"Speak truth to power" by Kerry Kennedy

The title, Speak Truth to Power, is taken from a Eighteenth Century Quaker pamphlet. Within that idea dwells speaking truth to people who hold high places and bear the terrible responsibility of leadership, to people who values and expectations set the limits of those who exercise authority and to the broader notion of an age.

Kerry Kennedy (and Eddie Adams deserves a huge mention as it's his beautiful black and white photos that feature through the book) has crafted a symphony of voices from different backgrounds, races, religions and nations that sing one question over and over through the pages of this mighty book- How will you live?

It's a question that we face daily but push aside or swallow in an effort to appear normal. People you work with aren't going to want to hear you asking questions of personal ethics, oppression and social justice. Chances are they're struggling with similar questions. Speak Truth to Power is like a series of doors that are left ajar for you to be invited through and meet someone ordinary who has faced something extraordinary and not turned away.

From His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Vaclav Havel to Sister Helen Prejan and Digna Ochoa there are names that are familiar and names that aren't. Kerry Kennedy presents a brief introduction next to the huge gorgeous black and white photographs and then the "defenders" are allowed to speak for themselves.

For me the beauty of this book is the challenge it presents to how I live my life. The book allows me to stand alongside these people and wonder "could I have done what they did?" and also ask "how shall I live?". Within the stories there are nuggets to contemplate: Desmond Tutu meditating on the nature of forgiveness, Patria Jiménez talking about the fight for rights of LGBT people in Mexico and Helen Prejean talking about the need to end the death penalty.

This isn't a book to be attempted in one sitting.. you won't get that far, these voices, lives and images will stop you in your tracks. This is a book to leave on your coffee table, dip into and reflect on. It's a rewarding read. It changed my life, it changes me on a daily basis and inspires me to work locally and campaign for a better fairer future.

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Ben Whitehouse works at the Guild of Students at the University of Birmingham in the UK. He has a blog here: http://beninbrum.blog.co.uk/ In his spare time he runs a book group, film club, and finds time to campaign on issues around LGBT rights, local residents rights and he also helps entertaining his three nephews who he loves very much.

Comments

[Joanna Young]

Ben, the book sounds fascinating.

Thanks for talking us through it, and explaining ways that we could read it and learn from it on an on-going basis.

Much appreciated!

Joanna

[David Zinger]

Ben,
I appreciate being stopped in my tracks and I must admit the cover of the book does that already. I will have to go beyond the cover as I learn to "speak my truth" going from inaudible to a faint whisper. There is no need for me to shout but I will need to bring myself fully to my voice. thanks Ben.
David

[Ben Whitehouse]

The story that goes alongside the cover image is a harrowing but uplifting account of a campaigner fighting for freedom to speak their truth.

Ariel Dorfman created a piece of theatre around the stories.

One could easily start a group that meets once a month to discuss the stories, consider taking action on the issues raised and raising awareness in your community or workplace about the people interviewed.

[Steve Sherlock]

Ben, this is good. With all the books have been showcased in this and previous ALAWB's, this may be the first "coffee table" book, one that you need to dip into from time to time as opposed to reading from cover to cover in one or more sittings.

Thanks for the pointer, we all need a refreshing push to do what is right from time to time.

[Reg]

Brilliant! I would never have thought of reviewing a coffee table book for JJL.I will next time.

[Chris Owen]

A Love Affair With Books is working it's magic again!
This will have to go on to my wish list too.
And even better I love the fact I should dip into it so I can really experience being "stopped in my tracks".
Great selection Ben. Thanks