Beach Reading
By Mike Hogeterp

Thinking and reading about justice and peace can be a bit on the heavy side . . . I personally find it rewarding and important for my soul to read and learn from good literature. So, for what's left of summer, here are a few CCG suggestions for beach reading, to help you get beyond—well beyond—the world of detailed reports and analysis, and soak in a story.

CCG Peacebuilding -> The Places in Between by Rory Stewart. This is a fascinating account of the author's hike (yes, on foot) across Afghanistan in the winter of 2002. Stewart's crazy journey was possible only because of the hospitality of the people that he encountered. He survived hiking in a blizzard, treacherous paths on cliffsides, and gun fire. In fact, his passage through many tribal areas turns into a wonderful chronicle of the rich cultural complexity and stunning beauty of Afghanistan.

CCG Peacebuilding -> The Breadwinner and Parvana's Journey by Deborah Ellis. Around the time that CCG began studying Afghanistan, my spouse was reading The Breadwinner to our kids. This series follows the life of Parvana, an 11 year-old at the time of the Taliban. The themes of war, loss and survival are profound, deeply emotional, and yet still appropriate and rich for kids. I consider these books a great introduction to some of the realities of Afghanistan for kids and adults alike—but keep some tissues at hand.

CCG Aboriginal -> Neither Wolf Nor Dog: On Forgotten Roads with an Indian Elder by Kent Nerburn. This was a can't-put-it-down book for me. It tells the story of Nerburn's (a white theologian, artist and teacher) encounters with an Indian Elder in Minnesota. Dan (the Elder) stretches, infuriates and ultimately teaches Nerburn some stunning truths about himself, the Creator and the world. This book is as profound as it is entertaining—I'll be reading it again!

CCG Aboriginal -> One Native Life by Richard Wagamese. Wagamese is Ojibway and has a storied career as a journalist, story teller and authour. This book is a set of memoir snippits that tell Wagamese's story of finding his roots and his honest struggle for healing. He deliberately sets out to make this a positive book—so, while he deals with themes like addictions, family separation and land claims, he does so with good-natured self-deprecation.

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