After Gandhi: One Hundred Years of Nonviolent Resistance

by Anne Sibley O'Brien, Perry Edmond O'Brien

In 1908 Mohandas Gandhi spoke to a crowd of 3,000. Together they protested against an unjust law without guns or rioting. Peacefully they made a difference. Gandhi’s words and deeds influenced countless others to work toward the goals of freedom and justice through peaceful methods. Mother and son team, Anne Sibley O’Brien and Perry Edmond O’Brien, highlight some of the people and events that Gandhi’s actions inspired. From Rosa Parks to the students at Tiananmen Square to Wangari Maathai, these people have made the world sit up and take notice. The provocative graphics and beautiful portraits accompanying these stories stir the emotions and inspire a sense of civic responsibility.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, History

192 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2009

Reviews

[Marjanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is kind of set up as an introduction to Nonviolent Resistance, and it seems geared toward younger readers (like Jr. High or High School). It seemed well written and researched, though only touches very briefly on a handful of these resistance movements. I liked that there are well known movements, but there were some I was not aware of. So I did learn a little. This book was inspiring and makes me want to be more involved in politics. I like the message of nonviolent resistance. I think it's important to change the world without contributing to the violence that is found everywhere.

[Anina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is cool, I like the illustrations, I like the stories they chose.

My only complaint is that for some reason they have to explain every remotely difficult vocabulary word they use, which really interrupts the flow and enjoyability of the stories. Ex "The South Vietnamese had been under an oppressive regime. Opressive means... Regime means...." Also I think that talks down a little bit (I know it's a children's book, but I think it's a book for children old enough to make a conscious decision to look a word up, or not).

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting, succinct introduction to important events in the history of nonviolent protest. One caveat: the "At that time..." wording in the Tianenmen Square chapter implies that government censorship and the inability of citizens to, you know, vote is a thing of the past. I don't know why the authors suddenly got squeamish; they weren't at all shy about pointing out that protest in Burma is still actively stifled.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice book for young people; a bit hippie in places. Leo, you should read this.

[France · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cet ouvrage propose un point de vue intéressant de l’histoire des luttes contre l’injustice menées au 20e siècle, en l’abordant dans la perspective de la désobéissance civile et de la résistance non violente, telle que mises de l’avant par Gandhi. Seize personnages, provenant des quatre coins du monde et ayant une plus ou moins grande notoriété, y sont présentés. Le livre les introduit de façon chronologique et, pour chacun, une même structure est utilisée, facilitant le repérage de l’information. Tout d’abord, un moment-clé ayant déterminé l’engagement de cette personne est abordé de façon brève et vivante. Puis, une deuxième section présente les éléments fondateurs dans la vie de ce personnage, approfondissant l’origine de ses valeurs pacifistes et de sa motivation à combattre l’oppression et décrivant les luttes auxquelles il a pris part. Enfin, la section « Zoom sur » s’attarde à préciser, en quelques lignes, certains concepts abordés dans les pages précédentes, aidant ainsi le lecteur à mieux comprendre les enjeux dont il y est question. Il s’agit donc d’un ouvrage qui permet d’approfondir la connaissance de personnages et d’événements ayant marqué le 20e siècle, tout en favorisant une réflexion critique sur les droits humains, la notion de justice, l’affirmation de soi et la non-violence.

Comptant 175 pages, ce livre propose une présentation sobre et épurée où domine le blanc. Quelques illustrations noires, au fusain, sont proposées pour chacun des activistes présentés. Des accents rouges, symbole de lutte et de résistance, sont utilisés avec parcimonie dans les titres et pour faire ressortir les nombreuses citations attribuées aux personnages. Le vocabulaire utilisé est relativement simple et les phrases sont souvent courtes. Le propos est suffisamment général pour être adapté à un lecteur ayant des connaissances limitées sur les sujets discutés. Une bibliographie commentée et un index complètent l’ouvrage. Adapté aux 13 ans et plus.

[John Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

“After Gandhi: One hundred years of nonviolent resistance offers a very selective history that is used to explain nonviolence in a very modern context. The vignettes and their principal actors are presented to illustrate the practices often associated with Mohandas Gandhi.
It is within the context of these vignettes that the book introduces the reader to essential terms such as “apartheid,” “strikes,” “junta,” “petition,” and dozens more. The summaries of the incidents are concise and retain the focus of their ability to demonstrate noviolence. The concise biographical data that follows each of these entries is also helpful, but not entirely necessary.
The illustrative material that was done in pastels feels more like charcoal, but communicates clearly the seriousness of the subject matter. Unlike the illustrations, not everyone views the situation in such stark terms. There is hope with each generation. Justice and war are still issues of importance, and it requires a new and personal call to action. The Obrien’s make this call, but it could be louder and stronger. Aside from the cover illustration depicting the progression of nonviolence from Gandhi to the masses, and a few pages at the end of the book devoted to their own action, the O’brien’s eliminate their own influence. Their backgrounds as activists give their voices experience and authority. They have the ability to connect the works of Nobel laureates to the everyday experience of children.

3.5 Out of 5 for Motivational Work
4.5 Out of 5 for Coverage of the Topic

John Parker
Media Coordinator
Andrews High School
50 HS Drive
Andrews, NC 28901
www.slamguy.wordpress.com

[S'hi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well set out book, designed for children, but providing an overview for anyone wanting to gain an insight to the development and persistence of nonviolent resistance to inspire their own action and connection with other human beings in meaningful ways. Covering a full range of protests from basic rights to live productive and healthy lives, to racial and ideological differences which have raged for centuries, the examples given allow young people to make up their own minds about many of the issues while finding peaceful ways to come to terms with differences.
Well referenced, this is a great beginning point for anyone who wants to explore the full range of human rights and international negotiation situations which continue to arise. Highly recommended as a reader to younger children, to open family discussions on getting on with other people as well.

[Terry]

There is a lot to absorb and learn. With each chapter, I was struck by the bravery of these individuals. Pairing the events themselves with the mini-biography ("More to the Story") added a unique feature to the book. The author balances this exceptional set of biographies with examples of "leaderless" efforts, such as student activists in Tiananmen Square.

To read our full review, go to The Reading Tub®.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teaching a unit on resiliency and civil disobedience--I cannot wait to share some of these short, easily comprehensible stories with my students. The book features many movements of non-violence and civil disobedience in 2-5 page vignettes in easily accessible language for junior high and lower level high school students. Also, may spark some ideas for an upcoming researched based argument assignment.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book chronicles peace-loving individuals who changed the world from Gandhi to present day.

This is quality nonfiction highlighting individuals who overcame great odds to achieve the seemingly impossible, sometimes with very little support or resources. The charcoal portraits of key players and events invoke a sense of importance and history beyond what you might find in a textbook.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I loved so much that I want to own it! It is a collection of very short, true stories of people who have tried to change the world without using violence--Gandhi, MLK, Nelson Mandela, Wangari Maathai, etc. It was an inspiring read and a very readable piece of nonfiction.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book about true heroes whose mission in life is peace and equality through non-violent action. I would recommend the book to any student who's interested in, or doing research on conflict resolution and change. "Be the change you want to see in the world" - Gandhi.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Profiles of "ordinary people" who "had the courage to take a stand without resorting to violence or hate." (3) The authors view nonviolent resistance as a "living, breathing, changing tradition" that will be used to change the world (4).

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really inspired by this - highly recommended!

[Sam Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic and inspiring book about real people who have done some amazingly brave things in the face of life-threatening situations.

[Jason Mirque · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very good book. I must confess that it couldn't keep my attention very well. I chalk that up to personal reasons, rather than the quality of the book.

[Luke Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collected biography and history of figures who practiced nonviolence, with MLK as probably the best known. Vaclav Havel, Australian aborigine Charles Perkins, Mairead Corrigan and Betty Williams from Northern Ireland, and the Burmese politician Aung San Suu Kyi are profiled also. Nonviolence is a movement for change that focuses on peace and interactions that do not harm others, but nonviolent people are often dealt with in violent ways: bullying, torturing, imprisoning, or worse.

This book shows us the continued need to continue to believe in nonviolence. The 2003 Peace March, mentioned in the last chapter, shows how far we still have to go. Violent conflicts over resources are met with a nonviolent reaction all over the world, but they are met with a deafening cry for more violence anyway. Reminding ourselves of the past efforts through Sibley O'Brien's book is crucial. It could go deeper, as it uses very simple background that is repetitive and textbookish. Textbooks tend to make history about one famous person, rather than the reality, which is that large groups of unremarkable people get together to form a movement. A problem with such simplicity is where the book discusses the US involvement in the Vietnam War in the Thich Nhat Hanh chapter, but fails to mention US involvement in Argentina's Dirty War when talking about the Madres de Plaza De Mayo.

We continue to live in a world that posits strong men will lead and risks are only taken by business owners. Yet even looking narrowly at the scope of individuals, we see a much more dire risk and outright heroism from people making the nonviolent choice, an overwhelming number of them women and mothers who stand up for their countries and their people.

[1unaaaaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is a gift from my special one, read it in a very difficult time in our city, never felt so related. Heart-breaking, but i do learnt a lot in this book, history and other important things. It's like a reminder. I am so thankful that I get to read this book.