Sweet Fruit from the Bitter Tree: 61 Stories of Creative & Compassionate Ways out of Conflict

by Mark Andreas

She awoke from a deep sleep to a strange man kicking in the door to her bedroom. She couldn't imagine him waiting patiently while she reached under her pillow for her gun. In a moment of fear and courage, she took an unusual action that she believes saved her life, steering them both away from the violent ending that seemed inevitable… Read this and 60 other short stories about how real people responded to conflict and violence in unusual and creative ways. Some funny, some startling or surprising -- these stories will bring tears to your eyes and open your heart with a deep appreciation for what is possible. These pages cover the full spectrum of life -- from the conflicts we face in our daily lives, to the intensity of war and threats of extreme violence. The solutions each person finds here are unique -- no two are exactly the same. You'll stay on the edge of your seat through the last page. Why say more when you can read the first three stories in six minutes? These stories speak for themselves. Scroll up and click "buy" to be inspired and amused now.

Genres: Nonfiction

312 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2011

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun collection of stories, all of which included unusual forms of conflict resolution that had worked to deflate a progressively dangerous situation. Often, something 'different' knocked the instigator of violence into stunned disbelief, then kindness took over and they couldn't help but be washed free of their previous intent - as though they 'forgot' almost. Very interesting.

This was an easy read with short but powerful stories. Good for reading when you have short breaks of time available. Several of these stories will stay with me. I have already related some of them to other family members. It's amazing how powerful a kind word or a smile may be. I'm not entirely sure a kind word or smile would come to me in a life or death situation - still I enjoyed learning of others' unique ways of dealing with things.

[Randi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book about finding out of the box solutions to problems in life. I actually got it because 3 of the stories in this book are my Grandfather's. He was a teacher I think and then collegue of the author.

[Tasshin Fogleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book opened my heart to the creativity and spontaneity that is possible to solve even the most seemingly impossible interpersonal problems and challenges. It reminded me of Peace Pilgrim’s stories, and a few anecdotes from my own life. Inspiring!

[Victoria]

DNF p.98

I ditched the job, so for now I'm shelving this latest from the list of facile books my (former!) boss urged me to read.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed this. This book gives you a fresh view on life and humanity by just telling stories of people who did things better than our gut reaction. I feel like it gave me courage to take the higher road when I encounter conflict. Very uplifting, not sappy at all.

[Dorak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! This book teaches very valuable lessons about how to react with creativity and compassion in difficult situations. I read it a year ago and I apply the learnt knowledge almost every day. Truly life changing.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book full of stories that were amazing and inspiring. I highly recommend it.

[Rkutler · Rating 3 out of 5]

My kind of leadership book.