The Call to Unite: Voices of Hope and Awakening

by Tim Shriver (editor), Tom Rosshirt (Editor)

From some of our most prominent spiritual and religious leaders, poets and thinkers, singers and writers, a book of wisdom to light our way in dark times.

At the start of 2020, in what felt already like an age of disorder, our world faced one of the gravest global challenges in a century. Covid-19 raced around the earth, and chaos erupted. Yet in the midst of this crisis, billions of human beings responded with love. Across the globe, people sought to connect, whether in person from a socially distant six feet or via a screen from 10,000 miles away.

In that moment, Tim Shriver saw an opportunity for those hungry for community to answer a call to heal, a call to hope, a call to unite. He asked monks and nuns, artists and activists, nurses and doctors, ex-presidents and ex-cons to come together to share messages of inspiration, transformation, and love. This book captures the spirit of that 24-hour event.

Featuring stories and insights from Bishop TD Jakes, Elizabeth Gilbert, Van Jones, Amy Grant, Dr. Rheeda Walker, Pastor Rick Warren, Rev. Jacqui Lewis, Jewel, Deepak Chopra and many others, The Call to Unite offers readers a book of wisdom to turn to in hard times - filled with prayers, poems, spiritual insights and lessons to live by that will stand the test of time.

Those seeking affirmation, solace, and inspiration need only look inside for guidance in finding the light in any crisis. Only in embracing each other can we amplify the love that creates our global community. Only in coming together can we be our happiest, and our best.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 16, 2021

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful reflections from a diverse group of people with a resounding call to be united in love as the only way to persevere during the Covid-19 pandemic. Especially loved “Everybody is a house of God” and “There will be heard again the voice of mirth”.

[Clare Ashcraft · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first chapter covering the rawness and the pain of the pandemic. As the chapters went on they included essays that started to feel more tone deaf and just didn't connect with me. They also made a big effort in this book to be inclusive of Jews, Muslims, and Christians, which is great I like interfaith conversations, however so many essays we about god. So many. And as an athiest, I didn't feel seen by that. I felt like more and more of the sections fell flat for me as the book went on and it included more famous people, such as past presidents and singers, just for the sake of thier fame. Like did anyone seriously get something from the Sean "Diddy" Combs paragraph? I appreciate the message the book is trying to send and hearing snippets from people who truly have had amazing accomplishments and overcome tremendous adversity, but the negative thing about the shortness of each section is without a personal story the messages of hope were empty.

[Kirsten Winter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great concept, poor delivery. So many contributors that the sections were very short and felt choppy and superficial. I would have preferred fewer pieces that were longer and went deeper.
Many famous people's words were included, but read by other performers on the audiobook. I would have preferred each author's authentic voice, whether famous or not. Hearing those voices would have helped me feel more connected to the work.

[Lisa Kentgen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was torn between 3 and 4 stores. The book is more a compilation of offerings for an event rather than a book. But given the timeliness of the subject matter, it is understandable. Wide array of voices - some pithy and others thought provoking.

I think this book serves an important function.

[Bryan Hatch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anything that is uplifting is good!

[elli holopainen · Rating 3 out of 5]

good and like mind opening and gave a new pov but wouldve been more relatable if i was an adult during covid

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of essays, commentaries, thoughts, poems from many individuals, some well known and others only known within their communities. Most were written at the beginning of the pandemic. Interesting perspectives.

[Karen]

This book is a compilation of short essays and responses given at the beginning of the pandemic.

[Julie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting to hear perspectives from so many different types of people. Some great tidbits about being more United.