Isn't it common in our daily lives, as we read the news headlines and hear the state of the world and most of the times we feel like we want to make an impact but most of the times we aren't sure where to start? Especially in these pandemic times with all the social and environmental issues we'd love to help in some way.
As Bernice King said in a tweet, "Hope is not naiveté. Hope is being honest about where we are, yet believing there's better AND participating in the work for better. It involves disciplining our minds with strategy for good and our hearts with faith in the future."
Hope is a verb by Emily Ehlers is a fantastic cathalist to change by defining six steps on how to spring into action. That's the meaning behind the title, as if hope is not a passive word, but as active like a verb that can lead us to become an agent of change. Ehlers does that by presenting the content of this book with fantastic illustrations that include pieces of knowledge and information valuable for everyone who wants to be part of a change. This book is a practical guide on how to stay hopeful and helpful when the world seems to be broken (Ehlers call it "radical optimism").
The book is kicked off by mentioning her personal example of being involved in different causes and how there might be a burnout involved by being unable of doing it all. I enjoyed how the author is empathic in the content, as the illustration encompass perfectly the bits of wisdom and guidance added on each one of the steps.
As a Sustainability professional, I loved to see the definition of sustainability with a great illustration of the world in a three-legged stool, where each of the legs represents one of the three pillars of society: economy, environment and social equity. I loved how Ehlers represented us individuals having three pillars that need to be taken care of: mind, body and soul. Also, the bit where she highlights the importance of storytelling and the power of stories was truly endearing, since this bit works reinforcing the idea that when we create new stories and open the door to new possibilities and potentially better endings. This perspective is truly empowering as a reader (here's the illustration I just mentioned):
The format is user-friendly, so this book works like a good source of help when needed. I think it has a lot of inspirational content that is sorely needed nowadays, both the content and the coloring gives you a good boost of inspiration to focus on any quests one might have, as well as providing ideas for any endeavours that could be pursued. Definitely recommend it!
Hope is a verb was released on September 14th, 2021 both in physical and digital formats. Thank you NetGalley and Emily Ehlers for the ARC!
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