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Rear-View Reflections on Radical Change: A Green Grandma's Memoir and Call for Climate Action
Linda Mary Wagner's compelling new memoir, "Rear-View Reflections," invites you on a remarkable journey through 50 years of pivotal social movements that have left an indelible mark on our world. This collection of essays, nonfiction stories, and poems, crafted between 1972 and 2022, delivers a powerful call for unity, urging us to prioritize climate action for the sake of today's children and the generations to come.
Intriguing and diverse, this book speaks to a wide audience, from young adults and working moms to grandparents, essay enthusiasts, political thinkers, progressive activists, and anyone deeply concerned about the urgent issue of climate change.
Structured into five sections, mirroring consecutive decades from 1970 onwards, "Rear-View Reflections" serves as a thought-provoking sequel to Linda's first book, "Unearthing the A Mystery Memoir." It begins with a succinct summary of the traumas explored in her initial work, offering a glimpse into the author's subsequent engagement with social and political movements that were once deemed revolutionary. These movements include feminism, labor organizing for writers, consumer advocacy, Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ rights, democracy, and the relentless fight against climate change.
Each section opens with a 10-15-page personal narrative, immersing readers in the social, political, and economic landscape of the respective decade. These introductory stories pave the way for a rich tapestry of essays, poems, journal entries, and stories penned during those transformative periods. Over five decades, this collection traces the evolution of a distinctive voice, from youthful enthusiasm to seasoned wisdom. Linda's writings illuminate how her life's challenges and her deep-rooted connections to these social movements propelled her towards personal growth, enabling her to surmount obstacles and contribute to the pursuit of a better world.
In the words of Bill McKibben, acclaimed author of "The End of Nature," "What a wonderful reminder that we can spend our lives working for the common good — and that that work will enrich our lives and our communities immeasurably!" Dive into "Rear-View Reflections" and embark on a transformative exploration of activism, history, and the enduring quest for positive change.
Intriguing and diverse, this book speaks to a wide audience, from young adults and working moms to grandparents, essay enthusiasts, political thinkers, progressive activists, and anyone deeply concerned about the urgent issue of climate change.
Structured into five sections, mirroring consecutive decades from 1970 onwards, "Rear-View Reflections" serves as a thought-provoking sequel to Linda's first book, "Unearthing the A Mystery Memoir." It begins with a succinct summary of the traumas explored in her initial work, offering a glimpse into the author's subsequent engagement with social and political movements that were once deemed revolutionary. These movements include feminism, labor organizing for writers, consumer advocacy, Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ rights, democracy, and the relentless fight against climate change.
Each section opens with a 10-15-page personal narrative, immersing readers in the social, political, and economic landscape of the respective decade. These introductory stories pave the way for a rich tapestry of essays, poems, journal entries, and stories penned during those transformative periods. Over five decades, this collection traces the evolution of a distinctive voice, from youthful enthusiasm to seasoned wisdom. Linda's writings illuminate how her life's challenges and her deep-rooted connections to these social movements propelled her towards personal growth, enabling her to surmount obstacles and contribute to the pursuit of a better world.
In the words of Bill McKibben, acclaimed author of "The End of Nature," "What a wonderful reminder that we can spend our lives working for the common good — and that that work will enrich our lives and our communities immeasurably!" Dive into "Rear-View Reflections" and embark on a transformative exploration of activism, history, and the enduring quest for positive change.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 22, 2024
I’ve always enjoyed historical novels where a talented author illustrates societal change through the lives of fictional characters. In “Rear-View Reflections,” Linda Mary Wagner accomplishes a similar feat in helping readers to understand the impact of the world around them through her real experiences, thus prompting them to reflect on their own lives and choices.
As a somewhat younger woman, I lived through some of the societal issues that Linda discussed, but in different ways or at different times, e.g. her decade of young motherhood was not my decade of young motherhood. Reading Linda’s personal journey made me introspective about my own own experiences. I appreciated how she made connections from the high level view to the personal anecdotes. I found the format and organization purposeful and effective, and some of the poems really spoke to me.
The particular strength of this book is to draw readers into their own history/personal growth by stepping through the door the Linda opens, at times baring her soul, vulnerabilities, pride and joy. From the idealistic words of a young adult who runs smack dab into the reality of self-sufficiency and early career years, balancing job changes with the demands of family life—birth, growing children, death of loved ones—to the confidence of an accomplished middle age professional. Many of us have been there. Perhaps too few of us reflect on those intense personal periods in the context of societal change.
As a somewhat younger woman, I lived through some of the societal issues that Linda discussed, but in different ways or at different times, e.g. her decade of young motherhood was not my decade of young motherhood. Reading Linda’s personal journey made me introspective about my own own experiences. I appreciated how she made connections from the high level view to the personal anecdotes. I found the format and organization purposeful and effective, and some of the poems really spoke to me.
The particular strength of this book is to draw readers into their own history/personal growth by stepping through the door the Linda opens, at times baring her soul, vulnerabilities, pride and joy. From the idealistic words of a young adult who runs smack dab into the reality of self-sufficiency and early career years, balancing job changes with the demands of family life—birth, growing children, death of loved ones—to the confidence of an accomplished middle age professional. Many of us have been there. Perhaps too few of us reflect on those intense personal periods in the context of societal change.
April 25, 2024
This is a wonderful, very personal memoir of growing up in times of great social change. One of the most valuable sections of the book is in the Appendix where Wagner details specific actions and resources we can use to deal with climate change in our communities. She also present her own Green Grandma website at “Green Grandma for Climate Action" She notes:
"When I completed this manuscript, I realized it was not enough to call for climate action unless I offered some guidance to my readers about how to take such action. To provide you with climate action resources, solutions, and news, I have created a “Green Grandma” website. You can find it at:
https://LindaMaryWagner.com
OR https://GreenGrandmas.org”
Excerpt From
Rear-View Reflections On Radical Change
Linda Mary Wagner
This material may be protected by copyright
Review by J. Newman
"When I completed this manuscript, I realized it was not enough to call for climate action unless I offered some guidance to my readers about how to take such action. To provide you with climate action resources, solutions, and news, I have created a “Green Grandma” website. You can find it at:
https://LindaMaryWagner.com
OR https://GreenGrandmas.org”
Excerpt From
Rear-View Reflections On Radical Change
Linda Mary Wagner
This material may be protected by copyright
Review by J. Newman
April 22, 2024
I really enjoyed Linda Mary Wagner's latest book. Being deeply invested in both climate issues and political activism, immersing myself in the narratives of her personal encounters was not just enjoyable, but truly transformative. Each chapter served as a source of inspiration, illuminating the path towards meaningful engagement and prompting profound introspection. Through her eloquent storytelling, she not only sheds light on pressing environmental concerns but also underscores the pivotal role of political action in creating lasting change. I wholeheartedly endorse this book as essential reading for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the intersection between climate advocacy and socio-political dynamics. This is an important read, especially in an election year.
August 11, 2024
Part memoir, part poetry chapbook, "Rear-View Reflections on Radical Change" lays bare the challenges and triumphs of the author's life - so far. Childhood, her relationship with the partner who became her husband, professional life, motherhood and the difficulties of caring for her aging parents are interspersed with musings on love, the natural world, and an impressive collection of letters to the editor. She earnestly shares the difficulties of a peripatetic life in search of professional success, personal well-being, and the ever-elusive work/life balance.
The book is broken into sections with collected writings from the 1970s to just before the pandemic. Each section begins with an introduction providing context; a narrative "look back" from the author through the lens of the present day.
Linda closes with a brief epilogue written in August, 2022. In it, she notes that to "keep a world intact for our children, grandchildren, and their future offspring, [she is] called to a new global revolution." In the appendices, she helpfully provides lists of resources for those who wish to join her in climate action and restorative justice.
I purchased this book soon after it was released, and just happened to be reading it when Vice President Kamala Harris ascended to the top of the Democratic ticket for President, and chose Governor Tim Walz as a running-mate. I hope that the resulting surge of enthusiasm - and even joy - is part of a larger global revolution along the lines of what Linda inspires all of us to foster in this remarkable book.
The book is broken into sections with collected writings from the 1970s to just before the pandemic. Each section begins with an introduction providing context; a narrative "look back" from the author through the lens of the present day.
Linda closes with a brief epilogue written in August, 2022. In it, she notes that to "keep a world intact for our children, grandchildren, and their future offspring, [she is] called to a new global revolution." In the appendices, she helpfully provides lists of resources for those who wish to join her in climate action and restorative justice.
I purchased this book soon after it was released, and just happened to be reading it when Vice President Kamala Harris ascended to the top of the Democratic ticket for President, and chose Governor Tim Walz as a running-mate. I hope that the resulting surge of enthusiasm - and even joy - is part of a larger global revolution along the lines of what Linda inspires all of us to foster in this remarkable book.
April 22, 2024
Linda Mary Wagner's 'Rear-View Reflections on Radical Change' offers a compelling perspective on 50 years of social movements, advocating for climate action. With personal narratives, essays, and poems, this memoir speaks to a broad audience, from young adults to activists, highlighting the author's journey and her call for a united effort toward a better world.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews