It's Time to Give a FECK: Elevating Humanity through Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness

by Chaz Ebert

Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness—these four fundamental human values are the key to unlocking great unity and humanity. In It’s Time to Give a FECK, Chaz Ebert takes the reader through a heartfelt journey of how the four FECK Principles have prevailed through the most adverse circumstances and united strangers in the name of love. Read on to discover the stories and science as to how the elevation of our personal humanity is key to keeping humanity as a whole united. None of us has to go it alone. There is good that can come from even the most frightening times in our shared history. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and global protests, we have in many ways begun to act as an impassioned, caring collective like we have never done before. We have helped one another navigate lockdowns, celebrated front-line workers, and found a way to rally together to support those in the greatest need. Our hearts opened, making room for greater patience, tolerance, empathy, compassion, gratitude, and kindness. The positive strides in human behavior made within even some of the most horrifying experiences of our local and global societies have the potential to be equally, if not even more powerful—if sustained. Where do we go from here? Are we properly equipped to move forward in a way that we can embrace this “brave new world” together? What can we do to prove to one another that we really are in this together? What can we change within our families and communities to create greater unity? What can we do to harness more love on a global basis? If you care about changing the way things are and bringing more love—for life itself, for yourself, and for others—into your life, It’s Time to Give a FECK will give you the stories and strategies that move you into action and allow you to make the kind of personal contribution, big or small, that fills your heart and the hearts of others. This is a guide for those who aspire to be emotional leaders or game changers within their circle, community, or society. It also presents a powerful antidote to ensure that none of us feel alone. By choosing to become a part of this movement, you will understand how you can make an impact in your community, learn ways to work with your neighbors, and initiate positive activism in your school, neighborhood and/or family. And by doing so, you will affect the kind of positive impact that helps us realize that we truly are all in this together.

Genres: Nonfiction

336 pages, Hardcover

Published May 7, 2024

Reviews

[Lacinda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wish I gave a feck about this book, because man was I excited for it. Unfortunately, it didn’t connect the way I wanted.

Would I reread: absolutely not
Would I recommend: no

[Kate Wax · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful and a must-read. From start to finish, I found myself either with goosebumps or welling up with tears. It's full of real life stories of Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness (FECK), many I was familiar with but many I didn't know. I love learning and I so enjoyed this learning journey while being inspired. 

I was fortunate enough to meet Chaz and Roger Ebert while assisting them during Ebertfest in my first years of employment at the University of Illinois. I experienced their kindness first hand. As we talked and got to know one another, I could see they were genuinely interested in everyone around them. I remember being surprised when Chaz asked me questions in follow up to conversations we'd had the previous year. She even sent me a thoughtful gift and Roger signed his book for me (pictured). They treated me with such kindness. It was a simple act, and they were simply being who they were, but to me it was huge. As a secretary just starting my career, I was used to working in the background behind the scenes, happily, but they made me feel seen and heard and valued and I have never forgotten that. 

Chaz's amazing book is full of inspiring stories from all over, and wisdom that will stay with me. (I borrowed it from the library but have ordered a hard copy because I need to have it to refer back to and highlight!) The world needs this. If we could all practice giving a FECK - being forgiving, empathetic, compassionate, and kind, with others and ourselves - like Chaz and Roger, I believe this world would be a much better place. 

Chaz, thank you for writing this book.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the stories in this book can function as a kind of sequel to Roger Ebert's memoir Life Itself. It was really nice to get this update from Chaz Ebert and to read about her years of working for social change while also curating and expanding on Roger's legacy. Her writing about forgiveness, especially, reminded me of decades ago when peace and reconciliation were more widely respected as critical topics in political science and law. And I strongly agree with Chaz's message about seeking out art that can be a source of empathy. Even if the broader positive social messages in this book might be out of fashion today, it still absolutely works as an inspirational book, encouraging reflection on the fulfillment and connection that can come from kindness and prosocial behavior.

[Anthony Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s an ok book. I gave it one extra star because I thought it was an interesting concept. You kind of need to be familiar with the Eberts and their comings and goings, but I thought it was a fine enough book. Frankly, I would have liked her to write a book about supporting her husband during his illness and death. You can still weave FECK throughout it, but I thought her Roger passages were the most interesting.
Not a long book so it’s fine by me

[ag Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

What the world needs now! Yes, thank you Chaz for your inspiration, love and kindness. I practice the FECK principles as often as I can-I'm not perfect! It does add a light to my life when I can make someone else's life a little better. Why the FECK not!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scared, angry, but sick of feeling that way; looking for peace of mind even when it seems lately its out of reach? This is a good place to start. I say start, because it really feels like an introduction, but the author references a lot of other works on each aspect of FECK that delve deeper into those subjects. I am personally looking forward to checking out the works on foregiveness, because its always been hard for me (and clearly, most people) to let go of resentment & forgive - anyone! But the four foundations: forgiveness, empathy, compassion and kindness. It's an important reminder that we all need more of all of them.

It is nice to see Roger Ebert 's legacy live on in this and to basically be introduced to his wife (this books author) who is clearly a beautiful, generous person herself. Siskel & Ebert were an big part of my movie-obsessed childhood; I share his views that I believe movies can change us for the better, if they want us to.