihilistic, despairing youth, slacking their way through life. Along comes Danny Seo, who considers himself a member of the React Generation--kids who are making changes in the world. At the tender age of 20 Seo is a veteran grassroots organizer and the author of Generation React. At age 12 he took $10 and founded Earth 2000, a national environmental and animal rights activist group; their success has been outstanding. In Generation React Seo shares his story and gives tips to readers seeking to create societal change. The book is a step-by-step guide for beginning young activists, though parents will also learn a tremendous amount. Share this one with your teenagers.Book Description
"This book is fantastic--moving, motivating, and totally useful. It shows that one teenager can make a huge difference and that lots of teenagers, networking or working independently, can change the world."
--Ingrid E. Newkirk, Cofounder of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)

At the astonishing age of twelve, Danny Seo gathered  a handful of kids and founded Earth 2000--an environmental and animal rights activist group that blossomed into a 20,000-member force of tenacious teenage crusaders. Danny has since become one of the best-known young activists in the country.

Are you idealistic, energized, and wondering how you too can make a difference? If so, then Generation React is the book for you. Danny shares his hard-won skills and years of experience in a step-by-step guide that makes changing the world a little bit easier. In Generation React he teaches you how to


Start your own activist group
Reenergize an existing activist group
Brainstorm creative fund-raising techniques
Win media exposure
Reform school policy
Launch boycotts
Make legislators listen
Organize a protest
Tap the wealth of free information on the Internet
And much more! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Environmental Guardians founder absorbed all!
I was lost. I had just read Al Gore's book, Earth in the Balance, and, of course, I was shocked at what we are doing to the earth, and how it is being destructed. I decided that I wanted to start an advocacy organization. But where to start? I was troubled. In a Las Vegas, Nevada bookstore I found answers to my problems. A book on how to cope with the woes of starting an advocacy organization, that gave tips on anything ranging from student rights to lobbying. This book is highly informative, yet Seo talks about everything with such a great blend of comic satire, that the hard facts never became lectures. All of these tips coming from a master protester and veteran of the business. As a thirteen year old who is highly concerned about the environment I would give this book five stars. As a learned scholar who has read many texts, the rating remains five stars. Whether kid or adult, you are sure to love this Seo "thriller".

Environmental Guardians founder absorbed all!
I was lost. I had just read Al Gore's book, Earth in the Balance, and, of course, I was shocked at what we are doing to the earth, and how it is being destructed. I decided that I wanted to start an advocacy organization. But where to start? I was troubled. In a Las Vegas, Nevada bookstore I found answers to my problems. A book on how to cope with the woes of starting an advocacy organization, that gave tips on anything ranging from student rights to lobbying. This book is highly informative, yet Seo talks about everything with such a great blend of comic satire, that the hard facts never became lectures. All of these tips coming from a master protester and veteran of the business. As a thirteen year old who is highly concerned about the environment I would give this book five stars. As a learned scholar who has read many texts, the rating remains five stars. Whether kid or adult, you are sure to love this Seo "thriller".

We'd have a better world if everyone were like Danny!
I saw Danny Seo on an old re-run of Leeza during a summer-camp break. (We never watch day time TV) & called my daughter to come listen.We then bought the book & read it together.Reading of this book should be aschool project or requirement...it will produce softer, gentler more caringkids & transform them into bright young active citizens.I will sendthis book to school for her second grade class teacher to have a peak at& hopefully she can do something & perhaps create a"learning-sharing project" for the kids....maybe nearThanksgiving or Earth Day??

If you can cross the street, you can make a difference.
Rarely do you find a book that talks about ACTION instead of PROBLEMS.Danny Seo's "Generation React" provides inspring ideas and practical information on how to change the world around you, whether youare an activist or not.The author shows that everyone can make adifference, no matter how old you are.The amazing truth is, what Dannyhas done can be and could have been done by anyone else.To quote Danny'sdescription of starting Earth 2000 at age 12, "Sure, we couldn't drive-- heck, we couldn't even cross the street -- but we had the three thingsevery great activit group needs: dedication, enthusiasm, andtenacity."It's simple.Everyone can do it.So read it, beinspired, take action, and make the world a better place.

Incredibly informative and inspiring
This book is for anybody who wants to make a change in their global or local world, not just teens.Though Danny's only 20, he knows more from his time as an activist than most people three times his age.If you are unhappy about anything from a problem with your town or school to the nation's environmental policies, this book gives the nuts and bolts of how you personally can make a change.It's wonderful to see someone who cares and is doing something about it. Danny should be a role model for any concerned citizen of any age - and his book should go on to become THE reference guide for a generation. ... Read more

Book Description
We need young people to be civically engaged in order to define and address public problems. Their participation is important for democracy, for institutions such as schools, and for young people themselves, who are more likely to succeed in life if they are engaged in their communities. In The Future of Democracy, Peter Levine, scholar and practitioner, sounds the alarm: in recent years, young Americans have become dangerously less engaged. They are tolerant, patriotic, and idealistic, and some have invented such novel and impressive forms of civic engagement, as blogs, "buycott" movements, and transnational youth networks. But most lack the skills and opportunities they need to participate in politics or address public problems. Levine's timely manifesto clearly explains the causes, symptoms, and repercussions of this damaging trend, and, most importantly, the means whereby America can confront and reverse it.

Levine demonstrates how to change young people's civic attitudes, skills, and knowledge and, equally importantly, to reform our institutions so that civic engagement is rewarding and effective. We must both prepare citizens for politics and improve politics for citizens. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Daughters, published by Dads & Daughters on November 1, 2000. The length of the article is 1382 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: Does she want to change the world?(Let's Talk)
Author: Amy Lynch
Publication: Daughters (Newsletter)
Date: November 1, 2000
Publisher: Dads & Daughters
Volume: 5Issue: 8Page: 1(3)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
The education of children and young people in citizenship usually emphasizes either rights or responsibilities, through the concept of active citizenship. The central concern of the book is to address the tensions and contradictions between the teaching of active citizenship and the real life difficulties many young people face in the practical transition to being adult citizens in modern life. ... Read more