Chiva: A Village Takes on the Global Heroin Trade by Chellis Glendinning

Published by New Society Publishers

Chiva is the true tale of the village of Chimayó and it's battle against drugs, mainly heroin. Chimayó is in the state of New Mexico which at one time was ranked #1 in per-capita deaths from illicit drug overdoses. More accurately, Chimayó is within the county of Río Arriba which ranked #1 in the state for the same thing, leading all other counties by more than 5 to 1. In addition Río Arriba ranked #2 in DWI deaths and had a murder rate of three times the state average. To say the area was troubled is putting it mildly.

Within this book the author provides an enlightening history of the global heroin business and its impact upon the places involved. The author also shares the string of events that led to Chimayó's citizens finding new hope and determination in ending the terror that was inflicted by the drug dealers. Their success at driving the problem from their village by a return to old values and a strong sense of community is hopeful, as is the personal journey of a young man named Joaquin who struggles with his heroin addiction.

This book was an interesting read from the start. It has a wealth of information which will provide much food for thought, regardless of your stance on the issue of drug abuse. Even though the book grabbed my interest, I did have a slight problem getting into it at the start. A great deal of facts and figures are tossed at the reader but it didn't take me long to adjust, and once I did it was an enjoyable, if somewhat disturbing read.

I loved that in the book, the community - of which the author is a member - joins together to solve the problem. Most surprising for me, leaders and members alike, of various religious groups joined together for the good of everyone. It's refreshing to hear about such a union. Imagine it, 450 or so people from various faiths: Catholic, Tewa, Jewish, Sikh, Muslim, Aztec, Pentacostal and Protestant walking together along the highway to pray for an end to the violence in their town.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of longing, as well as hope. If a village so troubled can come together and work through some extreme circumstances, then surely other places around the world can follow their example to deal with their own local issues. Granted, I am one of those positive people who tries to see the bright side of everything and the good in everyone, but it's a nice dream regardless.

This is one of those books that will definitely leave behind a trail of contraversy but regardless, the message is one that will inspire the reader to desire a better world. At least, that's what it did for me.

Above All, Be Kind: Raising a Humane Child in Challenging Times by Zoe Weil

Published by New Society Publishers

Zoe Weil brings us a book that is insightful and practical. Today's culture makes it difficult for those parents who want to raise their children as kind, humane, generous, responsible, and confident people. Children are discouraged from spending time outside in a natural environment, choosing instead to spend time with their computers, gaming systems, and of course television. Commercials are becoming more bold in their quest to push the latest product, and peer pressure - through all ages, including adults - makes it hard to resist materialism.

While we often want our children to have better lives, and can provide them with so much more than we were offered in our childhood, are we really doing what is best for them? It's becoming more common for children to lack self-esteem, confidence, and compassion, instead we are finding apathy, fear, and self-doubt.

Above All, Be Kind is a book which offers solutions to these problems, teaching the parent how to raise their children with positive values. The author gives the parents a teaching tool known as the Four Elements of Humane Education: Providing Information; Teaching critical thinking; Instilling the three Rs of Reverence, Respect and Responsibility, and Offering positive choices.

Parents are encouraged to use these elements in their daily lives and become a more positive role model for their children. The Four Elements enables children to become more aware, empowered and compassionate, usually helping the child to live a happier, and healthier lifestyle.

What I loved about this book, was that as an adult with parents who didn't really help me develop good values, I have learned a great deal that will help me live a more positive life and be a shining example to those around me. I especially liked that throughout the book, the author doesn't just provide instructions without explanation, she explains how and why the Four Elements work. She also provides so many examples from both her personal life and the lives of others which are wonderful lessons in themselves.

I also liked the "Did you know?" sections in which she provides information about important issues such as sweat shops, advertising that is targetted at children, and factory farming. Complimenting those sections, the author provides suggestions on how we can make more humane choices with regard to each issue. Also, a well written questionaire is provided in the latter pages, which you can use to define your goals and ideals, as well as discovering how you can improve the message you send with the actions in your life.

This is by far one of my favourite parenting books.

Change the World For Ten Bucks: 50 Ways to Make a Difference by We Are What We Do Inc.

Published by New Society Publishers

Change the World For Ten Bucks is filled with 50 ways to make a difference in the world around you. It sounds simple doesn't it? It is! While bringing ideas that will improve the environment, this book also brings many much needed ideas on how to make life better and brighter for those around us too.

Just imagine what a change it would make if more people were to smile. Getting to know your neighbours and your local store owners. How about thinking before we throw anything out and taking a couple of moments to research online to see if a use can be found for it? There are so many programs in place now for recycling reading glasses, computers and cell phones.

Even something as simple as two steps I have followed since reading this book.

• Declining plastic bags wherever possible (most stores sell canvas bags for a buck or less these days and Loblaws where I do my groceries, even conveniently places them at the entrance to the store and at the end of each checkout).
• Taking the time to listen to those around us.

This book has many ideas and even more resources. There is also a contact email address inside to share your own ideas. Each way to make a difference comes with it's own photo or illustration and often with a little wit. It was a fun easy read and while the steps are very simple and obvious, they are often overlooked.

One of the best things about this book also, is it is such a quick and visually stimulating read that it makes a great book for giving to your kids to help them learn something new too.

We Are What We Do website: http://www.wearewhatwedo.org/