Synopses & Reviews
A gripping memoir of America in the 60s, of idealists turned radicals, and of a life lived on the run
In February 2008, in the heat of the Democratic primary elections, speculations began circulating in the media about a connection between presidential hopeful Barack Obama and Bill Ayers, a former member of the radical 1960s group the Weather Underground. In Fugitive Days, Ayers tells the real story of the defining events of the radical 60s. The book is an eyewitness account of a young pacifist who helped found one of the most radical political organizations in U.S. history, and who consequently lived for ten years as a fugitive. In a new era of antiwar activism and suppression of protest, Fugitive Days is more poignant and relevant than ever.
For anyone who wants to think hard about the social conflagration the Vietnam War produced in the U.S., and more generally about a citizens obligations in troubled times, Ayerss powerful, morally charged account of a life and a society in the political balance is provocative reading.” David Farber, Chicago Tribune
A memoir that is, in effect, a deeply moving elegy to all those young dreamers who tried to live decently in an indecent world. Ayers provides a tribute to those better angels of ourselves.” Studs Terkel, author of Working and The Good War
Review
"For anyone who wants to think hard about the social conflagration the Vietnam War produced in the U.S., and more generally about a citizen's obligations in troubled times, Ayers's powerful, morally charged account of a life and a society in the political balance is provocative reading." David Farber, Chicago Tribune
Review
"A memoir that is, in effect, a deeply moving elegy to all those young dreamers who tried to live decently in an indecent world. Ayers provides a tribute to those better angels of ourselves." Studs Terkel, author of Working and The Good War
Review
"A challenging, moving, and troubling account...Ayers writes well, lyrically, passionately." Andrea Behr, San Francisco ChronicleSan Francisco Chronicle
Review
"A wild and painful ride in the savage years of the late sixties. A very good book about a terrifying time in America." Hunter S. Thompson, author of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and Hell's Angels
Review
"[Ayers's] memoir is a breath of fresh air in this self-absorbed age. Ayers discusses his reservations about the use of violence to achieve an end to violence...but he is unrepentant in believing that...right-minded people have an obligation to resist unjust wars." Library Journal
Review
"[A] gripping and provocative story....What is most remarkable about this dramatic and revelatory personal and social history are the always urgent questions it raises about compassion and freedom, responsibility and community, and the conundrum of how to bring about much-needed change." Booklist
Review
"A gripping account....Ayers describes well the deep emotions that inflamed the '60s." Los Angeles Times
Review
"What makes Fugitive Days unique is its unsparing detail and its marvelous human coherence and integrity. Bill Ayers's America and his family background, his education, his political awakening, his anger and involvement, his anguished re-emergence from the shadows: all these are rendered in their truth without a trace of nostalgia or 'second thinking.' For anyone who cares about the sorry mess we are in, this book is essential, indeed necessary, reading." Edward W. Said, author of Reflections on Exile and Out of Place
Synopsis
A gripping memoir of America in the '60s, of idealists turned radicals, and of a life lived on the run.
In February 2008, in the heat of the Democratic primary elections, speculations began circulating in the media about a connection between presidential hopeful Barack Obama and Bill Ayers, a former member of the radical 1960s group the Weather Underground. In Fugitive Days, Ayers tells the real story of the defining events of the radical '60s. The book is an eyewitness account of a young pacifist who helped found one of the most radical political organizations in U.S. history, and who consequently lived for ten years as a fugitive. In a new era of antiwar activism and suppression of protest, Fugitive Days is more poignant and relevant than ever.
Synopsis
The highly respected educator and community activist tells of his days in the late 1960s when he founded the militant activist group the Weather Underground, and his involvement in the defining moments of his generation.
Synopsis
Bill Ayers was born into privilege and is today a highly respected educator. In the late 1960s he was a young pacifist who helped to found one of the most radical political organizations in U.S. history, the Weather Underground. In a new era of antiwar activism and suppression of protest, his story, Fugitive Days, is more poignant and relevant than ever.
About the Author
William Ayers is a long-time teacher and activist, award-winning education writer and reformer, and professor at the University of Illinois.