Dedicated to the People of Darfur: Writings on Fear, Risk, and Hope

Life's changes. They happen every day. Some large, some small. A few are very personal. Others impact the world. Dedicated to the People of Darfur: Writings on Fear, Risk, and Hope includes original and inspiring essays that celebrate the glories gained from taking risks, breaking down barriers, and overcoming any obstacles.

Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, a gallery of O.Henry award recipients, and many best-selling authors come together to share personal and compelling challenges and experiences. From contemplations on past drug use to reflections on gun control, social justice, passion and its sacrifices, and adventures such as skydiving, mountain climbing, and golfing, the topics vary greatly. This kaleidoscopic anthology is a commentary on the lives of prominent literary artists and ordinary citizens who have made simple, yet powerful choices that provoked change in one's self and for humanityùmuch the same way that Luke and Jennifer Reynolds do by building this invaluable collection for readers and the world of human rights.

Not too long ago, as struggling graduate students, Luke and Jennifer Reynolds conceived this uniquely themed volume as a way to raise funds to support ending the genocide in Darfur. Some people carry signs, others make speeches, many take action. What is most special about this book is that it extends beyond words and ideas, into a tangible effort to effect change. To this end, all royalties from the sales of Dedicated to the People of Darfur:Writings on Fear, Risk, and Hope will benefit The Save Darfur Coalition, an organization that seeks to end the genocide in Darfur, Sudan.

"Dedicated to the People of Darfur gathers an array of voices on the subject of risk: whether it's the smaller daily risks of creativity and love or the terrors of facing wartime violence. The book moves nimbly from hilarious to somber and back again, in a richly varied and thoughtful exploration of the human condition."

Michelle Wildgen, author of But Not For Long and You're Not You

"Formidable, inspiring, beautiful."

Junot Diaz, author of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

"There is no life, really, without risk. I am reminded of that every time I open the new anthology Dedicated to the People of Darfur: Writings on Fear, Risk, and Hope. It's an inspiring read, devoted entirely to the notion of risk. Luke and Jennifer Reynolds took the risk of compiling this eclectic volume, which considers risk in personal contexts, writings contexts, global contexts. The book's charm is in its breadth, in its ability to blend literary flair with social conscience."

Brad Buchholz, Austin American Statesman

"An eclectic and often riveting collection of essays. Some of the most celebrated contemporary writers eloquently explore the idea of risk taking, risk that shakes us out of apathy and ignites both deeply personal change and broader social transformation."

Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns

All royalties from this book are being donated to the Save Darfur Coalition.

Promoted widely on the Save Darfur Coalition website. Contributors will be holding readings and support events in conjunction with this book. It will be promoted in contributor travel.

Dedicated to the People of Darfur: Writings on Fear, Risk, and Hope brings together Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, O.Henry award recipients, and many best-selling who share personal and compelling challenges and experiences. They reflect on simple, yet powerful choices that provoked change in one's self and for humanity--much the same way that Luke and Jennifer Reynolds have done by building this invaluable collection for readers and the world of human rights. All royalties from the sales of this book will benefit The Save Darfur Coalition

Dedicated to the People of Darfur: Writings on Fear, Risk, and Hope brings together Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, O.Henry award recipients, best-selling authors who share personal and compelling challenges and experiences. They reflect on simple, yet powerful choices that provoked change in one's self and for humanity. All royalties from the sales of this book will benefit The Save Darfur Coalition.

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Luke and Jennifer Reynolds are both passionate about human rights causes and literature. Currently they live in Marlborough, Massachusetts, with their son, Tyler. Luke is a teacher and writer and Jennifer is a freelance writer and full-time mother.

 

Foreword

Preface

Part I: The Fears Within

Weeping Unfamiliar Tears

Scared

The Risk of (Not) Communicating

Real Risks

Holding a Little Girl's Hand

Safe Passage

Rescuing Fire from the Flood

Part II: Writing Risk

Life Drawings

Writing Toward the Center

Like a Syrupy Sweet

An Apostate in Academe

Risks in Writing the Novel, The Rape of Sita

One Man's Risk

Writing Sucks

On the Line

Politics and the Imagination

Part III: Where I Come From

That Other World That Was The World

Melodious Chimes

Rescued by Junkies

The Prozac Variations

Our Side of the Tracks

The House Fire

The Risk of Deadness

The Risk of Consciousness

High Noon at Midnight

Recipe

Risk

Part IV: Creating Change

Taking Risks

Spinning

Girls and Guns

From Individual Despair to Collective Risk-Taking

Angels or Apes? An Inquiry Into the Nature of Modern Sadism and the Optional Extinction of Our Species

Reclaiming the Self, Pain and Risk in the Pursuit of Our Best

Skateboarding the Third Rail

Choices on a Runaway Train

A Kinder, Gentler Patriotism

Part V: Leaving Safety

XYZ

Sunday Morning in Oakland

Island Journal

Devil's Work

Camping Out of the Comfort Zone

Males and Risk

The Politics of Hope

Everyday Courage and the "How" of Our Work

Mutually Assured Destruction and Jumping Horses

Jump

The Only Word I Heard was "Abeeda." That Means Slave